Back to Search
Hermann Cat
Designer: Charles Wittholz  ·  Builder: Ted Hermann's Boat House  ·  First built: 1971
+ Add to Compare
About the Hermann Cat

Designed by Charles Wittholz and built by Ted Hermann's Boat House starting in 1971, this distinctive 17-foot catboat represents a classic approach to small boat sailing with modern fiberglass construction. The gaff-rigged single sail configuration makes this vessel particularly appealing to sailors seeking simplicity and traditional character in a manageable package. With its centerboard design and outboard rudder arrangement, the Hermann Cat offers excellent shallow water capability while maintaining respectable sailing performance. The boat's substantial displacement of 2,800 pounds provides stability and seaworthiness that belies its compact size, while the 500-pound ballast system ensures proper sailing balance. The generous beam creates a roomy cockpit perfect for daysailing or short coastal cruises with family and friends. The gaff cat rig delivers impressive power with 240 square feet of working sail area, yet remains easily handled by a single sailor. This configuration excels in light to moderate conditions and offers the nostalgic appeal of traditional seamanship. The Hermann Cat suits coastal exploration, harbor sailing, and relaxed day trips where comfort and ease of handling take precedence over racing performance. Its moderate comfort ratio suggests civilized motion in typical sailing conditions.

Core Dimensions
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 2,800.00 lb / 1,270 kg
Ballast 500.00 lb / 227 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 240.00 ft² / 22.30 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Cbrd w/outboard rudder
Rigging Type Gaff head Cat
Construction FG
Designer Charles Wittholz
Builder Ted Hermann's Boat House
First Built 1971
Owner Reviews

No owner reviews yet — be the first to share your experience with this boat.

Performance Ratios
SA/Displacement Sail Area to Displacement ratio measures how much sail power a boat has relative to its weight. Higher values mean more performance and speed.
Under 14 — Heavy cruiser, slow14–18 — Cruising sailboat18–22 — Cruiser/racerOver 22 — Performance racer
 19.38
Ballast/Displacement Ballast to Displacement ratio shows what percentage of the boat's total weight is ballast. Higher values generally mean better initial stability and stiffer sail carrying.
30–35% — Typical cruiser35–45% — Stiff performance boatOver 45% — Racing oriented
 17.86
Displacement/Length Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
 282.35
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
 16.56
Capsize Screening Formula The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
 2.25
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 5.43 kn
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 464.67 pounds/inch
Find a Hermann Cat For Sale
Y YachtWorld Brokerage listings S Sailboat Listings Sailboats only C Craigslist National search F Facebook Marketplace Local listings B boats.com Global marketplace