I just acquired the 16' cat pictured in my profile. The only label on it says "Flying T Catamaran Rice Lake, Wisconsin". I spent about 3 hours so far looking for information and about the only reference I can find is to a 1975 Taft 'Flying T'. Mine is 1980's vintage according to the title. Does anyone know anything about these? Could this be a kit that was produced locally? I'm completely baffled.
Any help would be appreciated.
Bob
Flying T Catamaran - Help!
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Posted: Feb 12, 2009 - 12:31 AM
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Posted: Feb 12, 2009 - 09:36 PM
If this helps at all, there was one for sale in minneapolis a few months back. So I'm assuming its local. -
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Posted: Feb 18, 2009 - 12:41 AM
Thanks for trying! This thing has really got me baffled. I saw one for sale in Hawaii as well. So I'm not too sure about the "local" idea. I'm wondering if it was a kit, or some sort of failed dealership venture. Sure seems like a solid boat. Can't wait to get it in the water in the spring. It hasn't left dry-dock on quite a few years. -
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Posted: Feb 18, 2009 - 07:45 AM
Is there a Hull identifcation number on the boat, if so post the number, and I will see if I can find it. -
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Posted: Jun 17, 2012 - 07:35 AM
I just purchased 16 "TAFT". I heard it was a Hobie knockoff. From what i have researched it was made locally here in Minneapolis. Not sure on dates though. Hope this helps. -
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Posted: Jun 17, 2012 - 08:02 AM
Here is the "Flying T"
http://home.comcast.net/~…field/Mike/Cat/Cat1.html
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Greenville SC
Offering sails and other go fast parts for A-class catamarans
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Posted: Mar 12, 2014 - 09:42 PM
I recently bought a Flying T and will start documenting photos and other specifications on a Google drive.
https://drive.google.com/…3LWloeUVFU28&usp=sharing
Edited by sailingmn on Mar 12, 2014 - 09:44 PM. -
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Posted: Mar 13, 2014 - 12:06 AM
Sailingmn,
Welcome to TheBeachcats.com!
Looks like you found an old topic. We have an album for the Taft boats in the Beachcats Identification album at
http://www.thebeachcats.c…ctures/?g2_itemId=102715
It would be great if you could document your boat there so it can be found by the next owner. You can add your own album with good quality pics (up to 1600 pixels) and descriptions. Do you have any literature or manuals on it? Looks like your boat is is in nice complete shape.
Links to the instructions for creating your album are in my signature below.
Thanks!
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Damon Linkous
1992 Hobie 18
Memphis, TN
How To Create Your Signature
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Posted: Mar 06, 2015 - 01:38 AM
The Flying T cat was originally built by the Taft Corporation of Minneapolis and purchased by California Speed and Marine (Harold Christiansen) of Rice Lake, Wisconsin in the mid 70's. They were built there until they eventually went out of business. I actually worked for the owner and helped manufacture and assemble them while I was in high school. -
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Posted: Mar 06, 2015 - 09:02 AM
stichwerks,
Thanks for taking time to login and post the info. I'm very interested in documenting the many extinct beachcat brands that were produced during the glory days of beachcat manufacturing.
I collect as much as I can in the "Beachcats Identification" album hoping to find folks like you that were there on the scene.
http://www.thebeachcats.c…g2_itemId=3120&g2_page=2
I always ask, do you happen to have and good pictures or manuals or sales literature for the brand? I don't even have a picture of the sail logo or of a Taft completely rigged.
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Damon Linkous
1992 Hobie 18
Memphis, TN
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Posted: Apr 12, 2015 - 11:58 PM
Glad to find some info on the Taft 16 here. I just purchased a pristine 1974 orange/white model from the original owner (northern suburb of the Twin Cities, MN). It has the original sails, white trampoline, aluminum rudders, etc. - always stored in a shed at his lake cabin and not sailed since the mid-80's. The seller told me that his father purchased the boat directly from Taft and that they delivered it to the cabin pre-assembled. From what I've found online, it seems Taft boats were typically sold as a kit.
The only flaws are a few light stains on the sails (which I haven't tried to wash yet) and very minor scratches on hulls. The sails still feel crisp and there is no sign of wear on the batten pockets or elsewhere. There is a sewn-on T-16 logo on the head of the mainsail which gives it a great vintage look. The orange color coordination of the hulls and sails looks really sharp.
I washed off the dust today (with some help from my 2 little sailors) and assembled the hulls, crossbars, and tramp. The gelcoat still shines with only minor oxidation. Interestingly, the trampoline is the primary component for pulling the hulls onto the bars - no bolts connect them. They fit very snugly and it took some work to get them to fully seat. I'll step the mast later this week and hoist the sails for a dry-run before hauling it to the lake. I can't wait to see how she looks on the water in a nice breeze.
Here is a scan of the manual as a PDF:
https://drive.google.com/…LVBkTkxWbTh3&authuser=0
Photo of the sail and some of the gear:
https://drive.google.com/…OYnFEZ013eUY4&authuser=0
I also found this article on Taft Marine Woodcraft:
http://www.acbs-bslol.com…/taftmarinewoodcraft.pdf
This page has scans of old Taft ads for plywood powerboats:
http://www.fiberglassics.…m/library/Taft_Kit_Boats
Edited by adventuredadmn on Apr 12, 2015 - 11:59 PM.
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Glen
1974 Taft T-16
St. Paul, MN
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Posted: Jun 25, 2015 - 12:30 AM
Just bought a blue Taft from a guy in Rice Lake WI. 1982. My dad has a red one from mid 70's. Took it out for a spin tonight. It was great. A few minor fixes and we'll be ripping in no time!
Steffani
1978/1982 Taft Flying T-16
Brainerd MN
Edited by sk.burton on Jun 25, 2015 - 12:31 AM. -
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Posted: Jun 25, 2015 - 12:44 AM
Welcome to TheBeachcats.com!
Would love to see pics of your Flying T fully rigged and under sail. Please create a new album for your boat in the Taft folder in Beachcats Identification and add your pics there.
http://www.thebeachcats.c…ictures?g2_itemId=102715
Photo album instructions linked in my signature below.
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Damon Linkous
1992 Hobie 18
Memphis, TN
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How To Display Pictures In The Forums.
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Posted: Aug 03, 2019 - 12:42 AM
So I started this thread 10 years ago and never went back to see the responses until tonight! So much great information. Can't wait to post an album of pictures of my boat. -
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Posted: Aug 03, 2019 - 12:44 AM
So I started this thread 10 years ago and never went back to see the responses until tonight! So much great information. Can't wait to post an album of pictures of my boat.
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