Marshall Marine

The Cape Cod catboat has graced the waters of New England since the mid nineteenth century. Originally designed and sailed as rugged yet accommodating work boats, their stout construction and rig could withstand the tough proving grounds of the waters off Cape Cod and beyond. Strong winds, tides and treacherous shoals demanded a design which would stand up to these conditions, yet sail fast and provide enough room to carry a large payload. Throughout the early years yachtsmen watched these sturdy craft ply the waters with grace and speed in a wide variety of conditions and by the late 1800’s a number of shipwrights were building catboats for the sole purpose of racing. However, by the mid 1900’s, more modern sailing designs had decreased the popularity of catboat racing and more reliable engines had decreased the efficiency of sail boats as working craft. Many people felt that the catboat had outlived its purpose.