The three new Saro boats spawned a large variety of derivations
The Cutty Sark was aimed at the private buyer or small commercial operator.
G-AAIP received a conventional frame-andstringer hull, perhaps because at that time the A14 was still being evaluated, but all other Cutty Sarks employed ‘corrugated’ metal hulls.
Single-stepped, the planing bottom featured a shallow vee profile flattening out toward the stern. For ease of manufacture most of the hull skin panels avoided double curvature, this being limited to small areas around the bow.
External fittings such as grab rails and cleats were of stainless steel. To protect against flooding, the hull was divided into five watertight compartments.
In the bow a mooring hatch was let into the decking. The enclosed accommodation consisted of a side-by-side, generally dual-control cockpit, the starboard controls being removable, behind which were side-by-side passenger seats. A moveable upper section in the cockpit glazing allowed entry.
Behind the cabin was a luggage locker, accessed through a hatch aft of the engines. Late Cutty Sarks (construction numbers A17/10, A17/11, and possibly A17/12) featured revised glazing.
The modestly tapered, deep-sectioned can…
