Designed by John Barnett in 1961, this compact catboat represents one of the most successful small boat designs in sailing history, with over 10,750 hulls produced by Barnett Boats USA. The Butterfly's scow hull configuration with a single centerboard creates an exceptionally stable and forgiving platform that has made it a favorite for sailing instruction and recreational day sailing. At just 12 feet overall with a 4.5-foot beam, this fiberglass sailboat offers remarkable stability for its size, evidenced by its moderate capsize screening formula of 3.49. The simple catboat rig eliminates the complexity of a jib, making it ideal for beginning sailors while still providing spirited performance with its sail area to displacement ratio of 45.18. The Butterfly excels in protected waters, lakes, and coastal areas where its shallow 2.33-foot draft allows exploration of thin water that deeper boats cannot access. Its 137-pound displacement makes it easily car-toppable, while the straightforward rigging system means quick setup at the launch ramp. This design's enduring popularity stems from its blend of simplicity, safety, and fun sailing characteristics, making it equally suitable for yacht club training programs, family recreation, or solo adventures in moderate conditions.
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What is the Butterfly's sail area to displacement ratio?
The Butterfly has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 45.18. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the Butterfly's comfort ratio?
The Butterfly has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 2.64. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Butterfly safe for offshore sailing?
The Butterfly has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 3.49. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the Butterfly?
The theoretical hull speed of the Butterfly is 4.28 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Butterfly weigh?
The Butterfly has a displacement of 137.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 12.00 ft.
Who designed the Butterfly?
The Butterfly was designed by John Barnett, first built in 1961.