Description:
The Katy didn’t was designed in 1937 by the distinguished American naval architect William Atkin Later, John Atkin, William’s son, modernized the design with cold-molded, strip-planked construction, giving rise to the refined Petey Dink CM - a faithful evolution of the original concept.
Our master craftsmen recreate this historic dinghy in exceptional detail, using the traditional plank-on-frame construction method and premium woods such as western red cedar, mahogany, teak, andUS -made Hexcel fiberglass with System Three marine spar varnish. Each model is built entirely by hand, requiring 4–5 months of meticulous craftsmanship to ensure every curve, joint, and plank matches the precision of the 1937 design. Customizations are available for size, finish, wood type, and display details to match individual preferences.
The full-size Katydidn’t measures 6 feet in length, it was light enough for two people to lift easily yet capable of carrying up to three passengers in smooth water. The round-bilge pram hull, flat floor, and thoughtful seat arrangement ensured balance and comfort whether rowing solo or with a small crew.
Principal Dimensions:
Length Overall (LOA): 6 ft 6 in
Beam: 3 ft 6 in
Draft: Hull only: ~3–4 in
With skeg: ~5–6 in
Freeboard: ~12–14 in
Hull & Construction
Type: Ultra-small dinghy / pram-style tender
Construction: Very light plank-on-frame
Bottom: Flat
Keel / Skeg: Small skeg
Transom: Square
Weight & Capacity
Hull weight: ~60–80 lbs
Capacity: 1 adult (or adult + child short trips)
Payload: ~250–300 lbs
Propulsion
Rowing: Primary (oars ~4½–5 ft)
Outboard: Not recommended (or ≤1 HP very lightly)
Optional sail: Tiny sprit (~20–25 sq ft)
Character: Feather-light, car-top friendly, perfect as a yacht tender or pond boat.
Every wooden boat crafted by us is built from Atkin plans, with full credit given to the original designers. For each custom commission, we acquire the appropriate plans and construct the boat to order—offering both full-size vessels and finely detailed scale models.
Contact us to discuss specifications and customization options now!
Note:
* Price starting at 4000 depend on material and options
History:
The Katydidn’t was created in 1937 by the renowned American naval architect William Atkin, known for designing practical, seaworthy small boats.
First featured in his book Motor Boats, Katydidn’t was conceived as the smallest practical tender for cruisers—easy to tow, lift aboard, or move single-handedly. The original was built by Ole Amondsen of Greenwich for W. J.
McElroy and quickly became admired for its simplicity and balance. Atkin described it as ideal for calm waters, capable of carrying up to three people while maintaining good stability and handling.
Later, his son John Atkin refined the design using cold-molded, strip-planked construction, renaming it Petey Dink CM. This evolution preserved the charm of the original pram-type dinghy while enhancing strength, lightness, and craftsmanship.