“Teal”, Catboat, circa 1927
Dexter Brothers, Mattapoisett, Massachusetts
Gift of Samuel L. Goldsmith, Jr.

Catboats are generally wide boats with a single large sail. They are easy to sail and fairly simple for one person to manage. They can be sailed in shallow waters where many other boats with deep keels cannot go. There is ample interior space for cooking, eating, and sleeping on extended voyages.
Boats of course are not just for work: countless people, inspired by the writings of Joshua Slocum (Sailing Alone Around the World), John MacGregor (voyages of the Rob Roy canoe), and others, have set out on voyages of adventure in all types of small craft. Boating for pleasure began as a pastime for the
wealthy—those few with the necessary free time and the money to buy comfortable boats. By the early 20th century, small, affordable boats had opened the world’s rivers, lakes, harbors, and oceans to anyone with a little money and an interest in sailing, water skiing, fishing, hunting, or exploring.