CATAMARAN. A sort of raft used in the East Indies, Brazils, and elsewhere: those of the island of Ceylon, like those of Madras and other parts of that coast, are formed of three logs; the timber preferred for their construction is the _Dúp_ wood, or _Cherne-Maram_, the pine varnish-tree. Their length is from 20 to 25 feet, and breadth 2-1/2 to 3-1/2 feet, secured together by means of three spreaders and cross lashings, through small holes; the centre log is much the largest, with a curved surface at the fore-end, which tends and finishes upwards to a point. The side logs are very similar in form, and fitted to the centre log. These floats are navigated with great skill by one or two men, in a kneeling position; they think nothing of passing through the surf which lashes the beach at Madras and at other parts of these coasts, when even the boats of the country could not live upon the waves; they are also propelled out to the shipping at anchor when boats of the best construction and form would be swamped. In the monsoons, when a sail can be got on them, a small out-rigger is placed at the end of two poles, as a balance, with a bamboo mast and yard, and a mat or cotton-cloth sail, all three parts of which are connected; and when the tack and sheet of the sail are let go, it all falls fore and aft alongside, and being light, is easily managed. In carrying a press of sail, they are trimmed by the balance-lever, by going out on the poles so as to keep the log on the surface of the water, and not impede its velocity, which, in a strong wind, is very great. CATANADROMI. Migratory fishes, which have their stated times of going from fresh-water to salt and returning, as the salmon, &c. CATAPULT. A military engine used by the ancients for throwing stones, spears, &c. CATARACT. The sudden fall of a large body of water from a higher to a lower level, and rather in a single sheet than by successive leaps, as in a cascade. CATASCOPIA. Small vessels anciently used for reconnoitring and carrying despatches. CAT-BEAM. This, called also the beak-head beam, is the broadest beam in the ship, and is generally made of two beams tabled and bolted together. CAT-BLOCK. A two or three fold block, with an iron strop and large hook to it, which is employed to cat or draw the anchor up to the cat-head, which is also fitted with three great sheaves to correspond. CATCH. A term used among fishermen to denote a quantity of fish taken at one time. CATCH A CRAB. In rowing, when an oar gets so far beneath the surface of the water, that the rower cannot recover it in time to prevent his being knocked backwards. CATCH A TURN THERE. Belay quickly. CATCH-FAKE. An unseemly doubling in a badly coiled rope. CATERER. A purveyor and provider of provisions: now used for the person who takes charge of and regulates the economy of a mess. (_See_ ACATER.) CAT-FALL. The rope rove for the cat-purchase, by which the anchor is raised to the cat-head or catted.