A cuddy is a small room or cupboard, especially on a boat.cuddy Oxford dictionary. Retrieved 31 January 2016. It can also refer to a small, cozy hut. The term's origin is uncertain, but it was used in colonial America as early as 1655. The term may derive from the Dutch kajuit, meaning a small cabin, or from the French cahute, meaning a hut.cubbyhole Online Etymology Dictionary. Retrieved 31 January 2016.
Nautical uses The term cuddy is used particularly in nautical contexts. In the 19th century, it referred to a saloon cabin at the stern of immigrant ships, where wealthy immigrants could travel in greater comfort than the steerage passengers below.John Wilson (2012) The voyage out - Cabin and steerage, Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand. Updated 13 July 2012.
A cuddy boat is a boat with a small shelter cabin with maybe a small head. It may have a small berth also. The cuddy on cuddy boats is usually not tall enough to stand in. Typical lengths of cuddy boats range from . The term "cuddy cabin" is still somewhat used (cuddy itself can mean cabin) and is a common term among small boaters.U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary (2013) Boating Skills and Seamanship, 14th Edition, McGraw-Hill, page 20–21. . Cuddy boats are popular as recreational boats with people who want a little shelter and storage space but do not want to upgrade to a full cabin boat. Cuddy cabin fishing boats are also used as near-shore fishing boats.Spira, Jeff (2007) Saltwater Angler's Guide to Southern California Wilderness Adventures Press, page 402. .
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