12' Garden Tom Cat (2016) - MARIE

This small but surprisingly comfortable and quick gaff-rigged cat boat was designed by William Garden in 2000 for his personal use. The story of her design and construction appeared in WoodenBoat 176 and in his 2004 book, ‘The Making of Tom Cat’. In the forward to the book, Maynard Bray described her as, “a dear little boat and one that we trust will provide the same level of joyous engagement for you as she has for Bill Garden.”

My version of Tom Cat is strip planked with clear, vertical-grained western red cedar ‘glassed and epoxy-coated inside and out. The framing and spars are fir and spruce. Bulkheads, decks, centerboard trunk, seats and cockpit coaming are marine plywood. Other features include: bronze hardware and fasteners, mahogany and oak trim, wide wrap-around cockpit seating with angled backrest, flotation/storage chambers forward and under the sternsheets, a cuddy and a transom mount for a small motor if one is desired. The 120 square foot gaff sail is in very good condition and is reefable. The mast is mounted in a tabernacle which allows for single-handed raising and lowering at the launch ramp and allows the furled sail to remain bent onto the spars. Also included: trailer (not in great condition but OK for local trips to the lake), sunbrella trailering & storage cover, cockpit cover, sculling oar, manual bilge pump, cargo nets, fenders, masthead telltale, anchor & rode, the original plans and my copy of ‘The Making of Tom Cat’. The boat has been well maintained and is ready to launch. She has always been kept on her trailer or a lift, not moored, and does not leak. She is perfect for a leisurely afternoon or evening sail with a couple of good friends. Write [email protected] for further information.