Gato Especial 21

 

About two and a half years ago, I was engaged in a conversation with a boating friend in British Columbia, Ron Badley, regarding the few choices one had for a small, trailerable cruising cat in the 21-24’ LOA range. We talked about the Jarcat6, the Waller 670 and a couple of other designs as we knocked around the design elements we’d like to see on a boat like this.
 
The quickly penciled design brief addressed a list of things such as:
 
1. Trailerable by a medium sized car or SUV
2. Trailer legal in all fifty states and OZ without an oversize permit (minor adjustment for Euro users)
3. Easily launched by two people (or one if they have their act together)
4. Capable of carrying enough stores for a long week away from civilization
5. Easily driven by a small outboard of 5-8 hp
6. Room to have a kid or two onboard for small families
7. Easily boarded from swimming
8. Respectable performance under sail without getting “over the top” and dangerous
9. Simple plywood build in Stitch and Glue
10. Great looking lines so it didn’t look clunky or dated

 I must have fiddled with a dozen different layouts and style exercises before I came to a nice looking boat that I called the FatCat. (not knowing that Jim Michalak had already nabbed that model name for one of his own designs) That boat was featured on the pages of Michael Schacht’s Proafile ( http://proafile.com/view/weblog/comments/fatcat21 ) 
 
I received a lot of positive feedback on the design with its suggested, Polynesian bow up sweeps (Manu), and the integrated keel form, eliminating the need for a dagger or centerboard.
 
Almost immediately, I was swamped with other design obligations and the FatCat design had to be shelved in favor of more pressing needs. The boat sat there in my files for the last year and a half, getting no attention at all. Then a couple of weeks ago, I was trolling through my “this needs to be finalized” group of portfolio designs and I got a fresh inspiration of how the boat should be styled.
 
The result is the Gato Especial at 21’ in length overall with a trailer legal beam of 8’ 6”. Yes, the name is derived from the ever present, Jose Cuervo Especial (Gold) that is stowed away on every one of my Baja adventures. A guy never knows when he’s going to need to season his freshly plucked scallops while he’s giving them a nasty quick sauté, now is he? There is another companion design, almost identical to this one, with the exception of having a 24’ length overall. That one is on the drawing board right now.
 
The specifications for the Gato Especial are listed in the article. I have estimated the weight for the all-up boat at 1000 lbs. with a total displacement of 2000 lbs. This leaves a generous amount of stuff to be loaded, along with the suggested two adults before you reach the design load. It should be no problem to comfortably cruise a coastline anywhere for as long as a week with this design.
 
I’m really partial to the use of surplus beach cat rigs and hardware for boats in this size range, especially multihulls. There are plenty of good boats around, some with furlers and spinnakers, that can be had for pennies on the dollar when one considers what all this stuff will cost new. It may even be prudent to buy a complete beach cat, strip it for the stuff you will need and sell the rest as a boat to be parted out. You may be surprised as to how much you will get from the leftover parts.
 
The suggested rigs for this boat are directly from the Hobie 16, or any of the comparable beach cats with similar sail areas. This rig is a well known by sailmakers everywhere, it’s rugged and they are found in numbers around the world. The sail area is plenty for a cruising boat this size. While it will not generate the type of performance you would get on a Hobie 16, it will drive this boat along smartly and well within the control and designed safety margins.
 
Just for those curious… there is also a version of this boat with a ten-foot beam for those who will be leaving their boats at a single location, or taking it on limited road trips within their state so they can avoid excessive, out-of-state, wide load permits. The ten foot beam version has considerably more form stability and because of that, it can handle a larger rig such as found on the Hobie 18 or H20, yielding a faster boat, though one that will require a good sailor to tend the behavior of the Gato.
 
The cabin is huge for a boat of this length overall. There is a structural post in the middle of the cabin deck to take the loads of the mast compression, but it is positioned to form a part of the galley. With the removable deck sections in place over the interior hull cavities, the sleeping area is uninterrupted and big enough for a Queen sized mattress. There are storage lockers forward of the bunk space on one side. The other side forward of the bunk is dedicated to an externally accessible locker for anchor, ground tackle drogues, spare ropes, etc. This layout keeps the muddy/smelly stuff out of the cabin.
 
Huge volumes of space are available in the two hulls. I suggest that water, stores and all the heavier personal gear be stored here to keep the weight low in the boat.
 
The Gato Esp. has the potential to power right along under sail in all but the lightest of winds. When it gets too light, I have suggested the use of a 5-8hp outboard to get things moving smartly. The slender hulls will be fairly easily driven and with the recommended outboard, this boat will scoot right along.
Inside dope on the design… there will be a power version of this same set of hulls with a stand-up, under-cover driving position for those who prefer to tool around under power rather than sail.
 
If the owners of the Gato have small kids, then the interior room in each of the hulls will provide more than enough bunk space for kids. For adults, it’s a much tighter fit, though I suppose that a dead tired friend wouldn’t much care.
 
I have speculated that a cruising couple would use one of the hulls as a location for a screened-off Porta-Potti affording a measure of privacy. The other hull would be for personal effects, so you don’t have to rummage around in the area of the can when you want to get fresh underwear.
 
The design calls for centerboards and flip-up rudders to allow no-brainer beaching while coastline hopping. The centerboards are the pie chart type that fill the slot of the trunk opening while sailing to reduce turbulence and those ugly gurgling noises that typically come from high aspect centerboards that don’t fill the opening. There are some nice, heavy duty Mylar gaskets that can be installed on the centerboard slot to help keep turbulent flow out of the centerboard slot when using the high aspect type boards. Most folks do not know how to install them correctly and they can become a maintenance issue if you take to the ground often, so I opted for the pie chart style boards.
 
The transom area is of the sugar scoop type to provide for a stair step access to the water’s edge. I suggest a swing-down style of ladder that can be activated from the water so that swimmers can easily board at the stern.
 
Just a quick word of warning here, and it applies to all boats. If you plan to go overboard to swim, inspect the hull, get to the beach, etc… Make sure that it’s very easy to get back on board the boat from the water, just in case the boat starts to move away on its own, leaving you behind and in the water. Drop the sails, have someone on board who can manage the boat (to at least get it stopped) and turn off the engines.
 
The Gato is designed for a painless, stitch and glue build in ¼” marine plywood. The entire boat is encased in a layer of epoxy glass, inside and out for full sandwich laminate integrity. There are additional layers of glass along the keel and on the bow to deal with high wear needs. This build style yields a very strong, yet light, boat that can handle regular beachings while cruising and enhances the potential for keeping the water out of the inner wooden core.
 
None of the fabrics used are of the exotic type (Kevlar/Carbon) so costs are also held in check for the homebuilder.
 
The renderings do not show it, but there is a large hatch on the forward slope of the cabin to allow access to the forward deck. This same hatch also provides a very nice breezeway through the cabin when the companionway is open. The sides of the cabin are designed for nicely shaped, polycarbonate or acrylic windows to give plenty of natural light in the interior of the boat.
 
The bridgedeck is spaced away from the surface of the water sufficiently to provide a comfortable ride with minimal slamming while sailing or motoring into a steep chop. While having a higher bridgedeck clearance on this boat reduces, somewhat, the available interior volume of the cabin, I feel it is a powerful tradeoff for added comfort while underway. Things can get really ugly, very quickly, when a cat is slamming, repeatedly, into the oncoming wave tops.
 
So there it is… The Gato Especial gives you a fresh set of visual lines in a compact, trailered catamaran that provides for an enhanced experience afloat. It is easy to build from materials in everyday use the homebuilding market and it can be hauled comfortably with any midsize vehicle.
Plans will be available in the near future from Duckworks Magazine and this site for $275
 
Chris Ostlind
Lunada Design
 

Posted: June 24th, 2008 under Catamarans.
Comments: 54

Comments

Comment from Robert Irizarry
Time: October 5, 2008, 6:56 am

I’m so glad to see FC-21/Fat Cat 21 back again! I had expressed interest in it several years ago and I’m excited to see it under development again.

With this post now several months old, I was wondering what the status was of plans for the Gato.

I was also curious about the power only version. Any renderings of how that might look with the stand up under cover driving position?

Finally, what sort of headroom do you expect in the galley area?

Comment from Robert Irizarry
Time: October 5, 2008, 7:20 am

@Chris – While reviewing the Proafile article on the FatCat21, I saw that you were looking at spray chines and integrated keels. Any thoughts on whether these will be part of Gato – particularly the integrated keels?

Comment from lunadadesign
Time: October 22, 2008, 1:15 pm

Hi Robert,

Yes, I revisited the design some months back and revamped a few of the design elements.

Plans are still in the waiting line for, to-be-done, stuff.

For the powerized version of the Gato, I have some screen capture renderings that can be provided, should you wish to see the direction I’m taking with that form of the Gato design. Write me directly at Chris@Wedgesail.com if you’d like me to send you the screen capture images.

Stand-up headroom in the Gato E is 6′ and some very small change. Any higher and the whole design starts to look very blocky and it loses it’s flowing lines feel.

Right now, I have not affixed the integrated keels to the Gato design. That really isn’t a huge problem as the keel function was calculated for the very same hull structure on the FatCat21P. I can’t see that as a large issue if someone were to prefer that direction.

Best,

Chris

Comment from Ricardo Cunha
Time: November 12, 2008, 9:01 pm

hi, very nice project, I’m waiting for a study plans

Comment from Alexis Greece
Time: December 13, 2008, 7:56 am

Hello mr. Ostlind. Very nice design the Gato Especial 21.
My question is….. when the plans will be available?
Or if there are basic plans to start the building.
I have sent you e-mail once but i didnt have recieve an answer.

Cheers!

Comment from lunadadesign
Time: December 16, 2008, 6:03 pm

Hi Ricardo and Alexis,

I have the Gato Especial on the list of projects for development of plans and it is coming up very soon. I’d say that something like next week and I’ll be getting moving with that project.

Ricardo, I can send you set of study sheets if you like via a .pdf file at your email address.

Alexis… It is possible to supply you with sheets of plans that can get you moving on the build of the boat. I will write to you directly from my company email address and we can discuss your needs and how I can be of assistance in getting your project started.

Chris

Comment from Robert Irizarry
Time: December 28, 2008, 4:27 pm

Hi Chris – Would you also forward me the pdf study sheets? I’d also appreciate the capture drawings of the power version.

Any thoughts on how the power version would perform?

Comment from Ricardo Cunha
Time: February 2, 2009, 4:28 pm

hi Chris

I would like to receive syudy plans
you can send the pdf file ro my email

thanks

Ricardo

Comment from Tim Costner
Time: February 4, 2009, 4:00 pm

Hello, so far it looks very nice! when will study plans be available?

Comment from Patrick
Time: February 9, 2009, 1:40 am

I would like plans to this boat, can you please keep me up too date on when this is available and any photos of prototypes.

Comment from mark shaw
Time: February 9, 2009, 6:54 am

Dear Chris,
Im interested in the power version of this design!
I would buy the plans today.
ditto message from Robert Irizarry

Comment from David Showalter
Time: February 23, 2009, 3:47 pm

I’m interested in the 10′ Beam version of the Gato. Do you have any study plans available? Also do you have any Pictures of the build going on in Greece?
Thank you
**************************
Hi David,
The Greek build was supposed to get underway this weekend (3-7-09) and I’ll be posting photos as soon as I get them from the two gentlemen who are building the Gato. Study plans have not been done officially as of yet, but I can put together a package of 2D drawings for you, along with a small collection of actual plan sheets.
Chris

Comment from T.B.
Time: February 25, 2009, 9:25 am

Hi Chris! I´ve been searching hundreds of hours gato type boatplans from net. I´m so glad you did this. Would you send study plans?
***************************
TB,

I can send you a group of 2D drawings along with a collection of actual plan sheets and the list of materials. I do not have a formal study set pulled together as of yet.
Chris

Comment from Gene Buchholz
Time: March 4, 2009, 12:28 pm

I’d love to have a set of study plans for the Gato Especial 21. I’m also interested in the wider version and the 24′ version you mentioned. I presently own a 24′ Hirondelle catamaran which I’ve refurbished. See http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HirondelleCatamarans/photos/album/471688551/pic/list

You made reference to Baja adventures in your text. Where do you sail there? I’ve visited Cabo San Lucas and La Paz a few years ago and am headed to San Carlos in a couple of weeks.

Fair Winds,
Gene
************************

Hi Gene,

I’ll send you a package of materials on the Gato and thanks for asking about the design.
My sailing experiences in Baja reach from Bajia de Los Angeles, all the way to Cabo. Used to go to L.A. Bay, as it was called back then, with our beach cats and camp on the beach, pluck fresh scallops, lobsters and fish (Dorado is my favorite) Evening saw a huge seafood pigout, lots of stories around the campfire with friends and sleeping under the stars.
Chris Ostlind

Comment from David Showalter
Time: March 4, 2009, 6:04 pm

I am very much interested in the boat. Please send me the Study Plans to my e-mail. Do you have a rough material list yet? are there any photo’s of the build that is currently going on?
Dave

*************************

Hi Dave,
I have a package of information on the Gato and will send it out to you right away. I just got a small collection of images from the client in Greece who have gotten their project underway just recently.

Chris O

Comment from Kevin Carlisle
Time: March 16, 2009, 1:51 pm

Chris,
I am also very interested in your set of study plans and a material list on the Gato. I’ve been looking for a year for a project for my son and myself, the Gato fits our list of requirements to a tee. Please keep me in the loop as to when the full plans will be available.
Kevin
*******************
Will do, Kevin. Looks like the plans will be wrapped-up in a very short period of time, now that the Greek project is well underway and looking very good.

Chris O

Comment from Terry
Time: March 17, 2009, 7:05 pm

Any news on the availability of the plans? Study plans?

************************
Terry, the plan set will be forthcoming shortly. Study plans will be sent to you right away.

Chris O

Comment from Eddie Burkhalter
Time: April 1, 2009, 10:01 am

Hi Chris,
I would very much appreciate the study plans for that wonderful design. I am nearing readiness to begin building a boat, and after too many hours of internet research I think I’ve found the boat that fits my needs (and desires) best.
Thanks so much,
Eddie
***********************
Hi Eddie,
Yes, of course, I’ll get the study plans out to you as quickly as I can.

Chris O

Comment from Mike Gehl
Time: April 1, 2009, 11:59 am

Chris, looks like a great project!

Can I get a peek at the study packet as well? I’m especially interested in the extended and wider versions and materials list.
*************************
Mike,

I have packages ready to go on the 21′ version of the Gato in US trailer beam, the 10′ beam version and in the Euro trailer legal beam. I have not done ay work recently on the extended, 24′ version as my time has been totally consumed with ongoing projects.

I’ll send the 21′ LOA, 10′ beam version along to you as soon as possible. I owe the same packet to Dave Showalter, who has been very patient, so you guys will be a priority.

Chris O

Comment from Mike Machnicki
Time: April 8, 2009, 2:21 am

Hi Chris
Congratulations on a winning design, I have struggled with a Tiki 26, which is demountable but would definately not recommend trailing it on a regular basis. Your design looks to be just what I need, could you please send me your set of study plans for the Gato Especial 21′. When will the main plans be available and what sort of speeds are expected with the Hobie 16 rig?
**************************

Thanks, very much, Mike.

I have sent you an email with a study package for the Gato Especial, along with a few other comments.

Chris

Comment from Miha Urbanija
Time: May 5, 2009, 4:45 am

Hello Chris,

this is great project. I was almost ready to built the Woods Wizard, but now i have some second thoughts. Would you be so kind and send me some study plans. THX so much.
************

Hi Miha,

Study plans were sent out today for your consideration. I’m flattered that you are looking at the Gato Especial alongside any of the fine boats designed by Richard Woods. Richard sets a really tough standard for comparisons when it comes to multihulls for homebuilders.

Chris

Comment from Jimmy Lu
Time: May 20, 2009, 6:50 am

I am Jimmy Lu,lived in Taipei,Taiwan.’Gato Especial” was really a great designed and project.Can you send to me some photos & study plan for referance,and when the build plan will published?Appreciate anything for help.TKS.

Comment from Roy Denney
Time: June 5, 2009, 11:46 am

This design is a great idea. I know several people who want to build a small cat, powered or unpowered. Stateside there just doesn’t appear to be any interest in multis. I’ve look at some of the other designs out their for small cruising cats, but they tend to suffer from a severe case of hideous lines. I’m not sure where you got the ideal that people might like a fast, trailerable, attractive boat to spend time on, but that’s just madness. I’m glad to know your working on a design that makes sense for a family cruiser. Could you send me a set of the study plans, please? Thank you.

Comment from Mike Breiling
Time: June 14, 2009, 9:58 pm

I really like the design. It is much more attractive than the JARCAT 6 or the Waller TC 690 with better appearing functionality. I have two small children (7 and 5) any ideas on where to stuff them? My wife will not permit them to sleep in the cockpit. Please send me the study plans. Thank you for your consideration.

Comment from Martin Rivarossa
Time: July 11, 2009, 2:24 pm

Hello Sr. Chris Ostlind:

My name is Martin and I came from Argentina.

A long time ago that I wanted the plans to build a catamaran with a nice design and is not too large. I think that there’s many designs like yours.

I would like to purchase the plans for building.

Cuanto cuestan los planos?

Como hacer para conseguirlos?

Que grado de dificultad tiene la construccion?
Muchas gracias por su atencion y felicitaciones, Martin. As the cost?

How to get?

Degree of difficulty is that building?

Thank you very much attention and congratulations, Martin.

Comment from Willem
Time: July 17, 2009, 8:22 am

I hadn’t seen the woods wizard before Miha mentioned it, i think the drop down bottom is a nice way to create some seating space. Would a similar construction be possible on a Gato? Or would it be to low to sit in anyway?

An other thing that surprised me about the woods, it should be able to about 15 to 18 knots!? Is the Gato expected to hit similar speeds?

I do like the overal design of the Gato. I think it’s one of the few good looking cabin cats i’ve seen so far. I think it would be a very nice boat to sail around the dutch waddenzee and bigger lakes.

Comment from samuel roro
Time: July 29, 2009, 1:00 pm

preciso proyecto muy interesante como podria yo inbolucrarme en este tipo de proyestos tan estimulastes sinseramente arquitecto samuel rodriguez.

Comment from Primoz Kolar
Time: July 30, 2009, 7:32 am

Hello Chris,

the design look very nice to me. At the moment I was considering the trailerable cat’s (Woods Janus, KD650/660) but the cabin of Gato gives the boat a new dimension. As many others I’d also like to ask you for a study plan for 21′ (or 24) LOA, in 10′ beam (euro – max trailer width). I’m considering to put the Dart 20 rig on it – 17m2 main + 5m2 jib, mast 9m if this would not overpower the boat.

Thanks, Primoz

Comment from Jewel Johnson
Time: July 30, 2009, 11:15 am

We are fascinated by the Gato Especial, sail and power versions in the 10 x 24 size. Do you have any study plans available. If so, please send us a set, payment will be plastic if that is OK with you. Or we can send you a check.

JJ & Irene Johnson

Comment from Mike Mitchell
Time: August 4, 2009, 12:17 pm

Chris:
It seems I have been convinced that a cat in the 20-25 foot range makes more sense than the tri of the same size. I would like to take longer cruises and the tris I have researched just dont have any comfort room.
I am interested in learning more about the trailerable Gato.
Mike

Comment from grant mac
Time: August 6, 2009, 6:03 am

Hi chris,
I am interested in a jarcat 6 build, however i think gato 21 has a much beter cabin interior, i would much appreciate a set of study plans, possible some photos of build if avalible.
cheers. ps there are enough jarcats down under all ready.

Comment from Glenn
Time: August 8, 2009, 7:09 am

The Gato Especial looks very interesting, we have owned a Jarcat 5 which was wonderful to sail unless we had too many crew onboard, the Gato looks like to could easily handle the extra people nicely, well worth a second look, we have been looking closely at a Jarcat 6 to replace our Macgregor 26X.

I like what looks like a galley on the starboard side, is it possible to enclose the head as well, my wife likes a seperate enclosure.

Is there a chance for me to go over the study plans as well.

Glenn

Comment from Bob George
Time: August 14, 2009, 1:14 pm

Did anything become of the Gato 24? That little increase in size would sure make a week aboard more pleasant.

Comment from John Collins
Time: August 26, 2009, 11:25 pm

Dear Chris, subscribing to the old tenet, that; if it looks right, it probably is right, your little cat impresses me greatly. I was particularly won over by your mention of a powered version … I have a (not unique), set of problems. I’m retired and on a meagre set income, so consequently I must build my boat and it must be trailered, because the chances of my being able to afford a waterfront home is remote.
My other problem is that although I love sailing, my wife has an aversion to any form of sail, having become violently eas-sick on her first and only trip, and will not set foot on any sailing boat. This also explains my attraction to the stability of a cat.
I have tried to get a look at the powered version of the Jarcat (Their off is about 15 minuted from my home), but it seems Ross is no longer contactable, and Mr Waller wailed on about the prohibitive costs involved in developing such a version … so ‘good on you mate, I hope you make a million out of it! Please let my know when plans are available,
Cheers, John Collins.

Comment from Jon Owens
Time: August 30, 2009, 7:22 am

Chris,

I would like to receive any information you have on the Gato, thanks.

Jon

Comment from Brad Wixson
Time: September 7, 2009, 12:09 pm

Hi Chris,

Very nice design, I’ve been debating on a woods or waller design. But I would love to get a set of study plans for the Gato in both 21′ and the larger 24′. I live in northern michigan and have the great lakes to sail and I’m finding I would like something that sails a little flater than a monohull.

Thanks Brad

Comment from Sergio Sacrificato
Time: September 20, 2009, 3:25 am

Hi, i’m writing from Italy.
The gato 21 seems an interesting catamaran and then I’d like to receive the study plans by e-mail.

Also I have a blog boatbilding dedicated and I added a link to your site.
http://barcheautocostruite.blogattivo.com
I hope you do not mind.

Comment from Stuart
Time: September 20, 2009, 7:40 pm

Wow Chris, it looks like a perfect boat for getting to our dock in the swamp and then cruising the North Channel. Would you please send me the study plans also? I like the idea of using beach cat rigs to keep the cost down.

Thanks,
Stuart

Comment from Cam Sheppard
Time: October 5, 2009, 3:46 am

Hi, Great looking boat! I have a 17ft mono hull but my dear wife is not a big fan of it when the wind gets up and she lists over so reckon a cat could be the solution. Would love a set of the study plans and any up-date on final plans.

Cheers, Cam – Queenstown, New Zealand.

Comment from mihari
Time: October 11, 2009, 3:11 am

It looks like a great boat for a tight budget weekend cruiser. It looks like it suits my needs. I am interested in the study plans and bill of materials of el gato especial 21, European trailerable version. I would be grateful if I you could email me.

Comment from JJ & Irene Johnson
Time: October 14, 2009, 9:56 am

Hi Chris,
I do not remember if I ever thanked you for the study plans, so Thank you very much.

Last month lightening destroyed the computer where I had stored the study plans. They are gone for ever. Would it be possible for you to resend them. I promise to burn them to a optical disk just incase we have any more bad weather. I have pasted my origional request below.

Again thanks
JJ & Irene Johnson
Rockport, Texas, USA

Comment from Jewel Johnson
Time: July 30, 2009, 11:15 am
We are fascinated by the Gato Especial, sail and power versions in the 10 x 24 size. Do you have any study plans available. If so, please send us a set, payment will be plastic if that is OK with you. Or we can send you a check.
JJ & Irene Johnson

Comment from Jim Palmer
Time: October 20, 2009, 7:38 pm

Hi Chris,

I’ve been following the building project with interest. Can’t wait to see the finished Gato Especial. It looks like it will be a great trailerable cruiser. Could you please send me the study plans. Your boat is on my short list for my next building project.

Keep up the good work,
Jim

Comment from ian robinson
Time: October 21, 2009, 5:37 am

Hi i love the look of this little boat. water in our area, Goolwa is wery thin.

Could you send me a study plan i am not sure how to pay. Plastic or money order? Please advise.

I have a pair of beach cats. a windrush 14 and a paper tiger 16 that may make ideal donor boats for rigging. would the study plan allow a builder to give me an estimate to build?

Regards
Ian robinson

Comment from Rick Casey
Time: October 21, 2009, 1:40 pm

I have been looking for a modest size catamaran for some time. I very much like the Hirondelle, but I have been unsucessful in locating one for sale. Therefore I am resigned to the need to build a small cruising cat. I would be interested in see the study plans for both the 21 and 24 foot version. One thing my girlfriend reguires is a head, so that is a must. I don’t plan on doing any trailer sailing except maybe winter storage, so a wider version which offers the greatest stability is more to my likeing. Study plans would be ideal along with any info about ongoing building projects. I sail in Narragansett Bay, near Newport Rhode Island.

Regards,
Rick Casey

Comment from Rick Casey
Time: October 30, 2009, 10:13 am

I am interested in your 24 foot version. Please contact me with info about obtaining a set of study plan (including the cost etc). I am interested in the wider version in that I would not be trailering.

Comment from Darrel Hall
Time: November 3, 2009, 3:23 pm

Here in Maui, Hawaii, we have been looking for an affordable way for our small family to go to neighbor islands and camp. So far we have risked life and limb using unsuitable smaller boats. We have looked at hundreds (thousands?) of plans and yours looks like the holy grail. Would love a set of the study plans and any up-date on final plans. I can send a check or paypal, your choice. – D

Comment from John Phillips
Time: December 6, 2009, 10:30 pm

I have tried to acquire the molds for the Hirondelle. Your design provides a lot of the Hirondelle benefits. But, as a Floridian I would like to see a more open “day boat” layout. Very few people actaully camp compared to those that daysail. (bugs, no ac, no blenders,etc.) Maybe a locking cubby to hide gear and a good bimini or dodger. Thoughts?

Comment from Avery Boyer
Time: December 22, 2009, 8:47 pm

Hi, I would be very interested in a set of study plans. Let me know how much and if Paypal would be ok. Me and a friend have been wanting to build a small cruising cat for a while and this design looks very interesting. -Avery

Comment from Charles McCabe
Time: January 5, 2010, 1:02 pm

Hi- How can I get a set of study plans, thanks in advance
Charles

Comment from Bruce Sharper
Time: January 11, 2010, 2:25 am

I have been trawling the web for months to find a 3 metre wide cat (legal trailable beam in Western Australia with a $50 annual permit) Considered widening either the Waller TC 670 or the Jarcat 6, I just saw the Gato 21 on this page, may I have some drawings, and plan availablity details, please, I have previously build several powerboats and a sailing dinghy.
Bruce

**************************

Hi Bruce,

The study package will go out right away. I expect that the finalized plans will be available in just about ten days (early February ’10) There are just a few more things to get done for the Greek buiders and then the package will be complete.

Chris O

Comment from Leonardo Carneiro
Time: January 20, 2010, 12:27 pm

Hi Chris!

I have been looking for a Trailerable size catamaran for some time.
I would like to receive any information you have on the Gato, thanks. Would you send study plans?
Leonardo carneiro
(from Brazil)

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Leonardo,

The study package has been sent at the speed of light. Enjoy.

Chris O

Comment from Scott Rostern
Time: February 5, 2010, 3:07 am

Hello Chris.

I think you may have filled a nice little gap in the market. Congratulations on a great looking design. I would like to receive a set of study plans for the 10′ version if they are available, or the 8’6″ if the 10′ is not available. I look forward to the release and my purchase of the finalized plans.

Kind regards
Scott

WA, Australia

Comment from Matthew Gaffney
Time: February 8, 2010, 5:33 am

Hi Chris,

I would like to add to the various positive comments here, what a fantastic looking boat. Many dont look right in rendering until they are built but his one looks great already, it bodes well for the real thing.

I am looking at my next project and this interests me a lot. Would it be posible to get a copy of the study plans also?

Many thanks,

Matt

Comment from kevin davey
Time: February 8, 2010, 7:57 am

I have been looking at the Eco cruiser from Bernd Kohler and the Gato so is it possible to have a set of study plans. Good luck with the launch.
Kevin

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Kevin,

I have a study package for you, but the email address you supplied is being kicked back as undeliverable. Please write me at: Chris@wedgesail.com and I’ll return the package to your included address.

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