catboat – K.R.'s Metal Art Forms

May 30, 2013March 18, 2023

Cat Boat Weathervane “Lottie Cates”

Status: In a Private Collection – Similar Reproduction Available. (Please contact me to commission a similar piece.)

Application: Indoor/Outdoor

Signed: KR2013

The Cat Boat weathervane was a commission for a private collection modeled after a Fenwick Williams 21′ Cat Boat named “Lottie Cates.” This piece was commissioned by the client to be a special gift modeled after the actual boat that was hand-built by the recipient and named after his grandmother. A wonderful gift and fitting tribute to his craftsmanship and the memory of his grandmother.

This three-dimensional piece was hand formed from 18 gauge copper sheet metal but, unlike most copper artwork that is soldered or brazed together, this piece was T.I.G. welded together, to ensure solid construction and set it apart from other works. The piece measures 12″ long, by 18″ tall, by 4″ wide. The base for this project was hand-formed from new and re-purposed stainless steel and stainless steel tubing, with hand cut directional lettering. The base measures 12″ x 12″ and with the weathervane atop it, it has an overall height of 30.”

Copper is a traditional and classic medium for weathervanes, with wonderful weathering attributes and a durability that lasts forever. Copper pieces react differently to their environments. Seaside homes and homes in the general vicinity of the ocean can expect their copper pieces to obtain a wonderful green patina, while pieces more inland and away from the ocean’s salt air can expect their pieces to obtain a typical brown copper tone. If, however, you live inland but would like the green patina, an accelerated weathering process can be attained prior to delivery.

A personalized copper weathervane can make a wonderful family heirloom that will last for generations and sit atop the family home wherever it may be!

Cat Boat Weathervane “Lottie Cates”

November 4, 2012November 21, 2017

Small Catboat

Status: In Private Collections – Similar Reproduction Available. (Please contact me to commission a similar piece.)

Application: Indoor/Outdoor

Signed: KR2012, KR2013, KR2014

Inspired by one of my first sculptures, the Large Cat Boat, the Small Cat Boat began as a commission for a private collection and it has become popular in the boating/Cat Boat community. Several have been made and each has been uniquely personalized to represent a particular owner’s Cat Boat or to commemorate a Cat Boat owner. Modeled after the Marshall 18′ Sanderling Cat Boat, a popular sail boat among many in the New England area, these small sculptures are great for the office, home and/or garden.

The Small Cat Boats are hand formed from 14 gauge T-304 stainless steel sheet metal and 3/8″ stainless steel rods, and they are welded together using the Tungsten Inert Gas (T.I.G.) welding process to ensure solid construction. The pieces can be made from stainless steel, copper or mild steel and built to any size, large or small. Typically the pieces shown here measure 12″ long, by 17″ tall, by 6″ wide.

Stainless steel is a resilient material that holds its polish or texture and handles most environmental conditions with ease. Should copper be chosen, copper has wonderful weathering attributes and a durability that lasts forever, however, copper pieces react differently to their environments. Seaside homes and homes in the general vicinity of the ocean can expect their copper pieces to obtain a wonderful green patina, while pieces more inland and away from the ocean’s salt air can expect their pieces to obtain a typical brown copper tone. If, however, you live inland but would like the green patina, an accelerated weathering process can be attained prior to delivery.

A personalized Small Cat Boat can make a wonderful gift!

“Small Cat Boat”

August 21, 2012November 21, 2017

“Large Catboat”

Status: In a Private Collection. (Please contact me to commission a similar piece.)

Application: Indoor/Outdoor

Signed: KR2012

The “Large Cat Boat” was my inaugural sculpture and “kick-off” for my metal art endeavor. Although I’ve been doing custom metal fabrication for more than 20 years, I had yet to try my hand at T.I.G. welding or working with stainless steel and, true to my form, I decided to start my metal art endeavor… oh ya, and then learn how to T.I.G weld and work with stainless steel! Fortunately, I was able to successfully accomplish both and the end result was a nice donation for our local Community Boating Center that was auctioned off at their annual Opening of the Bay Celebration.

The sculpture is modeled after an 18’ Marshall Sanderling Cape Cod Catboat and is designed to present itself nicely in either an indoor or outdoor settings. Its hand-formed from 16 gauge T304 stainless steel and T.I.G. welded together. Its dimensions are: 46” Tall, 18” Wide and 32” long and the stainless steel will maintain a beautiful shine in all climates and will require little maintenance to enjoy for decades to come.

The Cat Boat was auction off and is now a part of a private collection.