Arey’s Pond has been a landing for recreational and merchant mariners since the 1600’s. Since 1954, the waterfront service location has been home to our mooring field, docks, rigging shop, engine shop, sailing school, and reception area.
Just off of Little Pleasant Bay and the Namequoit River, Arey’s Pond offers services for sailboats and powerboats alike, as well as quick access to Cape Cod’s largest estuary and some of the best sailing and scenic views in the area.
The Story of Our Catboats
Arey’s Pond Cats are descended from traditional wooden catboats originally launched on Narragansett Bay two hundred years ago. True natives of Cape Cod, catboats have been sailed, worked hard, and well-loved by fishermen and recreational sailors alike.
Catboats were initially designed as stable, large-capacity workboats that handled easily and sailed well in both strong and light winds. Today, thanks to their distinctive and pleasing looks, sea-worthiness and forgiving ways, they continue to enjoy a fiercely dedicated following of long-time enthusiasts, as well as a steady stream of new converts.
In 1972, Arey’s Pond Boat Yard developed a mold similar in shape to the hull of the classic wooden catboat, but with alterations to the sheer, bow, stem, and gaff rig. In addition, the yard created new layouts for the deck and cockpit. The result was a catboat with a low center of effort that helps keep the hull flat on the water while allowing swift responsiveness and easy handling. The standard version also combines the unbeatable beauty of a varnished wooden mast, boom, gaff and trim with the minimal care requirements of a fiberglass hull. For those who admire a traditional look but would rather not undertake the maintenance of a wooden hull, the Arey’s Pond Cat is an excellent choice. For those who prefer a wooden hull, APBY also builds wooden versions of all catboats.
The first Arey’s Pond Cat was launched in 1972. Since then, Tony Davis, who became the third owner of the yard in 1991, has made many small but important modifications to the original mold, ensuring that Arey’s Pond Cats will continue to provide wonderful sailing experiences well into the future.
Arey’s Pond craftsmen pride themselves in building each vessel to the highest standards of small boat construction. As a small, custom facility, we build only about twelve boats a year, meaning that each new owner gets personal attention from start to finish.
