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Herreshoff 27 Cat Ketch
Designer: Halsey Herreshoff  ·  Builder: Cat Ketch Corp. (Usa)  ·  First built: 1982
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About the Herreshoff 27 Cat Ketch

Designed by the legendary Herreshoff Manufacturing Company, this distinctive cat ketch represents the innovative spirit that made the Bristol, Rhode Island yard famous in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Herreshoff name carries unparalleled prestige in American yacht design, having created some of history's most celebrated sailing vessels including multiple America's Cup defenders. The cat ketch rig configuration sets this design apart from conventional sailboats, featuring two masts without a headsail. This arrangement provides excellent balance and sail handling characteristics, making it particularly appealing for shorthanded sailing or those seeking simplified sail management. The rig typically offers good power in light to moderate conditions while remaining manageable in stronger winds. Built during Herreshoff's golden era, this model would have incorporated the yard's trademark attention to detail and craftsmanship. These boats were known for their seaworthy qualities and elegant proportions, reflecting Captain Nat Herreshoff's genius for combining performance with practicality. Given its size and pedigree, the Herreshoff 27 Cat Ketch would suit coastal cruising and day sailing, offering both historical significance and proven sailing qualities for enthusiasts who appreciate classic American yacht design.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 27.25 ft / 8.31 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 26.00 ft / 7.92 m
Beam 9.25 ft / 2.82 m
Max Draft 3.83 ft / 1.17 m
Displacement 3,850.00 lb / 1,746 kg
Ballast 2,000.00 lb / 907 kg
Ballast Type Lead
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin with rudder on skeg
Rigging Type Cat Ketch (unstayed)
Construction Wood/FG
Designer Halsey Herreshoff
Builder Cat Ketch Corp. (USA)
First Built 1982
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Performance Ratios
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
51.95
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
97.79
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. 5.15 pounds/inch
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 22.99
P (Mainsail Luff) 352.00 ft² / 32.70 m²
E (Mainsail Foot) Diesel
Engine & Accommodations
Horsepower 10
Fuel Capacity 12 gals / 45 L
Water Capacity 30 gals / 114 L
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