While looking for a "beach cat with accomodation" I came across the Woods design website. There are a whole lot of designs to choose from, and quite a few that meet my requirements!
There are also three plywood beach cats: the 14' Pixie, the Quattro 14, and the Quattro 16. I was thinking about building a Quattro 14 to introduce myself to composite boat-building and end up with a heavy-weather playtoy.
What do you think of the designs? How would the Quattro 14 compare to other boats around that size? (BTW: I plan on making it 8' wide)
Woods sailing catamaran designs
The only Pixie I have seen was built a bit on the heavy side. The wooden beams added to the weight as did the wooden rudders and tiller crossbar etc.
I would think that the Quatro 14 with the aluminium beams would be lighter.
The hulls are easy to build. The main problem with keeping a home-made cat cheap is sourceing cheap mast, sails, rudders, blocks etc. The owner of the Pixie I saw decided that it was as cheap to buy the mast sails and all the rigging for a Dart 15. I have not seen the Quatro, but would think it would have more buoyancy than a Hobie 14 and, as with all Richard's designs, be a nice looking cat.
Dermot.
There are a number of abandoned and/or damaged catamarans in my area to get some beams, a rig, and a rudder system from. Heck, there is a complete H14T in good shape sitting near my boat that hasn't moved in many years....
All I'll really need are sails and new standig and running rigging (Spectra, anyone?). A Hobie 14 Turbo main (square-top and loose-footed design) and roller-furling jib. Maybe some new main and jib sheet blocks and cleats as well.
I'd like something to take out when the wind is blowing up to maybe 30 knots maximum. Heck- maybe even with wings and a reacher on it to keep up with the big boats 