Ketch vs. Schooner — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 9, 2024
A "ketch" is a two-masted sailing vessel with a larger mainmast and a shorter mizzenmast, while a "schooner" is a sailing ship with two or more masts, where the foremast is shorter than the mainmast.
Difference Between Ketch and Schooner
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A "ketch" features two masts: a mainmast and a smaller mizzenmast positioned forward of the rudder. A "schooner" also has two or more masts, but its foremast is shorter than the mainmast.
In a ketch, the mizzenmast is located near the stern, and the sail plan typically makes it easier to handle with fewer crew members. In contrast, a schooner often has its masts closer to midships, and its sail configuration can vary widely.
Ketches are popular for cruising because the mizzenmast helps balance the sail plan and improves maneuverability. Schooners, on the other hand, are versatile for both cargo and passenger transport due to their varied rigging options.
Ketch rigs distribute the sail area across multiple sails, offering good control in strong winds. Schooner rigs have a flexible sail plan, often with gaff or staysails, which can adapt to different wind conditions.
Historically, ketches were used for fishing and small-scale trade, whereas schooners were favored for their speed and versatility in commercial shipping and naval roles.
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Comparison Chart
Mast Configuration
Two masts, mizzenmast forward of rudder
Two or more masts, foremast shorter than mainmast
Sail Handling
Balanced and easy to handle
Adaptable to various sail configurations
Sail Plan
Mainmast and smaller mizzenmast
Varies, often with gaff or staysails
Typical Uses
Cruising, fishing
Cargo, passengers, naval
Historical Context
Used for small-scale trade or fishing
Commercial shipping, naval purposes
Compare with Definitions
Ketch
A sailing vessel with a larger mainmast and a smaller mizzenmast.
The ketch set sail with its distinctive mizzenmast towering over the stern.
Schooner
Known for versatile and flexible sail configurations.
The schooner's crew adjusted the sails to optimize their speed with the changing winds.
Ketch
A boat rigged with a mizzen sail for balance and maneuverability.
They cruised comfortably in the ketch, handling its sails with ease.
Schooner
A sailing vessel with two or more masts, the foremast shorter than the mainmast.
The schooner's elegant rig made it a favorite among sailors.
Ketch
Designed to require fewer crew members due to the mizzenmast.
The couple chose a ketch for their long voyage because of its manageable sail plan.
Schooner
Historically used for cargo transport, passenger travel, or naval purposes.
Schooners played a crucial role in the maritime trade routes of the 19th century.
Ketch
Favored for long-distance cruising.
The ketch's balanced rig was ideal for their ocean passage.
Schooner
Capable of high speeds due to its varied rigging options.
The schooner's design allowed it to move swiftly through the water.
Ketch
Historically used for fishing and trading.
Old fishing ketches lined the harbor, recalling the region's maritime heritage.
Schooner
Sometimes featuring additional staysails for increased speed.
The schooner rigged additional sails to catch more wind on their journey.
Ketch
A ketch is a two-masted sailboat whose mainmast is taller than the mizzen mast (or aft-mast), generally in a 40-foot or bigger boat. The name ketch is derived from catch.
Schooner
A schooner () is a type of sailing vessel defined by its rig: fore-and-aft rigged on all of 2 or more masts and, in the case of a 2 masted schooner, the foremast generally being shorter than the mainmast. A common variant, the topsail schooner also has a square topsail on the foremast, to which may be added a topgallant.
Ketch
A two-masted fore-and-aft-rigged sailing vessel with a mizzenmast stepped aft of a taller mainmast but forward of the rudder.
Schooner
A fore-and-aft-rigged sailing vessel having at least two masts, with a foremast that is usually smaller than the other masts.
Ketch
A fore-and-aft rigged sailing vessel with two masts, main and mizzen, the mizzen being stepped forward of the rudder post.
Schooner
A large beer glass, generally holding a pint or more.
Ketch
A hangman.
Schooner
A prairie schooner.
Ketch
Pronunciation spelling of catch
Schooner
(watercraft) A sailing ship with two or more masts, all with fore-and-aft sails; if two masted, having a foremast and a mainmast.
Ketch
(rare) To hang.
Schooner
(UK) A glass for drinking a large measure of sherry.
Ketch
An almost obsolete form of sailing vessel, with a mainmast and a mizzenmast, - usually from one hundred to two hundred and fifty tons burden.
Schooner
(Australia) A glass of beer, of a size which varies between states (Wikipedia).
Ketch
In modern usage, a sailing vessel having two masts, with the main mast taller than the aftermost, or mizzen, mast.
Schooner
(US) A large goblet or drinking glass, used for lager or ale (Wikipedia).
Ketch
A hangman. See Jack Ketch.
Schooner
(historical) A covered wagon used by emigrants.
Ketch
To catch.
To ketch him at a vantage in his snares.
Schooner
Originally, a small, sharp-built vessel, with two masts and fore-and-aft rig. Sometimes it carried square topsails on one or both masts and was called a topsail schooner. About 1840, longer vessels with three masts, fore-and-aft rigged, came into use, and since that time vessels with four masts and even with six masts, so rigged, are built. Schooners with more than two masts are designated three-masted schooners, four-masted schooners, etc. See Illustration in Appendix.
Ketch
A sailing vessel with two masts; the mizzen is forward of the rudderpost
Schooner
A large goblet or drinking glass, - used for lager beer or ale.
Schooner
A large beer glass
Schooner
Sailing vessel used in former times
Common Curiosities
Do ketches require more crew than schooners?
Not necessarily; ketches are often chosen for their manageable sail plan.
Is a schooner faster than a ketch?
It depends on the specific rigging and conditions, but schooners are known for their speed.
Are ketches suitable for ocean crossings?
Yes, their balanced sail plan makes them popular for long-distance cruising.
Is a ketch a type of schooner?
No, they are distinct vessel types with different mast configurations.
Can a schooner have more than two masts?
Yes, schooners can have two or more masts.
Why were schooners favored historically?
They offered a combination of speed and versatility for shipping and naval roles.
Are schooners still in use today?
Yes, schooners are used for leisure sailing, education, and historical preservation.
How is a ketch's sail plan beneficial?
It distributes sail area across multiple sails, making it easier to handle.
Where is the mizzenmast located on a ketch?
It is positioned forward of the rudder.
What makes schooners versatile for cargo?
Their sail plan allows for flexible handling and efficient transport.
Can a schooner be used for cruising?
Yes, schooners can be used for various purposes, including cruising.
Do both ketches and schooners have staysails?
Yes, but their use depends on the specific rigging plan.
Can a ketch be considered a yacht?
Yes, many ketches are used as yachts due to their comfortable cruising capabilities.
Do ketches and schooners use the same sail types?
They may use similar sails, but their rigging and configuration differ.
What distinguishes a ketch's rigging from a sloop?
A ketch has two masts (mainmast and mizzenmast), whereas a sloop has only one.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
