CC19 Dayboat, Family Daysailer & Camp-Cruiser

 I designed the Cape Cutter 19 in 2000, as a little GRP production trailer-sailer for Cape Cutter Yachts. A few years later I added a plywood version for amateur builders, now with nearly 90 plywood boats in 28 countries. Since then I have been asked a few times for an open day-sailer version. Here it is, the CC19 Dayboat.

This is more than a basic day-sailer though, the cockpit is proportioned for up to 6 people to sleep comfortably on airbeds on the cockpit sole and seats, as a camp-cruiser. That space also means that a family of 6 or more can all sail together for day-sailing and picnic cruises rather than taking turns.

Gaff rig of CC19 Dayboat

The Cape Cutter 19 has a great reputation for surprising speed in light to moderate breeze and seaworthiness in strong winds and big seas. Those same characteristics are passed on to this version. In line with that seaworthiness, the cockpit is above waterline and self-draining, with any water from a boarding wave exiting via two routes, through the engine well and the centreboard casing. The 16 independent buoyancy compartments under the cockpit and seating further increase the safety.

Deck & cockpit layout 

 The forward seats fold down to add floor space when needed. Under the foredeck is a small lockable cuddy for safe and dry storage. At the other end, the outboard engine sits in a well, with a dam around it to contain oil spills. The motor is covered by a hinged hatch over the top and a door in front. The motor sits just ahead of the balanced transom-hung rudder, for quick helm response when motoring in tight spaces.

The sail plan is the same as the Cape Cutter 19 and should be sailed the same way. There are three headsails, Genoa, Yankee and staysail/jib. The Genoa should be used with the main in light to moderate breeze for best speed. For those who prefer a true cutter rig, use the Yankee along with the staysail and mainsail. For strong winds use the staysail as a working jib along with the mainsail, reefed as needed for the wind strength.

The mast is stepped in a tabernacle for easy raising/lowering and the bowsprit folds aft. The main forestay goes to the stemhead, with the staysail either hanked or on a furler. The Genoa or Yankee can be on a soft furler or top-down furler.

Section through centreboard casing

The centreboard is glass-sheathed plywood, ballasted with a lead insert. Primary ballast is internal, in the bilge and glassed over to secure it in place. My client for this design chose to keep the solid ballast of the Cape Cutter 19 rather than change to less effective water ballast.

This boat can be built from plans, which include full-size Mylar patterns of the bulkheads, backbone and transom. We also offer Mylar skin patterns as an optional extra. A plywood CNC kit comprising bulkheads, backbone and all skin panels can also be supplied.

See more of this and our other designs on our main website or our mobile website.