Woodenboatusa
Atkin Katydidn't & Petey Dink 6ft CM Custom Built Boat, Wood/composite
Atkin Katydidn't & Petey Dink 6ft CM Custom Built Boat, Wood/composite
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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, and US -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
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.
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What makes our wooden boats so unique and special?
Hundreds of hours go into the construction of our boats, as perfection is the only options.
- ENVIRONMENTAL FRIENDLY: We use only certified top-grade, hand-selected wood such as Canadian red cedar, mahogany, rosewood, teak and more.
- THE ART OF CRAFTSMANSHIP: Merging centuries-old customs with technological innovation, we bring you boats that excel in every categories.
- IN-HOUSE QUALITY CONTROL: Each of our wooden boats goes through a demand quality control process including in water testing before leaving the workshop.
About Woodenboat USA™
The story of time-honored traditions of boat building.
More than just watercraft, our wooden boats, kayaks and canoes represent connections to a legacy of craftsmanship and old world techniques. Woodenboat USA is invested in the type of construction that recalls generations of boat making. Over thirty years in business, our commitment has always been and will continue to be, to excellence, to tradition and to creating products that you can enjoy both for their performance and incredible beauty.
Inspired by history, the names of our watercraft are derived from the northern waterways where natives and settlers have used them for centuries. Merging centuries-old customs with improvements in technology, we bring you boats that excel in every category.
Beginning with pliable, high quality Canadian cedar and hardwood, our craftsmen hand join each individual strip. Hundreds of hours go into the construction of our boats, as perfection is the only option. Once built, the piece is encapsulated in fiberglass epoxy resin adding an extra layer of durability and strength. At last, the water craft is ready for its nautical debut.
FAQ's
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What are your canoes and kayaks made of?
Our canoes and kayaks are made of the highest quality western red cedar and some hardwoods. The larger boats are made of western red cedar, pine, and hardwoods such as oak, mahogany, teak, and some locally available woods. Our wooden watercraft are then coated both inside and out in an incredibly durable American made fiberglass and epoxy resin.
You mentioned that you use fiberglass in your boats, so what is the difference between your boats and fiberglass boats?
We only use 1 or 2 clear thin layers of fiberglass coating on top of the wood for reinforcement and added integrity. You never see any fiberglass, only beautiful, hand-joined cedar and hardwoods.
What is a typical cedar strip canoe or kayak weight?
A 15’ kayak weighs approximately 45lbs, making it very easy for one person to carry. A 16’ canoe weighs about 48lbs.
What type of boats do you build?
Our wooden strip canoes and kayaks are hugely popular for touring and recreational purposes. We also build wooden dinghies, wooden sail boats, classic wooden runabouts, and speedboats. Additionally, we can custom-build any design with which you supply us.
What methods do you use to build the boats?
Focused on integrating traditional technique with modern design, all boats are built by hand, typically taking hundreds of man hours to create.
How do I order?
Please contact our dealers or call (877) 88 Boats for more information.
How long does an order take?
Boats that we have in stock can be shipped to you within a week). New or custom products generally take 2-3 months as everything we sell is 100% hand crafted.
How do you ship it?
We can ship via trucking company very safely. We also insure all freight so in the very rare case that a shipment is damaged during transit, we will take care of the details and immediately replace the item for you. We also have distributors all over the world, so please contact us to find out more information.
How do I become a distributor of your products?
We welcome qualified dealers and distributors all over the world. Please contact us today at (877) 88 Boats or email us at info@woodenboatusa.com for more information.
What kind of warranty can I expect?
For all products we offer a 6 month limited warranty on materials and craftsmanship.
Guidelines for use
CARE:
With a little bit of care and maintenance, your beautiful canoe can last for generations. While our products are certainly durable and solid, they still require the right type of care and handling to ensure that they perform optimally.
- It is recommended that you rinse your canoe off with fresh clean water after every use.
- Upon returning from the trip, allow your canoe to air-dry in the shade.
STORAGE:
Besides taking care of your canoe, storage also plays an essential role in maintaining your canoe’s appearance and beauty.
- Always store your wooden canoe in shade.
- Turn it upside down on the support thereby keeping it off the ground.
- Hanging your boat from the rafters in your garage or shop would be ideal storage.
REPAIR:
Minor scratches can be repaired by marine spar vanish or some brand of automobile wax. Smooth the damaged area with sand paper, wipe clean, then apply marine spar vanish.
SAFETY:
Wooden Boat USA strongly recommends that a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) is worn whenever paddling.