Cutter (boat) facts for kids
A cutter is a type of boat or ship. It can be small or medium-sized. Cutters are often built for speed, not just for carrying lots of things. The word "cutter" can mean different kinds of vessels, depending on how they are used.
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Sailing Cutters
Traditionally, a cutter is a smaller sailing ship. It has only one mast. This mast is usually set further back on the boat than on a sloop. A sailing cutter uses a special type of rigging called "fore-and-aft." This means its sails are set along the length of the boat, not across it.
Sailing cutters often have two or more sails at the front of the boat, called headsails. They also usually have a bowsprit. A bowsprit is a pole that sticks out from the front of the boat. It helps to hold the headsails.
Cutters for Official Work
Today, the word "cutter" can also describe a small or medium-sized ship used by people with official authority. These ships help them do their jobs. For example, harbor pilots use cutters to guide larger ships into ports.
The United States Coast Guard also uses cutters. These ships patrol the coasts, help with rescues, and enforce laws. The Border Force in the United Kingdom uses cutters for similar tasks, like protecting borders.
Small Boats Called Cutters
Sometimes, a cutter is a small boat that serves a larger ship. It acts like a ferry. This small boat carries passengers or light cargo between the bigger ship and the shore. These types of cutters can be powered in different ways. They might use oars, sails, or a motor.
Images for kids
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USCGC Legare, an example of a US Coast Guard cutter
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Plans of a 25 or 26 foot cutter, dated 1896, with sketch plan of sailing rig. There is provision for 10 oars, double-banked
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French 19th century cutter
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Cutter race at Sunbury Amateur Regatta
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Wooden pilot cutter Lizzie May under sail in Brest, France
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"High Endurance Cutter" USCGC Hamilton
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Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard cutter Jaguar
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See also
In Spanish: Cúter (embarcación) para niños
