Progress on Toad
Converting a Herreshoff 18 America catboat into a pocket motor cruiser
Article by David Dawson
Summer has arrived, but Toad, my 18’ catboat to motorboat conversion project, is still in my shop. But I did turn the corner last week from working exclusively on the exterior of the boat to starting the cabin rehab. So I finally have something to show.
The job that had me most nervous is done—building a hinged windshield and the supporting structure. The windshield will have a bimini snapped to it, and both structures will fold flat for transport and on-water days when the shelter is not wanted. The windshield drops forward onto the pair of brackets that double as standards for the forward nav lights. A pair of toggles will keep the windshield in place. The bimini will stow almost out of sight behind the tall coaming.
