A charmingly named classic American daysailer, the Wood Pussy carries a devoted following among enthusiasts of vintage small-boat sailing. Designed by naval architect Cortlandt Heyniger and introduced in the late 1940s, this compact catboat-style centerboarder was built for relaxed coastal sailing and accessible weekend adventures on protected waters, lakes, and sheltered bays.
The Wood Pussy's defining appeal lies in its simplicity and ease of handling. Its broad, stable hull and single-sail rig make it an approachable boat for beginners while still offering enough personality to satisfy experienced sailors who appreciate classic design. The shallow draft provided by its centerboard configuration allows exploration of shoal waters that deeper-keeled boats simply cannot access.
For those researching a Wood Pussy today, the boat represents a piece of mid-century American sailing heritage. Original wooden examples require the careful maintenance that comes with any vintage wooden craft, though their craftsmanship and character reward the effort. Whether used for leisurely afternoon sails or introducing younger sailors to the water, the Wood Pussy remains a nostalgic and genuinely enjoyable choice for anyone drawn to traditional small-boat sailing.
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
118.18
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
4.67
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.
4.54 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.
1.48 pounds/inch
