| Fatty Knees | |
| Crew: | 1 (7' version) 2 (8' version) 2/3 (9' version) |
| Type: | Monohull |
| Construction: | Fibreglass |
| Keel: | Daggerboard |
| Trapeze: | No |
| Loa: | 7feet 8feet 9feet |
| Beam: | 4feet (7' version) 4feet (8' version) 4feet (9' version) |
| Hull: | 90lb (7' version) 110lb (8' version) 110lb (9' version) |
| Sailarea: | 40square feet (7' version) 50square feet (8' version) 60square feet (9' version) |
| Designer: | Lyle Hess |
| Updated: | May 3, 2010 |
| Olympic: | No |
The Fatty Knees fibreglass sailing dinghies were designed by Lyle Hess[1] (1912–2002). Produced in 7' (2.1m), 8' (2.4m) and 9' (2.7m) long models. The 8' model has a 4' (1.2m) beam. Primarily designed as a yacht tender with good rowing and towing characteristics, the boat can be sailed, with enough width in the beam to provide stability.[2]
The hull has a lapstrake appearance. The thwarts and dagger-board trunk are fiberglass inserts glassed into the hull and are watertight. It is cat rigged with a Bermuda mainsail. A transom notch allows sculling. Equipped with oarlocks for rowing. A small outboard motor can be mounted to port. Sailing gear is designed to be stored inside the hull. About 2000 dinghies have been produced.