2012 Custom 37ft Catboat Yacht Adaptation Barnegat Bay A-Cat
$65,000
Boat in Annapolis, MD 21401 US
37ft Catboat Yacht Adaptation Barnegat Bay A-Cat
1 Engine (--)
37 feet
Diesel
Fiberglass/Composite
MAY 2025 Update : NEW BATTERIES AND BOTTOM PAINT, Price Drop to $65K to facilitate quick sale. Marine survey value $300,000. Call for a showing.
Largest Catboat on East Coast Seeks Forever Home
Offered at introductory price to facilitate relocation north
ORIENTAL, N.C.-Felix the Magic Catboat, the largest catboat on the East Coast with ties to Barnegat Bay, New Jersey, is looking for his forever home on.
Felix is a 37-foot, cruising yacht adaptation of the Barnegat Bay A-Cat, an esteemed class of 1920s, 28-foot racing catboats still active a century later. The A-cat revolutionized the standard catboat from a traditional gaff rigged sailing vessel used to transport goods and ferry passengers, to an elite racing yacht.
The owner and builder, a life long marine industry veteran, and his wife, former U.S. Virgin Islands District Attorney, launched Felix in 2012 at Sail Craft Boatyard in Oriental, NC. A total construction cost of $300K. Serving as their family flagship for a decade in the Mid-Atlantic. Felix is offered at $65,000 in order to facilitate vessel purchase and relocation,
While traditional catboat design has become ubiquitous since the advent of fiberglass boat mass production, the A-Cats and B-Cats (the same sleek hull design as the A-Cat but with a traditional rig) remain far more elusive.
Born of traditional wooden boat building at Beatons Boatyard in West Montoloking, NJ, the A-Cat fleet saw a small resurgence through the 90s and early 2000s. The restoration of what remained of the original fleet, as well as a few new builds, took place at Beatons to the tune of $250K per boat
Before Felix, the largest catboat built on the East Coast was Silent Maid. A 33-foot replica of a 1924 Barnegat Bay B-Cat. Commissioned by retired Wall Street executive Peter Kellogg at the Independence Seaport Museum in Philadelphia, and launched in 2009 for an unknown price tag.
Veering from traditional wooden boat building methods and replicas, Felix is a composite yacht adaptation. Utilizing the chemical and physical bonding properties of epoxy to provide light, but superior strength. A 65-foot carbon fiber mast, hydraulic powered disappearing propeller, electric centerboard, wheel steering, air conditioning, full-bath and more are only a few examples of Felix's modernity.
When it comes to build integrity and sailing capabilities, "Only perfect was acceptable," owner and managing builder said. He seeks to find a "courageous, adventurous, cautious individual with excellent sailing skills," to pass Felix's helm.
Fresh water cooled 3-cylinder Westerbeke diesel generator-set with power takeoff powers disappearing hydraulic driven propeller/drive-shaft, 110-volt A/C system; electric centerboard lift/lower, fresh water/hot water heater, arid/dry bilge system, refrigeration and deep freezer, force10 stainless steel gimbaled electric stove and oven, Cruisair marine air conditioner, Raritan "electro-scan" biocide macerator, surround sound stereo system. Carbon fiber spar three-point double spreader rig, low friction sail track, carbon sails, Edson radial steering system, emergency tiller drive the boat. New Found Metals cats eyes port lights are one of many finishing touches.
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Step aboard Felix, a catboat yacht adaptation with massive prowess. One of the largest catboat yachts on the East Coast. You will stand out. Whether at the dock, in charter, racing, or cruising. This is a luxury vessel built for sailors. Felix is offered at a significantly reduced price of $65,000 to facilitate quick sale.
Built in 2012, FELIX the magic catboat is a 37-foot LOA, 14-foot beam, composite, performance cruising/racing yacht.
An adaption of a 1920's Barnegat Bay A-Cat. All the classic beauty of an elite, vintage racing yacht with the modern comforts, convenience, cutting edge materials, performance and technology of a racer cruiser today.
Built for and enjoyed over the last decade as a family's flagship yacht, they must now pass the torch.
The Barnegat Bay A-Cat is 28-foot, 12-foot beam, racing class catboat circa 1922. Lower slung and increased laminar flow than a traditional catboat (1840s). The A-Cat boat still has a fleet today on Barnegat Bay where fleet owner's take pride in their vessels. Well-known for their sailing craft and the requisite skill set that comes with stewarding a classic vessel of such nature. A level of "commitment, dedication, motivation" (Barnegat Bay Yacht Racing Associate) are known qualities amongst fleet owners maintaining these vessels.
Felix An adapted A-cat for cruising and modern racing, increased in size and stability, reduced wetted surface and weather helm. The air draft is 63-foot. To accommodate intercostal waterway bridges, and to aid in the overall balance of the long, beamy, but relatively light yacht.
At nearly 40-foot aside from providing length, generous accommodations, side deck, foredeck and cockpit space; the unique hull shape also equates to stability, stiffness, and immense strength.This is, for all intents and purposes, weekender vessel. With no ballast.
However the very carefully calculated design characteristics and construction of the vessel weighing in at 8,000-lbs displacement, make for an extremely stable ride with superior strength.
The hull is three layers of bi-axial fiberglass bonded on each side (6 total) of thickened epoxy bead and cove cedar planking.The deck three layers biaxial fiberglass each side (six total) core (marine plywood). Mahogany bulkheads, toe rail, centerboard and cabin sides. Carbon fiber mast, boom, skeg and rudder. 1000-square feet of sail area fitted with Technora carbon sail cloth sails.
The results are seamless. Not to mention exquisite and fast. Easily achieve and maintain hull speed (14 knots) under sail. Remember to reef.
A highly skilled team including master yacht carpenters, welder's, and mechanical engineer's built Felix at Sail Craft Boatyard in Oriental, North Carolina (Eastern North Carolina). Launching in 2012. A $300,000 project budget overall. This is a Coast Guard documented vessel.
Felix's A-cat, catboat lines were adapted by Morgan MacDonald, a naval architect and project manager with strong ties to the northeast and the Caribbean. MacDonald is also the nephew of legendary yacht designer Don Street. Felix's managing builder is a lifelong marine industry veteran. Having worked as a boat builder and mechanical engineer from City Island, NY on classic Americas Cup boats, to the American Virgin Islands in the multihull division.
The boat handles the estuary Pamlico Sound to Ocracoke Island and its tributaries with ease. It would suit perfectly as a 6-pack vessel for a licensed captain on any similar waterways. A day charter business in any port from the mid Atlantic north or south. The vessel can be easily navigated on the intercostal waterway to a new harbor, and has performed well in the Pamlico Sound from ideal to adverse conditions. It would be safe to say the boat would perform similarly with a competent captain anywhere from the Chesapeake Bay, to Long Island Sound, Cape Cod, Buzzard's Bay, the Gulf of Maine Penobscot Bay, and beyond.
Felix was designed for racing and cruising on the rivers bays and sounds of the east coast. While not built for the ocean, the Felix does have similar a stability rating as some ocean going multi hulls.
In order to sail the boat to the Bahamas, or on coastal offshore waters, according to the builder it would take a "courageous, adventurous, cautious individual with excellent sailing skills."
Is that you?
The Company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.
Price History
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 2/20/26 | Initial price | $65,000 |
Videos from Sunshine Cruising Yachts on this 2012 Custom 37ft Catboat Yacht Adaptation Barnegat Bay A-Cat
Overview from around the web 2012 Custom 37ft Catboat Yacht Adaptation Barnegat Bay A-Cat
Customers praise the 2012 Custom 37ft Catboat Yacht Adaptation Barnegat Bay A-Cat for its exceptional craftsmanship and versatile performance
Many highlight its smooth handling and stability, making it ideal for both leisurely cruising and competitive sailing. Owners appreciate the spacious and thoughtfully designed interior, which offers comfort without sacrificing functionality. The boat’s classic yet modern aesthetic receives frequent compliments, reflecting its blend of traditional catboat charm with contemporary features. Overall, users value the Adaptation for its reliability, elegance, and enjoyment on the water.
The Biggest Pros and Cons
The 2012 Custom 37ft Catboat Yacht Adaptation Barnegat Bay A-Cat offers a unique blend of classic design and modern performance, making it a distinctive choice for sailing enthusiasts. Here are some pros and cons to consider:
Pros
Classic Catboat Design: The traditional single-sail rig provides simplicity and ease of handling, ideal for both seasoned sailors and those new to catboats.
Spacious Deck Layout: The 37-foot length offers ample deck space for comfortable cruising and socializing.
Customization: Being a custom build, the yacht often features tailored elements that enhance comfort and functionality according to owner preferences.
Stable and Sturdy: The catboat design is known for its stability, making it suitable for a range of sailing conditions, particularly in coastal waters like Barnegat Bay.
Shallow Draft: Typically, catboats have a shallow draft, allowing access to shallower bays and coves that deeper keel boats cannot reach.
Cons
Performance Limits: While stable, the catboat rig may not perform as swiftly or efficiently as more modern sloop or cutter rigs, especially in light wind conditions.
Limited Sail Plan: The single large sail can be more challenging to manage in heavy winds without reefing, potentially requiring more attention from the sailor.
Interior Space Constraints: Although the deck is spacious, the hull shape may limit interior cabin volume compared to other 37-foot yachts designed with broader beams.
Custom Build Variability: As a custom yacht, build quality and features can vary, so it’s important to inspect individual vessels carefully.
Made For
The 2012 Custom 37ft Catboat Yacht Adaptation Barnegat Bay A-Cat is ideal for sailing enthusiasts who appreciate classic design combined with modern performance. Perfect for experienced sailors seeking a versatile and stylish vessel for coastal cruising, day sailing, or competitive racing in Barnegat Bay and similar waters. Its custom features and craftsmanship also make it a great choice for those who value quality, comfort, and timeless elegance on the water.
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