Petey Dink

A 6' 6" Round-Bottomed Pram

By John Atkin



My father designed Petey Dink and named for Katydidn't. The design is included in his book Motor Boats, published by The Macmillan Company in 1937. In this he wrote, "One needs a dinghy that will be towed most of the time -- but occasions arise when it becomes best to get the dink on deck or in the cockpit. I know of no other plans for a dinghy so small as this and so economical to build in the amateur workshop, or have built professionally. Mr. W. J. McElroy has had a Katydidn't built by Ole Amondsen at Greenwich. It seems to be entirely satisfactory, rows well with one or two aboard -- and will carry three in smooth water.

"Now in such a tiny boat as this, there is no way in which to correct violent changes in trim caused by passengers -- the weight of the load is out of all proportion to the displacement of the boat. So don't anticipate rowing off to sea in her. Kitydidn't is not a rowing boat -- rather, she is the smallest practical boat in which to get ashore from or aboard a cruiser. Nor will she sail -- and by the same token she is not a life boat.

"Katydidn't is a round-bilge pram-type dinghy, and is of a size that can be towed without effort, lifted aboard if necessary, and is so light as not to require a giant to move her about. The length is 6 feet 6 inches, the breadth is 3 feet 4 inches, and her draft is 3-1/2 inches."



[Back to Top]

Atkin Boat Designs - Established 1906