I am trying to figure out what is the difference in a classic A (one that weighs above 200lbs) and a Catnip. Have talked to some people and they make it sound like they are the same boat, but therer is a 4 point difference on the portmouth numbers so I am trying to figure out what the difference is. Thanks
Jody Abrams

Hi Jody,
Portsmouth numbers are based on demonstrated performance; not boat design paramaters, boat measurements. The catnip PN can be 4 points higher than the heavy A class boat because it is poorly sailed or because it is a slow design.
Bill

Hi,
Interestingly enough, an A-Lion A-class (on the "inactive" Portmouth Multihull Yardstick) has a D-PN of 75.0, almost another full point slower.
The catnip is a 220lb, wooden design. My only guess is that there are some fiberglass (maybe stiffer, better hull design) A-class boats closer to the 200 lb mark that gets them the 70.1 D-PN. Also, as Bill mentioned, the yardstick nubmers are based on race results not physical characteristics, so this may be a great boat to buy and race (if you like winning that way).
Also see: http://www.usaca.info/a4sale.html Maybe you could ask the guy selling his. He claims the number is "great for racing".

Good luck!

Steve
Hobie FX-1, Sail # 211

So, I take it that your "portsmouth numbers" are similar to our "Yardstick" numbers, being that they are orientated (and calculated) from "sailor" results and not on any dimensional potentual performance of the craft????
Darryl J Barrett