design

The Cape Cutter 19 design originates from the classic old gaff cutter work boats and successfully combines old world charm with modern day advancements in construction, performance and comfort.

DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS click on drawings to enlarge: sail plan, deck layout, side view, accommodation.
Designer	Dudley Dix
LOA	7.2 m
LOD	5.8 m
LOW	5.5m
Beam	2.2m
Draft	Center plate up: 0.45m / Center plate down: 1.22 m
Overall Length On Trailer	6.9 m
Overall Width On Trailer	2.2 m
Displacement	1 475 kgs (loaded weight incl. engine and crew)
Dry Weight	1150 kg
Trailer Weight	400 kg
Estimated Towing Weight	1 550 kgs exclud. engine
Lead Ballast	300 kg
Centerplate	100 kg
Vertical Clearence Air	Mast Up: 2.6m / Mast Down: 1.5m
Rig	Gaff Cutter
Main Sail Yankee (Optional)	13.32 sq m 6.7m
Genoa	10.2 sq m
Jib (Staysail)	4.58 sq m
Recommended Engine	4-6 hp Short Shaft Outboard (max 25kg)
No of Berths	4
CE Certified for	4 passengers
Positive Stability	110°
CE Certified	Category C - Inshore and Coastal waters (wave height: 2 m \| wind force: 6)
TRAILER SPECIFICATIONS
Length without boat	6.4 m
Length with boat	6.9 m
Beam of boat	2.2 m
Width of trailer	2.25 m
Weight of trailer	400 kgs

The Cape Cutter 19 boasts a high peaked gaff cutter rig. She is a lively performer due to her wide stern section, slippery underwater shape and large but manageable sail area. The light weight genoa provides for performance sailing in light airs whilst the heavier working jib (hank on) offers an efficient sail set in stronger winds. The cutter rig provides versatility and can be sailed with mainsail and one or two foresails flying. The Cape Cutter 19 can be easily single handed - all the sail handling can be managed from the cockpit as all lines lead aft. The genoa is on a furler (in or out) with the control line led to the cockpit. The inboard working jib is hank on with a downhaul. The mainsail has two reefing points which can be tied in from the companionway step, with lines lead along the boom (no need to go on deck). The mainsail can be lowered from the cockpit as the halyards, throat and peak, are lead aft through jammers and a winch on the cabin console to the cockpit. For ease and convenience, the gaff is controlled by lazy jacks. The main sheet is lead through a jamming block on the transom.

The aim has been to keep her simple but fun to sail.

Under full main and genoa, she will be much quicker and livelier than many yachts in her size range, but once you tuck a reef in the main and set the working jib, she will become a tough, brave little yacht designed to get you home safely.

Drawing only 45 cm with the centerboard lifted, the Cape Cutter 19's shallow draft makes her ideal for exploring estuaries and anchoring in minimal depths. Bilge runners enable her to dry out safely. (She could be kept in a mud berth if required). Weighing in at just under a ton, she is within the towing range of a medium to large family car. Her shallow draft and full length keel make it easy to get her on and off her trailer.

Lowering and raising of the mast is made easy by a large tabernacle which hinges at the mast above the gooseneck making it unnecessary to remove the boom to lower the mast for trailing or going under bridges when cruising waterways and canals. The bowsprit is hinged on the deck for easy removal on entering tight berths or leverage in raising / lowering the mast.

With 4 berths and a roomy cockpit for her size, the Cape Cutter 19 is an ideal cruiser for couples, families and friends to get away. She has a full size V berth forward and 2 full length quarter berths aft. The quarter berths double as saloon seats. The galley area comprises space for a single burner stove - perfect for a cup of tea under way or simple meals aboard, with a sink area opposite. Storage is provided beneath the berths and cockpit. Cockpit lockers stow fenders and fuel tank. There is a dedicated space for a porta potti. The large, self draining, sea kindly cockpit is dry and comfortable. At 1.95 m long and 50 cm wide, the cockpit seats are big enough to stretch out on and nap under the stars.

We recommend a 5 hp 4 stroke short shaft Mariner outboard engine to obtain optimal cruising speeds of about 5 knots under power - ideal for puttering into harbour or up rivers where her shallow draft gives her a distinct advantage. The engine conveniently mounts in a centered engine well in the cockpit where it is easy to access and use. As it is not mounted on a bracket on the transom, cavitation is prevented and the chance of engine flooding is alleviated. Because the engine propeller is positioned such that it exerts a wash directly onto the rudder, it has all the feel and performance characteristics of an inboard engine but at a fraction of the cost and it is easy to get to and maintain. When leaving the boat on her mooring, the engine can be locked and stored so as to prevent fouling by using a specifically designed engine bracket which lifts the engine clear of the water.

Quality control during construction ensures an even lay up resulting in a hull built to strong design standards. A collision bulkhead in the bow would contain flooding behind the bulkhead in the unlikely event of holing and enable you to get home safely. The cockpit is very fast draining due to the outboard engine well. The low profile hull and coach roof minimises windage (very important when needing to sail off a lee shore). The high cockpit seat coamings result in a safe, dry cockpit. The cutter type rig with working jib secured inboard on the bow provides a strong, safe rig. All reefing and sail handling is done from within the cockpit. There are safety points for harness lines. The deep recessed foredeck provides a safe area for anchor work. There is a substantial toe / handrail along the edge of the cabin top. The outboard is mounted in the correct position - it cannot cavitate or be flooded as can happen when mounted on the transom. It provides wash where you need it most - on the rudder.

Stability has been a very important factor in the designing of this yacht. We wanted to ensure a very safe sailing platform for the novice and families. As a high priority, stability has been achieved through the hull form and internal ballast. Furthermore, the Cape Cutter 19 has substantial beam for her length and the lap strake chines provide reserve buoyancy once she begins to heel. The use of 300 kg's of internal lead ballast results in a superior and lower center of gravity in comparison to many boats which use steel punchings. From the stability graph above, it can be seen that even if the tip of her mast was brought to touch the water, she still has positive stability to right herself. This is a remarkable safety feature in a yacht this size.

Quality of product and finish are a top priority. Hardware is CE certified. Fittings are stainless steel and bronze. The Cape Cutter 19 is built to CE standards of quality and safety and has undergone practical stability tests for CE certification. She has been classified "Category C" for coastal and inshore waters - wave height 2m and wind force 6.

The aim has been to make an easy to handle, charming little head turner that every owner can be proud of, yet to keep it simple so as to minimise the amount of maintenance required to keep a traditional boat looking good and maximise sailing enjoyment and fun time on the water.