Designed by Benjamin Hallock in 1909, this classic centerboard dinghy represents early 20th-century American small boat craftsmanship at its finest. With traditional wood construction and an elegant gaffhead sloop rig, the Ss Class embodies the timeless appeal of gaff-rigged sailing with its distinctive four-sided mainsail and classic proportions. At just over 16 feet in length, this nimble dinghy excels in protected waters, making it ideal for bay sailing, small lake recreation, and yacht club racing. The centerboard design allows for excellent shallow water exploration while maintaining good windward performance when the board is lowered. Her moderate displacement of 900 pounds provides stability without sacrificing the lively sailing characteristics that make dinghies so rewarding. The boat's sail area-to-displacement ratio suggests spirited performance in moderate conditions, while the comfortable beam provides adequate stability for crew movement during tacks and jibes. With only 150 hulls built, the Ss Class remains a relatively rare find that appeals to traditionalists seeking authentic gaff-rigged sailing experience. This design suits sailors who appreciate classic aesthetics, wooden boat maintenance, and the pure joy of simple, responsive sailing in sheltered waters.
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What is the Ss Class's sail area to displacement ratio?
The Ss Class has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 22.87. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the Ss Class's comfort ratio?
The Ss Class has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 11.82. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Ss Class safe for offshore sailing?
The Ss Class has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 1.97. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the Ss Class?
The theoretical hull speed of the Ss Class is 5.01 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Ss Class weigh?
The Ss Class has a displacement of 900.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 16.47 ft.
Who designed the Ss Class?
The Ss Class was designed by Benjamin Hallock, first built in 1909.