1969 Alcort Catfish SMEDLEY 25 Apr 20 Rigging

25 Apr 20:

Raised the mast on our Alcort Catfish, Skipper walked it up from behind the boat as high as she could, then I used the trailer winch, hooked to the forestay to crank it up the rest of the way. Skipper moved around to the upwind side and steadied the mast with the side stay.

Adjustable side stays, SMEDLEY uses pin hole 5.

Rigging and hull details video: https://youtu.be/J9xKSgvKtHE



Previous owner added paddle brackets on the stern.

Capsize straps and hull snaps. Tools and materials ordered to build replacement straps.

Hiking strap will be replaced also.

Deck drain.

Chocolate chip cookie cubbies.

Centerboard control line jam cleat.

Feathering mast.

Forestay bridle tangs.

Closer to launch.

The boom.

Forestay Highfield lever.

Highfield lever video: https://youtu.be/vVk8JgPYzxo



Log of SMEDLEY.

Alcort Catfish x 2

27 Feb 20:

A postcard from the late 1960s, 2 Alcort Catfish chasing a Sunfish. Marketing wise, maybe it would have been better if the Catfish were leading the race?

Log of SMEDLEY.

Catfish!

02 Sep 19:

A family with good taste, not one, not two, but 3 Alcort Catfish up in Michigan! The blue boat has been in the family since new, for 50 years.

(Image Jerry).

Alcort Catfish SMEDLEY and Skipper's My Peak Challenge

02 Sep 18:

Skipper back from her successful "peaker" cruise on our Alcort Catfish SMEDLEY. As part of My Peak Challenge she pledged to sail a catamaran, something she had not done before 2018. She also had to build her sailing muscles as part of being able to handle SMEDLEY's 130 sguare foot sail. SMEDLEY had a good time and we want to thank all the folks who helped get her back out seat, esp Scott, Susan, Jack and Eddie's crew.

My Peak Challenge is a fundraiser as well as a comprehensive monthly workout and nutrition program. This year, My Peak Challenge supports the great organizations Bloodwise and Marie Curie. We are happy to be part of the community and are looking forward to the next pledge.

Cheers,
Clark and Skipper

FMI:
My Peak Challenge
Log of SMEDLEY

Alcort Catfish SMEDLEY 13 Jun 18 Sail Battens

13 Jun 18:

Since SMEDLEY's old soft sail did not shred when we took her out we headed over to Schurr Sails to get some battens ordered. We were treated to a tour of the loft and Hunter cut the battens while we were there. He shared a story of how he sailed a Catfish when he was a kid, his Dad considered buying one but they settled on a Hobie 14 instead. He has been sailing since then.

Our friends at Schurr take great care of us, they have made us several sails for our restoration boats and a beautiful spinnaker for our Daysailer. Here is SMEDLEY's sail hanging out with Hunter and a few other sails in the loft.

Log of SMEDLEY.

Alcort Catfish Brochure

12 Jun 18:

Alcort made the Catfish catamaran from 1965 to the late 60s, AMF discontinued it once they took over in 1969. Found another Catfish brochure, pictures of the red boat in this one, better color pictures than the earlier blue/gray scale brochure. Could it be our Catfish SMEDLEY? And the weight of the boat went up from 170 to 190 pounds, so we are guessing this a later brochure where maybe the weight of the rig was included.

Log of SMEDLEY

Alcort Catfish SMEDLEY 10 May 18 Float Test

10 May 18:

Launched SMEDLEY for a Float Test, she slid right off her new trailer from Eddie English Boat Trailer and waited patiently while we climbed aboard. We took a couple of paddles and spent about 25 minutes out to sea. No bubbles, no leaks. She was very stable and held both of us, should be fun to sail.

Skipper keeping an eye on SMEDLEY.

She floats!

Probably the first time SMEDLEY has been on the water in a long time.

Successful outing, back on the trailer and no big puddle afterwards :)

Log of SMEDLEY.