[1][3][5][7] The manufacturer describes the design's goals as easy to rig, sail and transport on a trailer for use as a daysailer and overnight cruiser in shoal waters and coves.
It is a gaff rigged catboat, with a plumb stem, an angled transom, a transom-hung rudder controlled by a tiller and a fixed stub keel with a stainless steel centerboard.
[1][3][5] The boat is normally fitted with a small 3 to 6 hp (2 to 4 kW) outboard motor for docking and maneuvering, mounted on a bracket on the port side of the transom.
[3] In a 2010 review Steve Henkel wrote, "best features: The Hutchins Company generally does a good job on finishing their boats, even the small ones.
The review concluded, "the Sun Cat is a great choice for anyone who wants a small sailboat that is both comfortable and easy to sail, and it also has enough responsiveness and trim adjustments to please and challenge even very experienced sailors.