The current Kat Boat was the prototype Michalak FatCat 2, originally named Julia L and built in Illinois. According to the designer the prolific Jim Michalak "FatCat 2 is a cuddy cabin sailer patterned somewhat after a traditional catboat." She's extraordinarily stable and moves well to weather. The Kat Boat displays some unique features. These include a winch for the mast, gallows to keep the spars out of the cockpit and due to a design tweak a 4.5" longer cabin. Jim also installed flotation benches on the sides and curved the cabin roof for a more classical catboat look. Overall a very fine craft was created.
Over the next five years the sail plan has increased to 145sqft, The electrical system has been improved and a few powered amenities have been added, Marshall Marine style shock cord reefing is installed to aid in sail handling and the mast is now stepped in the tabernacle as designed. There was no need for the folding system once the boat was stored in a proper boat yard.
In the preceding decade the vessel has shown no vices beyond what those of her type are known for. A custom rudder, shallower and longer has given life to the neutral tiller and a touch of weather helm as the speed increases. A skeg was added to improve manners on the hook and the mooring. She's shown to be very stable and weatherly, riding out the fierce squalls that can come over her sailing grounds. The designer made the comment the boat seemed "light with a really big sail" but true to breeding she's never felt unsafe. Her beam gives stability and the two reef points mean when used correctly there hasn't' been anything Kat Boat can't handle in protected waters.
If you've been thinking of a boat for such waters that can sleep two, daysail four, provides confidence in handling and performance and has the salty traditionalist look about it, you can't go wrong with a FatCat 2. It's very surprising there are not more of these out there sailing. You can pick up the plans here.
