How to Assemble a MiniCat 420: An In-Depth Demonstration 

Thank you! I will be making more videos like this!

Why on the website it says 30 minutes then?

There’s a lot of ways to skin a cat (ha ha) and every boat is a compromise. The MiniCat is a boat you can sail today while you work out building your own dream boat! Thank you for the kind words!

Happy to help!

Same. I've lost a keel in the lake (underinflation + bad insertion), had the mast fall (bowsprit turnbuckles shook loose) and threaded the main halyard the wrong way. All while on the water. Hopefully the big mistakes are all behind me. There were a number of good tips here that are new to me (figure 8 knot on the forestay, have forestay half-taut _before_ setting the mast, tying the jib sheets together). I was also unaware of the tiny inflator. Great video.

The valve adapter to inflate is called a Halkey-Roberts valve.

@@redbeardsailing Thank you.

Hi Theo, Thank you for the kind words! We are using a Takacat Volume Inflator, but you can probably find it locally as a Flextail Gear Max Pump Plus , then pair it with a universal Halkey-Roberts valve adapter.

I think it takes everyone a different amount of time. If I am alone, and have an auto inflator, I can typically do it in 20-30 minutes, especially if I knew I was being timed. I think for the average user 30-60 minutes is achievable by most.

@@redbeardsailing Well, I will keep trying.

@@bradwright4515 the two longest steps (time wise) are the lacing and inflation steps. You could try and get a faster method of lacing (Minicats quick lacing accessory) and a good 2 stage electric pump and one of our TVIs (or air mattress style volume pump) to make inflation a breeze. If these were snap-your-finger-and they’re-done steps, assembly could probably be done in 10-15 minutes of easy work.

@@redbeardsailing Now you are scaring me ! But I will take all your advice.

@@bradwright4515 I have 8 years of experience with the MiniCat 420, I would consider myself advanced in skill with regards to assembly. Some customers have started leaving hulls inflated and attached to the frame and just transport the base boat on the roof of their car. Not sure if that’s an option for you, but one you may consider if you are trying to simplify your steps to going sailing.

If you’re interested in buying a MiniCat 420, then you’d likely watch this video. If you watch this video, you’ll see that it doesn’t take an hour for you to build the boat, just an hour to teach how to build the boat. 😉