The purpose of this blog is for me to narrate my journey through the restoration of Copy Cat, a 1978 Marshall Sanderling – a 18ft catboat manufactured by the Marshall Marine Corporation in South Dartmouth, MA. Cat boats are the traditional boat design found on Cape Cod, south east of Boston and were typically work boats where their large beam provided stability and their single sail mounted on a forward positioned mast provided a simple rig; both features allowing for fishing tasks to be performed under sail power only with minimal crew. The skeg hung, barn door rudder is another typical feature of this type of boat.
Copycat, seen under two different angles, before and after removing the shrink wrap.
Based on the hull number, Copycat was built in September 1977, making her a 1978 model year. Almost 50 years later, I met her in a marina in Mystic, CT. Copycat became my project after a long and cold winter. It may sound like wanderlust, but after two months where the outside temperature never went above freezing, a blizzard and almost 40 in of snow cumulated over the season, dreaming is what keeps one hopeful. While wandering along the Massachusetts coast, from Plum Island near Newburyport to Logan Airport to the Cape: the salt marshes with shallow water, and the coast studded with traditional New England houses have a certain power of attraction. All of the above and beyond is within reach of Copycat.
The sand dunes of plum island near the new home of Copycat, and an actual Sanderling. Pictures taken in December 2025.
As I later learned from the previous owner, this boat had been in their family since it was bought new in 1978. Unfortunately, it became too much of a project to make sense. However, I am game for challenge, and it is my honor to become the new steward of Copycat, hopefully for 50 more years.
Copycat finally made it to her new location in Cape Ann, MA.
Thanks to her trailer and after a couple hours up on I-95 North with a 70 mph headwind, Copycat now calls Cape Ann in Massachusetts as its new home. The only mildly eventful part of the trip was running into rush hour traffic along route 128. IYKYK. The name Copycat will remain to prevent any bad luck down the road.
Some may consider that it is a very old boat, but these cat boats seem to be well known for their durability. The brightwork on this boat is made of teak still in good shape aside from faded varnish – I will choose to keep all of it varnished and will unlikely need to replace any of it. With that said, many parts are due for a refresh, there will be some details in a subsequent post about what needs to be done.
Left: the cockpit of copycat. Right: the inside cabin.
As shown above the Marshall Sanderling offers a large roomy cockpit that can sit perhaps 6 people and a cozy cabin that sleeps two with a spot for a self contained toilet. This is certainly perfect for short adventures all while being trailerable.
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