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Sailboat Specifications

Cape Cod Cat

Gaff Head Cat · Keel/Cbrd.

Designed by Charles Whittholz · Built by Cape Cod Shipbuilding Co. · First built 1971

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LOA 17.00 ft  ·  Beam 7.92 ft  ·  Displacement 2,200.00 lb  ·  Sail Area 250.00 ft²  ·  Gaff Head Cat  ·  Keel/Cbrd.
About the Cape Cod Cat Sailboat

Built as a traditional catboat design that honors New England's maritime heritage, this sailboat embodies the classic characteristics that made catboats beloved by coastal sailors for generations. The Cape Cod Cat features the distinctive single-masted configuration with a large gaff-rigged mainsail that defines the catboat family, offering straightforward sailing with minimal complexity. This design excels in protected waters, shallow bays, and coastal cruising where its shoal draft and responsive handling shine. The wide beam typical of catboats provides exceptional stability and a roomy cockpit, making it an excellent choice for day sailing, sailing instruction, or casual family outings. The boat's forgiving nature and simple sail plan make it particularly appealing to newer sailors while still offering enjoyment for experienced hands. Like traditional catboats, the Cape Cod Cat likely draws inspiration from the working boats that once populated Cape Cod waters, where fishermen and oystermen relied on these versatile craft. The design prioritizes ease of handling and practical seamanship over racing performance, embodying the workboat heritage that values reliability and comfort over speed. This makes it ideally suited for those seeking an authentic sailing experience rooted in American maritime tradition.

Dimensions & Specifications
LOA (Length Overall) 17.00 ft / 5.18 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 16.42 ft / 5.00 m
Beam 7.92 ft / 2.41 m
Max Draft 4.83 ft / 1.47 m
Min Draft 1.67 ft / 0.51 m
Displacement 2,200.00 lb / 998 kg
Ballast 500.00 lb / 227 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 250.00 ft² / 23.23 m²
Headroom 4.00 ft / 1.22 m
Design & Construction
Hull Type Keel/Cbrd.
Rigging Type Gaff head Cat
Construction FG
Designer Charles Whittholz
Builder Cape Cod Shipbuilding Co.
First Built 1971
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Engine & Accommodations
Horsepower 8
Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Cape Cod Cat's sail area to displacement ratio?

The Cape Cod Cat has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 23.7. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.

What is the Cape Cod Cat's comfort ratio?

The Cape Cod Cat has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 13.01. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.

Is the Cape Cod Cat safe for offshore sailing?

The Cape Cod Cat has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 2.44. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.

What is the hull speed of the Cape Cod Cat?

The theoretical hull speed of the Cape Cod Cat is 5.43 knots, calculated from its waterline length.

How much does a Cape Cod Cat weigh?

The Cape Cod Cat has a displacement of 2,200.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 17.00 ft.

Who designed the Cape Cod Cat?

The Cape Cod Cat was designed by Charles Whittholz, first built in 1971.