For over twenty years, we have used sound traditional methods to repair, restore and rebuild wooden paddling, rowing, and sailing craft. We find that building wooden boats in the traditional ways, helps to connect us to a larger living tradition that we hope to continue to learn about and be a part of, as we begin the construction of new wooden boats, such as the Catspaw dinghy featured here.

The Catspaw Dinghy is the result of designer Joel White’s 10% expansion of Nat Herreshoff’s well-known Columbia Dinghy from the 1890’s. The Catspaw is 12 ft 8 inches overall and White added a 63 sq ft sprits’l and centerboard. The rig can be simply rolled up on the mast and stowed within the boat. There are two rowing stations and the transom will take a 2 HP outboard motor. The original design was lap strake planked. White made this one carvel. She is handsome on the water, capable of carrying four for a pleasant sail or fishing outing.

Click here to see more detailed pictures of the Catspaw Dinghy and some of the boat restorations we have worked on.