Turning an Old Catboat into a Motor Cruiser

Article by Dave Dawson

After some 50 years owning one sailboat after another, I decided I was ready for a stinkpot. It had to be easily trailerable, efficient, comfortable and quiet. No production boat fit the bill just right, so I decided to go with a sailboat conversion. A few years back, Marty Loken listed the Herreshoff America 18 as a good option. I’ve long thought this catboat to be a good candidate, so I went about looking for one.

The boat after I picked it up in Massachusetts. The sail rig would go, as would it’s massive rudder and a lot of ballast.

I purchased Toad in the summer of 2025. The boat was listed at $4,000 in Massachusetts. I drove up to have a look with cash in my pocket. It was definitely a project boat. The hull was sound, but otherwise it was a bare bones, well worn boat. I offered $3,200 and the boat was mine. Eighteen feet of traditional New England boat beauty. Absolute classic looks and appeal. I am going to turn it into a 1920s-style pocket cruiser.