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Ss Class
Designer: Benjamin Hallock  ·  Builder: Benjamin Hallock (Usa)  ·  First built: 1909
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About the Ss Class

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.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 16.47 ft / 5.02 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 14.00 ft / 4.27 m
Beam 4.75 ft / 1.45 m
Max Draft 2.75 ft / 0.84 m
Min Draft 1.25 ft / 0.38 m
Displacement 900.00 lb / 408 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 133.00 ft² / 12.36 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Centerboard Dinghy
Rigging Type Gaffhead Sloop
Construction Wood
Designer Benjamin Hallock
Builder Benjamin Hallock (USA)
First Built 1909
Number Built 150
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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
 22.87
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
 146.42
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
 11.82
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
 1.97
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. 5.01 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. 237.61 pounds/inch
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