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Sailboat Specifications

Cape Cod Knockabout

Fractional Sloop · Centerboard Dinghy

Designed by Charles S. Gurney · Built by Cape Cod Shipbuilding · First built 1925

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LOA 18.00 ft  ·  Beam 6.00 ft  ·  Displacement 650.00 lb  ·  Sail Area 165.00 ft²  ·  Fractional Sloop  ·  Centerboard Dinghy
About the Cape Cod Knockabout Sailboat

Originating from the traditional sailing waters of New England, this classic design embodies the practical seamanship values of Cape Cod's maritime heritage. The knockabout configuration eliminates the bowsprit found on many traditional designs, creating a safer and more manageable boat for recreational sailors while maintaining the classic aesthetic that defines New England sailing craft. Built for coastal cruising and day sailing, the Cape Cod Knockabout excels in the variable conditions typical of northeastern waters. Its traditional lines and moderate proportions make it well-suited for sailors seeking a boat that balances performance with comfort, whether exploring protected harbors or venturing into more open coastal waters. The design reflects time-tested principles of New England boat building, emphasizing seaworthiness and ease of handling over pure speed. This makes it particularly appealing to sailors who appreciate traditional sailing qualities and want a boat capable of handling the choppy seas and shifting winds common along the Atlantic coast. While detailed specifications remain limited, the Cape Cod Knockabout represents an authentic connection to America's sailing traditions, offering modern sailors a taste of classic New England seamanship in a practical, well-mannered package.

Dimensions & Specifications
LOA (Length Overall) 18.00 ft / 5.49 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 15.50 ft / 4.72 m
Beam 6.00 ft / 1.83 m
Max Draft 4.17 ft / 1.27 m
Min Draft 0.75 ft / 0.23 m
Displacement 650.00 lb / 295 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 165.00 ft² / 15.33 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Centerboard Dinghy
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction Wood /FG
Designer Charles S. Gurney
Builder Cape Cod Shipbuilding
First Built 1925
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Frequently Asked Questions

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

The Cape Cod Knockabout has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 35.24. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.

What is the Cape Cod Knockabout's comfort ratio?

The Cape Cod Knockabout has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 5.68. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.

Is the Cape Cod Knockabout safe for offshore sailing?

The Cape Cod Knockabout has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 2.77. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.

What is the hull speed of the Cape Cod Knockabout?

The theoretical hull speed of the Cape Cod Knockabout is 5.28 knots, calculated from its waterline length.

How much does a Cape Cod Knockabout weigh?

The Cape Cod Knockabout has a displacement of 650.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 18.00 ft.

Who designed the Cape Cod Knockabout?

The Cape Cod Knockabout was designed by Charles S. Gurney, first built in 1925.