Wagner Boat Works is Open For Business

Dave Davis, Editor
From the Catboat Association Bulletin No. 145

Good news is at hand for those catboat sailors who were concerned that the legacy of Bill Menger’s boats passed when Bill crossed the bar. Barry Wagner has purchased the Menger Boatworks and with the assistance of Jerry Thompson, intends to rejoin the ranks of catboat manufacturers with a variety of hull and boat types. Barry’s story reminds me of another CEO who liked the company so much, he bought it. Barry sent this recently:

“I had wanted a catboat for a long time but just couldn’t bring myself to making the plunge. When I sold my auto sales & restoration business I was intending on taking some time off to figure out my next business move. In the interim I was catching up on “fun stuff” and decided to visit Menger Boatworks interested in a 23. I learned of Bill Menger’s passing and I met Jerry Thompson. I liked what I saw so I bought the company. But that still did not get me on the water in a catboat. Over the summer, a 2000 Menger 23 came up for sale and I purchased it the next day. I have sailed a sloop rigged sailboat for many years, many years and I must say that I love sailing my catboat and I find it much more exciting.

I’m passionate about sailing and catboat history, and I aim to blend the almost two hundred year old art of this unique sailboat design with the latest in modern materials to preserve the tradition of this centuries-old heritage. Whether folks are looking to purchase a first sailboat or simply appreciate the beauty, artistry, and prestige of a high-end watercraft, we will custom design a catboat to specifications.

Targeting a new generation of sailing enthusiasts along with those who simply appreciate the catboat as a true representation of New York’s historic watercraft legacy, we have several boat builders on staff who supply over sixty years experience to the business. With this expertise in-house, the noteworthy elements of the catboat will be brought to every boat created. Each order is custom tailored, while staying true to the specifications of the original catboat blueprint. What makes us unique is that the materials we use will help each boat maintain its quality over many years. Long time enthusiasts will be pleased to find that our catboat molds are from the original Menger Boatworks and Thompson Boatworks companies. I’m committed to maintaining their traditions.

Now that I have had a chance to sail all of our models I feel that there may be room for improvements and updates. We will keep all of the Menger owners informed of all technical changes and updates to our catboats. We are also adding a Menger owners forum and tech line to our website. We intend to fully support all Menger Catboat owners with service, parts and technical advice as well as any updates we develop”