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Wooden Boat USA

The Catboat 16ft. Custom Built Sailboat

The Catboat 16ft. Custom Built Sailboat

Regular price $16,725.00 USD
Regular price $16,725.00 USD Sale price $16,725.00 USD
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Description:

The Catboat is a timeless American sailing vessel known for its wide beam, shallow draft, and simple single-mast rig. Celebrated for stability, easy handling, and versatility, it has long been a favorite for coastal cruising, inshore fishing, and relaxed sailing in bays and harbors. Its spacious cockpit and straightforward sail plan make it suitable for both beginners and experienced sailors.

Our workshop handcrafts each Catboat using premium Western Red Cedar, Mahogany, Teak, and US-made Hexcel fiberglass, finished with System Three marine spar varnish for lasting protection and a high-gloss appearance. Built with traditional plank-on-frame construction and reinforced with modern marine materials, every vessel reflects careful craftsmanship and long-term durability.

Each build can be customized to your specifications, including hull size, wood selection, deck layout, cockpit seating, finish, and personalized details. The result is a classic wooden sailboat tailored to your vision.

Defined by its broad, stable hull and gracefully curved sheer line, the Catboat offers excellent balance and a low center of gravity for dependable performance in both calm and moderate conditions. From deck fittings to tiller and seating, every handcrafted element honors one of the most iconic small craft designs in American maritime history.

Specifications:

  • Length: 16 ft

  • Beam: 8 ft

  • Draft: 1.5 ft

Custom builds are available in smaller or larger sizes upon request.

Every wooden boat we build is crafted from authentic classic boat plans, with full credit given to the original designers. Each commission is constructed to order and is available as a full-size sailing vessel or a finely detailed scale model.

Note

  • Deposit is non-refundable and credited toward your final order.

  • Pricing starts at $15,000 for the wooden hull only (mast, sail, motor, and hardware not included).

History

The Catboat has been a fixture of American coastal waters since the 19th century. Its wide, shallow hull allowed easy navigation in shoal waters, making it popular among fishermen and leisure sailors alike.

Praised for its simplicity, stability, and practical design, the Catboat became a symbol of functional yet elegant small-boat craftsmanship. Today, handcrafted replicas preserve its charm and seaworthiness, offering modern sailors the enduring appeal of this classic American sailboat design.

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What makes our wooden boats so unique and special? 

Hundreds of hours go into the construction of our boats, as perfection is the only options.

- ENVIRONMENTAL FRIENDLY: We use only certified top-grade, hand-selected wood such as Canadian red cedar, mahogany, rosewood, teak and more. 

- THE ART OF CRAFTSMANSHIP: Merging centuries-old customs with technological innovation, we bring you boats that excel in every categories. 

- IN-HOUSE QUALITY CONTROL: Each of our wooden boats goes through a demand quality control process including in water testing before leaving the workshop.

 

About Woodenboat USA™

The story of time-honored traditions of boat building. 

More than just watercraft, our wooden boats, kayaks and canoes represent connections to a legacy of craftsmanship and old world techniques. Woodenboat USA is invested in the type of construction that recalls generations of boat making. Over thirty years in business, our commitment has always been and will continue to be, to excellence, to tradition and to creating products that you can enjoy both for their performance and incredible beauty.

Inspired by history, the names of our watercraft are derived from the northern waterways where natives and settlers have used them for centuries. Merging centuries-old customs with improvements in technology, we bring you boats that excel in every category.

Beginning with pliable, high quality Canadian cedar and hardwood, our craftsmen hand join each individual strip. Hundreds of hours go into the construction of our boats, as perfection is the only option. Once built, the piece is encapsulated in fiberglass epoxy resin adding an extra layer of durability and strength. At last, the water craft is ready for its nautical debut.

FAQ's

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What are your canoes and kayaks made of?

Our canoes and kayaks are made of the highest quality western red cedar and some hardwoods. The larger boats are made of western red cedar, pine, and hardwoods such as oak, mahogany, teak, and some locally available woods. Our wooden watercraft are then coated both inside and out in an incredibly durable American made fiberglass and epoxy resin.

You mentioned that you use fiberglass in your boats, so what is the difference between your boats and fiberglass boats?

We only use 1 or 2 clear thin layers of fiberglass coating on top of the wood for reinforcement and added integrity. You never see any fiberglass, only beautiful, hand-joined cedar and hardwoods.

What is a typical cedar strip canoe or kayak weight?

A 15’ kayak weighs approximately 45lbs, making it very easy for one person to carry. A 16’ canoe weighs about 48lbs.

What type of boats do you build?

Our wooden strip canoes and kayaks are hugely popular for touring and recreational purposes. We also build wooden dinghies, wooden sail boats, classic wooden runabouts, and speedboats. Additionally, we can custom-build any design with which you supply us.

What methods do you use to build the boats?

Focused on integrating traditional technique with modern design, all boats are built by hand, typically taking hundreds of man hours to create.

How do I order?

Please contact our dealers or call (877) 88 Boats for more information.

How long does an order take?

Boats that we have in stock can be shipped to you within a week). New or custom products generally take 2-3 months as everything we sell is 100% hand crafted.

How do you ship it?

We can ship via trucking company very safely. We also insure all freight so in the very rare case that a shipment is damaged during transit, we will take care of the details and immediately replace the item for you. We also have distributors all over the world, so please contact us to find out more information.

How do I become a distributor of your products?

We welcome qualified dealers and distributors all over the world. Please contact us today at (877) 88 Boats or email us at info@woodenboatusa.com for more information.

What kind of warranty can I expect?

For all products we offer a 6 month limited warranty on materials and craftsmanship.

Guidelines for use

CARE:

With a little bit of care and maintenance, your beautiful canoe can last for generations. While our products are certainly durable and solid, they still require the right type of care and handling to ensure that they perform optimally.

  • It is recommended that you rinse your canoe off with fresh clean water after every use.
  • Upon returning from the trip, allow your canoe to air-dry in the shade.

STORAGE:

Besides taking care of your canoe, storage also plays an essential role in maintaining your canoe’s appearance and beauty.

  • Always store your wooden canoe in shade.
  • Turn it upside down on the support thereby keeping it off the ground.
  • Hanging your boat from the rafters in your garage or shop would be ideal storage.

REPAIR:

Minor scratches can be repaired by marine spar vanish or some brand of automobile wax. Smooth the damaged area with sand paper, wipe clean, then apply marine spar vanish.

SAFETY:

Wooden Boat USA strongly recommends that a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) is worn whenever paddling.

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