What is a cutter?
Q: What is a cutter?
A: A cutter is a small, and sometimes medium-sized, watercraft designed for speed rather than capacity.
Q: How is a traditional cutter rigged?
A: A traditional cutter is fore-and-aft rigged with two or more headsails and often has a bowsprit.
Q: Where might one find a modern-day cutter?
A: Modern-day cutters can be found in official capacities such as harbor pilots' cutters and cutters of the U.S. Coast Guard or UK Border Force.
Q: Is a cutter always a sailing vessel?
A: No, a cutter can be a small boat serving a larger one to ferry passengers or light cargo between larger ships and the shore and may be powered by oars, sails or a motor.
Q: What distinguishes a cutter from a sloop?
A: The cutter's mast may be set farther back than on a sloop.
Q: What is the purpose of a cutter?
A: The purpose of a cutter is typically for speed rather than for capacity.
Q: Is a cutter primarily used for transporting cargo?
A: No, a cutter is not primarily used for transporting cargo, but rather for speed and official authority.
