Thanks Chris, we're super excited about it! Working on some rigging tweaks for the next video and then we'll get her on the water!

More episodes coming soon. Next up, we'll be working on the lazy jacks and getting her on the water. We're excited to share the adventure with fellow cat boaters!

So many places to explore!!! Thanks David!

That's our hope! There is a tradeoff and we're pretty sure the Horizon is quite a bit slower than a sanderling, but what you lose in performance you gain in some added comfort.

We like that open cabin as well. The other tradeoff with a shoal keel centerboarder is launch spots, or how much "draft" will be needed to get a boat on and off the trailer. There is some great design in that trailer, it has a drop, or V, built into the frame and axles so that the bunks are lower, and they also went to a tandem axle with smaller circumference tires. The tandem axle also offers some piece of mind going town the road.

Totally agree! Next episode we’re installing a simple cover to protect it from the mango tree!

Thanks! This design does have shrouds, which is unconventional for most catboats. Will absolutely do a video about the rig!

Our only complaint about the boat is that they reduced the sail area from the original design. Having a new, bigger sail cut is something we’re interesting in doing as part of this series. Some interesting full batten mains being made for cats too

@@Waterlust also make sure your trailer is in good shape. My friends have had lots of problems with their 'trailer from hell' for their cat. But you know that I'm sure.

@@mistermoonJB Absolutely! We purchased this boat from upstate NY, so already have a few thousand miles on the trailer bringing it back. Drives really well. Packed the bearings before the drive down and will probably do it again now. But so far, no problems (knock on wood)

@@Waterlust I'm sure you've checked but it's important to check the age of the trailer tires. There is a MMYY code on the sidewall and trailer tires need to be less than 6 years old.

the mainsheet system is a bid odd....will take some getting used to for sure!

@@Waterlust Catboat mainsheets are odd. However, I've never had mine dip when crossing center. If it catches anywhere, it is the outboard handle. Since you don't have that, it shouldn't be an issue.

@@danielshiplett Same here. The main sheets look like they will get hung up on a tack but never do.

We wondered if anybody would pick up on that! Doug is the best!

So far we find the inboard great, vibration isn’t bad but the engine is loud, but in an endearing way. It makes a put-put sound that is pretty funny. Maneuvering hasn’t been a problem, though we haven’t done anything really tricky yet. Will explore more of this in future videos, stay tuned!

Totally agree, we got ours under $20k, but it took about a year to find it. Scarcity isn’t helping, as it seems Hutchins can’t churn them out quick enough for current demand. We suspect that could change over the coming year or so. Hereschoff America’s are more readily available and cheaper, but they are usually in rougher shape and in need of serious TLC. Marshall sanderlings are another option. Great catboats that we’ve heard sail superbly

We're still getting to know her and have only had a handful of sails. In general, we'd say she's a little underpowered in the light stuff, though we're working to fix that and possibly have a new sail cut with a bit more area. Stay tuned!

Catboats are shoal draft boats for coastal cruising, so not the best choice for crossing the Cuba…buuut we have heard of people putting trailerable boats like these on mail ferries over to the Bahamas and then island hopping short distances over there.

We’re still loving it. Definitely not super quick, but very simple and relaxing. For a low maintenance trailer sailor that you can singlehand, sunset cruise with friends and do some overnights in, it’s tough to beat. The super low draft is another key thing. We can sneak into some really shallow waters

Great question, we got this one in the 15-20K range, which was a great deal. It required we drive a pretty far distance to pick it up, but it was well worth it. We looked at 4-5 other Horizons before this, most of them priced in the $20-25K range. The boats new are around $45-50K. The big thing we were looking for was a model with the Yanmar Diesel as opposed to a Westerbeke. According to the builder, the Yanmar is a better engine and easier to service. Taking a boat like this to the Caribbean is possible, though the crossing would need to be timed carefully. We have heard stories of people loading their small boats onto the Bahamas Mail Boat, and then sailing locally around the islands....a creative way to skip the crossing!

@@Waterlust We have the Yanmar diesel and I love it. I knew nothing about diesel engines, but learned how to do the maintenance and it never has let us down. Well maintained, it will run all day when there is no wind, will not overheat when run hard (like making way into a strong headwind) and sip fuel - great for trips. And having the engine centred and low in the boat makes it more seaworthy.

Chevy Silverado 1500

Yes, the early versions came with the 1GM10, but apparently it is no longer available in the US and they are using the 2YM15 on new builds. Great motor that should last a lifetime

@@Waterlust how much does this boat weigh?

@@Philippe275 2500 lbs

@@Waterlust way too light to need a 15 hp engine lol

@@Philippe275 probably more than she needs horsepower-wise, but always good to have more than you need. Great little motors that last a long time and easy to maintain. Fits perfectly under the stairwell too

Totally fair, this was just meant to introduce the series. The following videos will be much more focused on the boat

@@Waterlust I disagree, this was incredibly well produced. You’re a natural and your enthusiasm is infectious. This is the exact type of inoculation the sailing community needs. I counter Lars Thorwald, respectfully. You get an A+++. Now about these “other videos”… p l e a s e? It’s been a year now.

@@LindenEH Glad you enjoy them! The latest video is taking a lot longer than we had planned. It covers electrical work where we add a basic solar system, new batteries, fans etc...should be done soon with more to come with better frequency. Thanks for your patience and support!

@@Waterlust Patience, patience, we know film production isn’t a result of nose wiggling ! Sorry I’d only seen the intro until last night, when I stumbled on two more.. Lazy jacks and the lovely house matching yaller tarp, Am I missing any others? Perhaps you can make a Catboat playlist? ( Not that your other content isn’t Fantastic) just for ease of stream? Again, MANY thanks, HIGHLY appreciated.

@@LindenEH we have a catboat dedicated playlist! Will drop the link here kzfaq.info/sun/PLyRD5JMBJiSJBdyzA261dy5BJWvX50H8F&si=m3O1MN8T9YURHoyT