Thanks to everybody who responded to my previous post. With your help, I think I have determined that the new boat is a Sol Cat 18. However, I have not found any photos on the internet to compare to. (I have found out that Sol Cats were manufactured in Carpenteria California, designed by Tom Roland, and discontinued in the early 80s.)
Also, one point of confusion. I think I have read that the Sol Cat 18s have daggerboards. My boat does NOT have these, nor does it apparantly have any place to put them. Could it be that they were manufactured for some years withoud daggerboards?
Thanks-
I can venture to say that the boat is not an 18' boat. Maybe someone put other parts together to get where it is now. It almost looks like old style hobie 16 hulls.
Clayton
In response to the previous message, I attached I better hull picture, so you can get a better look it. Boy, this is getting more confusing all the time!
That definitly appears to be a Sol Cat 18 mainsail, but those are not Sol Cat hulls.
Over the years "franken boats" are often created out of the various parts of "dead boats".
Sometimes they sail OK, sometimes not.
I would be worried that the sail from an 18 would be too large for your obviously smaller hulls.
The sail may have been cut down though.
HEY, if it works sail it and have a good time.
Hi Rumbbrunner
Not certain but think it is a Taft 15 or 16 with as Sam mentioned a sol cat 18 mainsail ,-you might research this here on catsailor in the various links ---was glad to see the sail not all the way up given the boom location in proximity to tramp in the pic provided . Looks like it will work ,
I also purchased a two hundred dollar boat recently and am having the best time with it ,--
Maybe this is the secret to making the sport popular again ,-rather than 12 to 20 k only boats ,
have fun
Carl
The platform looks like a Venture cat, I think. It was a Hobie-16 knock-off if I'm not mistaken.
I THINK WERE GETTING SOMEWHERE!! There IS something called a TAFT! The rudders have TAFT engraved on them, so I would have to agree. My previous photo of the hulls did not work, so I am including a link to the photos:
http:/
As hard as it was to find info on the SolCat, I have found absolutely nothing about Taft Cats. If anybody has ANY info at all on these, please let me know. For one thing, I broke through the tramp in 3 places already because of UV degradation (I think) and I need to find a new one.
Also, the bottom panel of the mainsail was removed so that the boom would be higher and not hit the previous owner in the head, so the power ratio might be ok for the smaller hulls.
The hulls are very close to the first generation Venture Cat 15 hull
Please look at the Venture Cat folder in <a href="http:// http:/
The crossbeam mount are different but the hulls are very close.
BTW I think that I still have the tramp for my Venture Cat 15 second generation
Here are the differences between the venture and the Taft as I see them:
If you check out my link (earlier), you will see track between the hulls (on the photo without the sails up). The tramp is attached between the hulls, not above as on your older venture.
Also, my boat has another forward crossbeam (at the tip of the hulls) that is not shown in the picture with the sails down, but can be seen in all the others.
I agree the actual hulls look very similar- especially on your older boat.
Thanks!
Your newer venture tramp seems to be mounted between the hulls (on those bumps that stick up) but there is no forward crossbeam.
Hi R B
SEEMS LIKE i SHOULD WIN SOMETHING FOR KNOWING THAT ONE !!
Used to keep a catalogue of existing cat designs ,-just happen to remember that one .
hope you find a good replacement tramp and other parts needed ,--there are a number of good sources dependant on geographic area ,-IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ,just ask ,there are numerous very knowledgable catsailors who have gone through similar refitting and repair experiences that can save alot of grief and time in the shop.
Keep us updated on your progress-
and HAVE FUN
Carl
What's it Puss ! Enter here and win win Win WIN!
The boat is -was called a Flying T ,it was made in Rice Lake Wi in the early 80's .The company also went out of buisness in the mid 80's .the rig was fairly small but came with a furling jib .The hull attachments and the foward beam on the pics are a dead givaway .I believe the company even made their own sails for the boat (I know a friend that really bought a lot of material and parts when they went under).The rig you have is definitely a bit more than the standard rig for the boat . We used to have one of these boats in our sailing club years ago .Good luck