39' sailing catamaran

Prout Escale 39

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Review of the Leopard 39 Sailing Catamaran

Product Details , Leopard 39 , Available boats

Learn more about this classic Leopard sailing catamaran model from one of our agents. Contact us today to find the boat of your dreams!

About the Leopard 39 Sailing Catamaran 

The Leopard 39 a model that was in production from 2011 - 2014, remains ever popular in the 40’ cruising catamaran range.  The 39 is most often found in an owner’s configuration, whether in charter service or privately owned, though a few four cabin models do exist.  The 39 made several improvements over its predecessor, the well-received Leopard 38 (Cruising World Boat of the Year winner), including an onboard generator, single level hardtop over the cockpit, and a hard top over the helm station.

The starboard hull is dedicated to the owner’s suite with a spacious head forward, desk, and hanging lockers.  Ample accommodations for guests or kids are found in the two stateroom, one head layout of the port hull.

The salon and galley have a good amount of space and ventilation with hatches on the vertical salon windows forward.  The U-shaped galley is great to prepare meals in and the 12v refrigerator/freezer combo unit holds plenty of cold stores.

The cockpit and aft deck of the Leopard 39 really shine as an entertaining and living space.  Designed with tropical cruising in mind you can easily access the dinghy and swim ladder without climbing over a combing or any other obstructions.  This will be appreciated by those who like to troll a fishing line while underway.  The helm station is nicely integrated into this space being only a few steps up but giving the helmsperson great sight lines throughout the boat.  This design allows for easy single handed sailing with all lines coming to the winches located at the helm.

Leopard 39 Power

Most 39s are powered by 29hp Yanmar diesels with SD20 saildrives; a generally trouble-free set up that with proper maintenance should last the lifetime of the yacht.  Access is good through opening hatches in the deck aft of the cockpit that will allow for an engine to be removed from the boat if ever necessary.

Like all Robertson & Caine built Leopard catamarans the 39 was developed with the serious cruiser in mind, but with the ease of maintenance demanded by The Moorings & Sunsail charter fleets.  As such access to systems is easy throughout the boat with through hulls and systems clearly labeled and panels easily removed with thumb screws.

The 39 makes a great couples cruiser and has proven itself on numerous ocean voyages .  The stock yacht with jib and main has a good turn of speed, however this can be increased with the addition of a small sprit and code 0 type sail.  With its ICW friendly mast height the Leopard 39 should rank highly to anyone looking to migrate seasonally between The Bahamas and New England or the Chesapeake. 

Overall Quality 

In all the Leopard 39 is a great compact cruising package that nicely compliments the way most cruisers use their boats: sailed as a couple in the tropics.  Never chartered, well outfitted owner version boats can be found in the $320,000 range.  Ex-charter yachts can offer a great value selling in the mid-200s, though will require more outfitting before extended cruises.  Even more budget friendly is the predecessor, the Leopard 384, which shares the same hull design.

See all of our current Leopard 39 listings.

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Technical specifications - Leopard 39

Photos of the boat, technical features.

• Length HT : 38ft (11.43m)
• Max. width : 20ft (6.04m)
• Weight : 9.10 tons
• Draft : 3ft (1.04m) to 3ft (1.04m)
• Max. sleeping capacity : 8
• Number of cabins : 3 to 4
• Bathrooms : 3 to 4
• Water capacity : 780L

Standard motorisation

• Engine Power : 35hp
• Fuel capacity : 350L

Standard canopy

• Total sail area : 302sqft (92.00m2)
• Mainsail area : 187sqft (57.00m2)
• Genoa/jib area : 115sqft (35.00m2)

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Scape 39 : Mini Review

• By Jeremy McGeary
• Updated: September 13, 2007

South African Scape Yachts builds its Simonis-Voogd-designed 39-foot catamaran with epoxy, E-glass, and PVC foam core using a vacuum method. On the platform thus created, it offers a variety of versions designed to fill a number of roles, from multi-passenger dayboat to high-performance cruiser. In the latter configuration, which it calls the Sport Cruiser, it can accommodate up to eight people for extended cruising, although in quarters the builder says are less luxurious than found in most cruising cats. Rather than a full-width bridgedeck saloon, it has a narrower pod-like structure that’s not directly connected to the accommodations in the hulls.

High bridgedeck clearance, light weight, and daggerboards all contribute to the Scape 39’s high performance while a central command console enables one person to handle it efficiently. www.themultihullsource.com

Scape 39 Specs

LOA: 39′ 0″ LWL: 36′ 9″ Beam: 21′ 0″ Draft: 3′ 0″ Sail Area: 869 Displacement: 12,000 Designer: Simonis-Voogd Scape Yachts 508-295-0095 www.themultihullsource.com

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Lagoon 39 Catamaran Review – Overview

The Lagoon 39 is a catamaran used specifically for cruising. Unlike the majority of catamaran designs, the Lagoon 39 is easy to control due to its more weighty bulk.

That bulk, however, does not slow down the vessel. In fact, the 39 is quick and agile, with a comfortable below deck and plenty of room for passengers to lounge around and socialize.

Table of Contents

Accommodation

The Lagoon 39 is available in five different setups with different combinations of cabins and heads.

The boat can accommodate a reasonable number of guests comfortably. Each 39 has hot and cold running water, a large dining area, and lots of space above deck to get around or just lay out in the sun and get a tan.

Light-colored woodwork and an abundance of natural light streaming in from the windows makes gives the illusion that the interior of the boat is more of a beach house than a catamaran.

The galley is fully equipped for cooking meals quickly and efficiently, and the dining space has room for everyone on board. The cabins provide both cozy sleeping conditions and a bit of privacy if needed.

The cockpit of the Lagoon 39 is a tad unusual but can become accustomed to over time.

There is plenty of seating in the cockpit for passengers to keep the captain company and keep everyone up top to view their surroundings.

The decks are open and easily navigated, but were designed with safety in mind. The hull has an interesting look that stands out among other vessels in the water.

Under sail, the Lagoon 39 exudes power and stability. The boat is precisely balanced and can withstand and navigate tricky weather and water conditions with purposeful and powerful grace.

The quality of the design of the 39 means that your cruise, no matter what speed, will be smooth and enjoyable.

In addition, the 39 is very simple to control and can be done so by even a novice sailor with little skill, but the more you know the more at ease you will be with this catamaran.

Lagoon 39 VS Lagoon 400

The Lagoon 39 design boasts a center mast installation that makes the vessel more stable and well balanced.

On the other hand, the Lagoon 39 is smaller than the Lagoon 400 , making it less powerful, and not as impressive visually.

That being said, both vessels are easy to control, but, for sailors wanting a more compact vessel, the Lagoon 39 would probably be more to their liking.

Lagoon 39 VS Lagoon 380

The Lagoon 380 can achieve more speed and power than the Lagoon 39. It is also bigger, has more storage space, and can take on winds at a decent clip.

The Lagoon 39, though smaller, handles well and is nicely balanced. The big difference would come down to the personal size preference of the sailor.

Why Sail the Lagoon 39

• Center mast provides better balance and control of the vessel
• Below deck is comfortable and spacious
• Above deck allows for room to maneuver or to lounge and relax
• The boat is not difficult to control
• Handles well in poor weather conditions and choppy water

In Conclusion

The Lagoon 39 is a catamaran designed with the greatest stability and mastery of control in mind to create the best sailing experience possible.

The unique mast placement and appealing appearance of the vessel from the outside makes the vessel something special.

Sailors who have no desire or particular caring for a vessel of a larger size will be more than happy to charter a 39.

Specifications

• Fuel: Diesel
• Fuel capacity: 401 liters
• Length overall: 11.73 meters
• Beam: 6.78 meters
• Draft: 1.22 meters
• Displacement: 7,260 kg
• Keel: Fin Keel
• Cabins: 4 to 6
• Berths: 8 to 10

Have you sailed the Lagoon 39? If so, feel free to share your experience in the comment below

Daniella has been passionate about travel, the sea, and nature for many years. As a child, she frequently traveled throughout the Mediterranean and continued with her journeys throughout her adult life.

Her experiences have created the desire within her to share her love for traveling with other passionate and adventurers who want to discover beautiful horizons and new cultures.

2 thoughts on “Lagoon 39 Catamaran Review – Overview”

Hi Daniella,

I have only been sailing once or twice but the Lagoon 39 looks amazing.

Where is the best place to go sailing?

I’ve been looking at Greece a lot recently as it is very cheap!

Greece and Turkey are relatively cheap, but I personally would recommend you to sail in Greece in the Ionian as it is the most popular destination in the world. If you sail in Greece, you can visit Turkey as well; they are very close to each other, so you can enjoy both of them! Have a great sailing holiday!

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Leopard 39: Owner Reviews

Now that the Leopard 39 has been on the market for some time, our owners have accumulated some longevity of experience aboard their boats. There's no better time to reach out to them for some reviews, especially since we have a Leopard 39 available for immediate ownership in the US. Read the reports below, listed by boat name and cruising grounds. We're glad to see that they've mentioned many of the Leopard 39's great features that we're proud of, so we've highlighted some of them in bold throughout the article. 

Full Deck, Florida/Bahamas-East Coast USA

"Owning a sailboat is all about sailing, and having previously owned a 46 foot racer-cruiser, we were concerned about the sailing performance of a catamaran. The Leopard 39 exceeded our expectations in both upwind and off-wind sailing and we leave many of our monohull friends far behind when sailing. Ease of sail handling is important when cruising and getting the mainsail up and down and the jib unfurled and furled is all accomplished by one person at the helm station and couldn't be easier. Sail trim is accomplished with the touch of a button, and the boat itself is a very stable platform under all sailing conditions.

Barbara often said that she felt like she was in a cave when down below in our monohull. We love the open airy feeling in the living areas of our Leopard 39, and with all of the visibility we don¹t miss any of the action outside when underway, at anchor and in port. Cruising the waters of Southern Florida, the Bahamas and the US East Coast for up to 5 months every year, shade and weather protection are very important. We can be anywhere in the inside and outside living areas of our Leopard 39 and be fully protected from the sun and any adverse weather while being able to see what is going on around us.

The Leopard 39 affords us plenty of room for family and friends to visit, and we all have plenty of privacy having our own living space in separate hulls. Securing the dinghy on the electric davit system is so easy that we often raise it at night while on anchor. During ocean passages the davits hold the dinghy high and secure and well out of any seaway." -John and Barbara

Delios, Florida/Bahamas-Around the World

"We looked at catamarans in the 38 to 42 feet size range for three years and when it comes to sailing characteristics, livability, and value , nothing even comes close to the Leopard 39. We love the very efficient and functional layout of the Leopard 39. She combines the best of all worlds. She's easier to sail and faster than our monohull of the same length. She's very comfortable to live aboard. She's ICW friendly . And, she's easy and less expensive to maintain than other catamarans her size. In short, the Leopard 39, is the trifecta of catamarans - the best value, the best layout, and the best sailing catamaran in its class." -John and Rena

Matusone, South Florida/Bahamas

"We were looking for a catamaran small enough to be used comfortably by the two of us, who do most of the sailing, but big enough to accommodate friends or children and grandchildren whenever they come to visit us. The L39 satisfied our requirements perfectly. It has a great layout , it offers the possibility to have two extra bunks in the forpeaks (we added a hatch in each forpeaks to add light and ventilation), it has two heads which is plenty for the family or when we have another couple without the extra maintenance required by the four heads in the usual layout for charter boat. We have been sailing her for about one year and we have been enjoying some great sailing. We sailed a monohull for many years, and, without the thrill of cutting through the waves with the rail close to the water, but with the comfort of always being flat, the L39 sails fast and goes upwind almost as well as a typical cruising monohull. Great boat!" -Carlo

Finisterre, Chesapeake Bay/Caribbean

"We bought our Leopard 39 last year and fulfilled our long term plan to obtain an ocean going cruising catamaran. The Leopard 39 has fulfilled our dream and much more. The attributes that we like the most about our new Leopard 39 is its quality of construction and excellent stability in various sea conditions. We always feel safe. The components used by the manufacture are all top quality with obvious attention to detail. A clear example of this is the labeling of all components in a rigorous and clear tagging system.

The boat is fast which appeals to my past passion as a sailboat racer. For 3 days traveling up from Ft Lauderdale to Maryland we averaged 11-12 knots in the Gulf Stream. On the Chesapeake Bay we easily achieve 7-8 knots with winds 10-15 knots even when pointing. The ease of raising, lowering and controlling the sails from the helm station is awesome, and especially appreciated by an older guy like me. The boat can be handled by my wife and myself with no problem. The twin diesels are reliable and provide for excellent maneuverability in close quarters. The twin 30 HP diesels will push the boat at 7.5 knots at 2900 RPM and have enough fuel storage to get you the distance when the wind isn't cooperating.

We live on the shallow waters of the Chesapeake. The shallow draft is a blessing and allows us access to many harbors that a full keel monohull would not. The shallow draft was a must in our consideration in our purchase. There is plenty of storage both outside and inside so clutter is minimized and equipment is stowed safely so as not to be a problem in heavier seas. The interior layout and comfort is also a key feature for us. The galley on the main deck is so convenient and the queen size bunks and walk in shower in the owners state room really fulfills the Leopard 39 as being our second home.

Currently we use our boat cruising around the Chesapeake Bay as we shake it down and ready it for extended cruising down to the islands and beyond starting this fall. Our Leopard 39 has met and exceeded our expectations. Dealing with the dealer and the company representative was a pleasant experience. Together we worked to spec out the boat to exactly my requirements. We worked the deal via telephone conversations and internet communication since I was working overseas at that time. We had several significant upgrades on the boat from teak decks, code zero and upgraded electronics. The boat was delivered on time and all additions were completed on time without any issues. There were no surprises with regard to extras and cost associated with extras. The boat was delivered exactly as expected to our written correspondence. The sales representative took us out on a sea trial and spent the time to make sure we were comfortable with our new boat. He also assisted us in getting the additional equipment we needed for making our first voyage.

After we took ownership of the boat the After Market Service was extraordinary. If I had questions about how to use a system or a question on the rigging, a response was provided immediately, from our sales rep. Additionally the claim process is simple and hassle free. I had a problem with the port engine amp meter, jib halyard roller furling retainer and a small crack in the gel coat, all claims were fixed to my satisfaction with no issues or hassles. As a Leopard customer you feel there is a Leopard team of professionals backing up there product and truly understanding the meaning of customer satisfaction. Without hesitation I would recommend a Leopard Cat." -Tom and Kathi

Sylvester, Miami, FL

"All in all, we were very pleased to find out that our Leopard was a much better value. Our comparison [with a similar size yacht from another builder] determined that the overall comfort was better on the Leopard, even though it’s a little smaller. The Leopard is equipped with all electric, including an electric winch for bringing up the dinghy. The Leopard also sails like a dream and powers along very well. We believe that Leopard builds a better boat. Better performance, more comfort and superior equipment for an overall better value- especially when the price tag is some $100,000 less! We believe that because Leopard manufactures so many boats for charter and they receive and respond to feedback from those customers- they have learned the importance of building boats that people want to sail. We love our new Leopard 39!" -Tony and Maria  (Read their full article) .

Cayenne, Darwin, Australia

"The decision to purchase our Leopard 39 probably ranked as important as our decision to purchase our first home. As happy as we are with our decision it was only cemented as the right one when we needed some assistance from the factory and got it! Your response to our calls for technical assistance were first class. I would never hesitate to recommend a Leopard, the boats are brilliant and the back up service matches them, thank you for the support keep up the great work. 

Our Leopard 39 "Cayenne" is our home on the sea. There are so many good design features on our Leopard that it's difficult to pick a favorite! But having sailed her over 5000nm now I can say quite honestly that she's a better boat than I am sailor. The most impressive feature is her strength, in open ocean you want performance , performance = safety! and fully loaded she gets up and goes, I doubt there is another cat in this size class that would come near her for strength, performance, comfort, and ease of maintainence  if you could build a boat with soul then this is it. We are about to embark on our next little adventure sailing and cruising from Darwin to Thailand via Indonesia and Malaysia, living the dream on the Leopard." -Guy and Cathy

Le Grande Bleu, North Carolina

"As owner of the first Leopard 39 in the USA, I have had many different experiences with my catamaran in the last four years.  We brought the cat back from Tampa to Fort Lauderdale after the show in 2010.  A windy and cold weather day (for Florida) didn’t allow us to sail the boat, but instead we had to motor it back to Fort Lauderdale. Indeed we had waves of 8-10 feet and around 40-42 F.  I was amazed how stable the Leopard 39 was in these weather conditions but also how well I could stand that kind of weather. I f elt great and excited, was hungry and felt no seasickness.  Our next great adventure was to bring the cat to North Carolina. We sailed it from Fort Lauderdale to Oak Island NC in 4 days and 4 nights, 50 miles from the coast trying to catch the Gulfstream.  Great experience, all kinds of weather. Running at 12knots, no wind for 12hrs, fog and no visibility over 200 yds, and a storm of 35-40 knots that brought us back to the waterways. Wonderful nights full of stars and amazing sunrises kept us going with excitement.

Since then I have been sailing around the North and South Carolinas. So far I have over 125 sailing days and enjoyed every minute of it. I have sailed alone a lot (60%). First because I did want to master all the aspects of the boat, and secondly because I am in my late 60’s (70 in June 2014) and it is harder to find friends ready to sail with me in my age bracket, always a last minute excuse.  Nevertheless when small trips are organized for 3-4 days with the yacht club (Cape Fear Yacht Club of Oak Island, NC) to nearby islands and parties, there are plenty of volunteers.  When my children and grandchildren are visiting, sailing is a must. They love sitting on the bow pulpits, dancing up and down with the waves.

The Leopard 39 handles beautifully, and one person can easily maneuver it having all the elements at the helm. The only tricky part is to bring the main sail up alone but with a little experience even that is not too hard to accomplish. Bringing the boat into irons using “auto” and motoring just fast enough to keep it straight, I then bring the main over half-way up the mast by hand (to keep in shape?  70?). Then I use an electric winch to complete the job.  After that sailing is a dream. She is very stable, easy and smooth to handle. I keep full sails up to 18 knots, 1st reef from 18-23 knots, and haven’t sailed in stronger winds.

The living space and layout are well designed and practical. The 3 cabin layout is spacious with a starboard master stateroom and its private head and large stall shower are very comfortable.  The outside layout of the cockpit space and outside dining area is inviting for gatherings and parties, a great place to enjoy unforgettable sunsets. I have added additional cushions for comfort to our guests.  The accessibility around the boat is spacious and allows easy access to the rigging and transoms.  Inside, the saloon gives you a spectacular panoramic view .

We are looking forward to our next major trip to the Bahamas in the near future and feel very confident that the Leopard 39 will do the job." -F. De Poortere 

Malika, Turkey

"We sail mainly in the Mediterranean with our Leopard 39.  She sails beautifully, whether upwind or downwind, quickly reaching 6/7 knots with only 10 to 12 knots of wind.  We also enjoy sailing under stronger winds, 25/30 knots, feeling completely safe, after taking one or two reefs in the mainsail. Hence, we never felt we had given up sailing performance going from a monohull to a catamaran. 

Contrary to many other catamarans we sailed, she bangs relatively less in the waves when going against the sea, due to the fact that she stands high above the water.   She is easy to steer, with most maneuvers being done from the captain seat (except bringing the main sail down and anchoring). 

She is also well proportioned, not too wide and not “fat” as a lot of catamarans are.  The cockpit is not isolated and the person steering the boat remains part of the party. She is just the right size with adequate comfort for two or three couples. The fridge and freezer are large and very efficient, the 800 liter water tanks mean that we do not have to go into a harbor too often. The Yanmar engines are also very reliable and powerful enough to maneuver the boat under strong winds. The engines are not noisy and their fuel tanks (350 L) give us a large enough autonomy (at least 40 hours) with no wind. 

The Leopard 39 is a safe, comfortable and well performing sailboat. We just love it." -Marie-Hélène

Interested in another great Leopard 39 story? Skipper Kenneth H. took a Leopard 39 across the Southern Ocean last year and saw wind speeds up to 65 knots. Here's one of his comments: "The Leopard 39 did a great job of delivering us safely across one of the world’s most notorious oceans, at a time of the year when conditions can be at their worst. What more can I say, than I am proud to have been chosen to undertake the delivery and that the company had the faith in both the yachts abilities and also mine to send me on this trip. Bring on the next one I say!"   Read the full report .

Save the date!  The Leopard 39 and all other sail models will be available for viewing at our Open House - Dania Beach, August 2nd, 2014. Contact us for more information. 

Topics: Owner Stories , Leopard 39

Daniela Clark

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Lagoon 39 Catamaran

Dimensions & specifications.

Specifications  |  Brochure

• Overall length 38’6”
• Length on waterline 37’10”
• Overall beam 22’3”
• Draft 4′
• Sail area Standard 821 sq.ft
• Engine 2 x 20 hp sail drive
• Interior finish Alpi grey oak and laminated Milano oak for the wood floor
• Naval architects Marc Van Peteghem / Vincent Lauriot Prévost
• Interior designer Nauta Design
• Applied for CE certification A for 10 persons

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For more than 30 years, we have been a part of the catamaran community and created Catamaran Guru™ to encourage and educate all the aspiring sailing out there. We understand the dream of traveling the world by catamaran and created a one-stop-shop to make that dream a reality for you.

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• Sailboat Guide

Leopard 39 is a 37 ′ 6 ″ / 11.4 m catamaran sailboat designed by Morelli & Melvin and built by Robertson & Caine starting in 2010.

Rig and Sails

Auxilary power, accomodations, calculations.

The theoretical maximum speed that a displacement hull can move efficiently through the water is determined by it's waterline length and displacement. It may be unable to reach this speed if the boat is underpowered or heavily loaded, though it may exceed this speed given enough power. Read more.

Classic hull speed formula:

Hull Speed = 1.34 x √LWL

Max Speed/Length ratio = 8.26 ÷ Displacement/Length ratio .311 Hull Speed = Max Speed/Length ratio x √LWL

Sail Area / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the power of the sails relative to the weight of the boat. The higher the number, the higher the performance, but the harder the boat will be to handle. This ratio is a "non-dimensional" value that facilitates comparisons between boats of different types and sizes. Read more.

SA/D = SA ÷ (D ÷ 64) 2/3

• SA : Sail area in square feet, derived by adding the mainsail area to 100% of the foretriangle area (the lateral area above the deck between the mast and the forestay).
• D : Displacement in pounds.

Ballast / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the stability of a boat's hull that suggests how well a monohull will stand up to its sails. The ballast displacement ratio indicates how much of the weight of a boat is placed for maximum stability against capsizing and is an indicator of stiffness and resistance to capsize.

Ballast / Displacement * 100

Displacement / Length Ratio

A measure of the weight of the boat relative to it's length at the waterline. The higher a boat’s D/L ratio, the more easily it will carry a load and the more comfortable its motion will be. The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more.

D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds.
• LWL: Waterline length in feet

Comfort Ratio

This ratio assess how quickly and abruptly a boat’s hull reacts to waves in a significant seaway, these being the elements of a boat’s motion most likely to cause seasickness. Read more.

Comfort ratio = D ÷ (.65 x (.7 LWL + .3 LOA) x Beam 1.33 )

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds
• LOA: Length overall in feet
• Beam: Width of boat at the widest point in feet

Capsize Screening Formula

This formula attempts to indicate whether a given boat might be too wide and light to readily right itself after being overturned in extreme conditions. Read more.

CSV = Beam ÷ ³√(D / 64)

An updated version of the LEOPARD 38.

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Prout 39 Escale Review

• Post author By Hunter Frey
• Post date September 6, 2020
• 7 Comments on Prout 39 Escale Review

The Prout 39’ Escale was built in Essex, United Kingdom in 1991. Finding one of these cats is a rarity, since it’s to be believed that only a mere 200 some are left sailing the seas; a cruising class gem, designed by two brothers, Francis and Roland Prout. The two brothers spent their youth learning the ropes of design and boat-building within the families’ business, building folding canoes and dinghies. The brothers even raced canoes in the 1952 Helsinki Olympics! Before the Prout Cruising Classes were built, the brothers designed smaller day sailing boats and also the infamous Shearwater class, under the families business. The Brothers domination of the catamaran cruising world began in 1975, when their company, “Prout Catamarans” was founded. From 1975 to when they shut their doors in 2002, Prout Catamarans manufactured close to 4,300 boats; 658 of which were the Escale 39 Series.

From looking at the Escale 39, comparing layout prints to previous builds, the Escale has a considerably larger beam, almost 2:1, resulting in a much more spacious interior. If comfort is more of a priority than being first to the destination, the Escale is a great boat. However, some interiors can be quite dated, thus the second hand prices reflect this. After many years of improving the notorious looking nacelle, Prout has engineered the ideal accommodations below deck, spaces un-seen in the mono-haul world. There are 8 different layouts to choose from, offering a wide range of accommodations. The hull design, being ruggedly built, Kevlar reinforced, makes them almost unsinkable.

Captain Jeff, owner and operator the beautiful 39 foot Escale, Summer Rain has been kind enough to do a full tour and interview. The boat has been in Jeff’s family since its conception in 1991. Circum-navigation of the globe was in its future. Summer Rain took its maiden voyage in the fall of 1992 after a lot of preparation. Since then, the boat has almost never sat still. Captain Jeff tells me story after story, so proud of his vessel. He has done so much work and refitting, that I’m boggled by the creature comforts and upgrades. Like many catamarans, the builder needed to find a happy place in the construction of the hull, keeping the boat lightweight enough, solid and able to create more windage, lessening the slow speed maneuverability that some multi-hulls suffer. The laminate that is used to build the hull is “one tough sun-of-a-gun.” Jeff tells me while smiling and sharing an adventure: “sailing in the South Sea, having an issue with the GPS and running aground on a reef, I was certain we were doomed” says Jeff. “After we inspected the boat for any critical damage, seeing none, we waited for the high tide”. With the incoming tide, Summer Rain, ungrounded herself, and the damage was very minor. “I couldn’t believe it”, Jeff says, “when I inspected the boat once we were off the reef, there were a few scratches, a couple deep, but I’ve seen much worse damage.” Other well thought-of- designs for the hull consist of the integral water tanks in the keels, which this provides a double skin; buoyancy compartments forward and aft Along with all the wood furniture and construction adds to its unsinkable reputation. Jeff strongly insists to me that “his experience, having met other Prout owners as well, is the quality of the manufacturing of Prout boats is quite superb.”

One fault, (pre 1996) that many Prout boat owners experienced was the cabin structure being compromised due to an ill thought rigging design. Looking at this Prout, I can see the main shrouds/backstays are attached to the cabin side rather than the hull, it’s apparent that it has been repaired several times with not much long term success and is now being refitted. This is definitely a weakness that in older Proust can lead to failure of the cabin roof. In 1996 this issue was fixed in the newer boats by using a diamond stay system with a taller mast and rigging off the sides. This provides more sail area, a stiffer mast and less chance of wear between the spreaders and the Genoa. The entryway is better designed and covered with a bubble on 1996 and newer builds.

Getting into the performance of the boat with Jeff, my first thhought and doubt is in the ability of the Prout Escale sailing into the wind. A typical misconception and one many mono haul sailors argue is catamarans don’t sail well into the wind, period. The Prout brothers, following their strict design rules, have resulted in the Escale being able to sail almost as good into the wind as any other mono haul vessel. Captain Jeff goes on to tell me about how often monohaul sailors that start sailing multihulls, tend to pinch up into the wind too much. “The secret” Jeff Says, “you must fall off a little, build up speed, then gradually sheet in and come up. Any type of sailing, even sailing against trade winds and tides, can be overcome by a little finesse and learning. “For getting to ones destination downwind”, Jeff says, “handing the main and poling out twin genoas, we have been able to cruise 160-190 miles and more a day”. This is unheard of in a lot of monohauls. In strong seas, storms and heavy winds; double or triple reefed main, combined with a small furled staysail, provides effective drive, great stability and a level of comfort, even in unpleasant conditions. The hydraulic steering is a plus, the rudder sticking where you put it, making shorthanded sailing a breeze.

Summer Rain has two heads, one in each hull, and three double berths, each about 17 feet away from each other, providing wonderful privacy that is sometimes ill gotten on sailing vessels. The athwartships double berths aft are great sea berths on either tack. Typically, one hull is for the owner and the other for crew and friends. The galley is quite spacious, with deep double sinks, full size navigation station, with all the bells and whistles to keep everyone perplexed. The Saloon comfortably seats 10, with 360 degree panoramic view and quick access to the cockpit. There are 16 hatches and four opening ports which provide excellent ventilation in the warmer climates. Aft of the cockpit there is a 12ft wide aft deck, that can stow anything from you dinghy to trash, to whatever else one may think of.

The deck design, an aftermarket refit, includes a water catching system that can fill the 170 gallon tank in a half hour in a tropical rainstorm. Jeff simply opens the deck side fillers, places a piece of plastic or towel behind the fillers and all the rain from the coach roof, foredeck and side decks, flows into the tanks, all Thanks to the integral molded toe-rails of Prout. The collection surfaces are so big on the Escale, that with the rain and a water purifier, Jeff can go quite a while before a shore water visit.

All these designs share some common features: such as beam-to-length ratios under 50%, small mainsail with large Genoa, cutter rigs stepped well aft, allowing handling in safety from the cockpit. These catamarans also share low aspect ratio keels for shallow draft and beach-ability. Jeff even told me one story of anti-fouling his vessel beached instead of hauling out. Once fault amongst all the Prout designs especially the Escale is the bridge-deck clearance, which some people say should have been increased.

The Prout 39 is one of the nicest looking catamarans you will ever see. She will look after her crew in just about any weather. But like any multihull, is vulnerable to overloading. Some things should just be left on-shore. All though, on average, what I have found is that the price per foot of a cat is usually more than that for than a monohaul, Escale Series vessels can be found at decent price. The “P” catamaran design is from a long line of top notch sailing vessels, such as the Quest, Event, Ocean Ranger and Snowgoose models.

• Tags Catamaran Interviews , Catamaran Reviews

By Hunter Frey

My name is Hunter Frey. I’m a sailor, writer and adventurer. It’s my passion to enjoy life, get the most out of it, and have no regrets. I like to share about the things I learn and experience.

7 replies on “Prout 39 Escale Review”

I love the hard canopy in the photo of Meander. Anybody know where I could get one of these please ?

I find it hard to believe that you would profess this as a decent vessel. It has many serious design flaws. I am a prout lover but when I viewed an Escale to purchase , it’s cabin top and starboard engine had just been replaced at great expense ( boat was only a few years old , due to companionway flaw , which caused severe leaking that makes this boat a sad NO. The previous owner of Different Drummer , who bought her at a boat show got stuck with a real lemon. His experience was chronicled in great detail online and a must read before you ever consider taking one of these on. Too many flaws imho.

Yes, it would be best if every boat were perfect, and sailors can lay back and enjoy the ride, but we all know that cruising can be defined as fixing your boat in exotic places.

I think any older boat will have some issues, and sailors are very good problem solvers and DIY experts.

Interesting, we know a skipper that’s sailed all over the world in boats from 11mtrs to 60mtrs and has had one of these built in Sth Africa in 1992 for 15 years and has sailed it all over the Pacific. Loves the boat.

Hi Hunter, I wonder if this message will get to you? Am I correct that none of the pics here are of your ‘Summer Wind’ ??

I am particularly interested in your comments about the rigging,.. One fault, (pre 1996) that many Prout boat owners experienced was the cabin structure being compromised due to an ill thought rigging design. Looking at this Prout, I can see the main shrouds/backstays are attached to the cabin side rather than the hull, it’s apparent that it has been repaired several times with not much long term success and is now being refitted. This is definitely a weakness that in older Proust can lead to failure of the cabin roof. In 1996 this issue was fixed in the newer boats by using a diamond stay system with a taller mast and rigging off the sides. This provides more sail area, a stiffer mast and less chance of wear between the spreaders and the Genoa. The entryway is better designed and covered with a bubble on 1996 and newer builds.

I have long been interested in aft-mast rigs….RunningTideYachts.com Just a few days ago i found one of these vessels in a marina here i St Augustine FL. I was intrigued with its rigging, and hope to meet the owners and go aboard. I would like to see the modifications you made to yours.

Beste, wij kochten vorig jaar een prout 38 uit 1998. Zelf wil ik enkele zaken veranderen aan deze cat. Daarom vind ik jullie forum wel interessant. Zijn jullie nog actief? En zijn jullie allen prout eigenaren?

Bruno Ik zelf heb een prout 39 vorig jaar gekocht in Ierland. Ben nu op Shannon rivier. Sports rig met chai plates aan hull. Bent u in Nederland? I went through lock 100ft in Ardnacrusha with it just about – its on YouTube very tight!

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Sailboat specifications

• Last update: 2nd April 2020

Lagoon 39's main features

Lagoon 39's main dimensions, lagoon 39's rig and sails, lagoon 39's performances, lagoon 39's auxiliary engine, lagoon 39's accommodations and layout, lagoon 39's saloon, lagoon 39's fore cabin, lagoon 39's aft cabin.

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Islander 39

The islander 39 was specially designed as an eco charter catamaran for warm climates.

A sailor of a certain age will know that with wooden hull(s), canvas sails, natural fibre ropes, at one time, all sailboats were ‘Eco Craft’. Sailors of that era adapted themselves to sailing and living aboard their simple boats.

The Islander 39 is designed to encourage Modern sailors to personally adapt themselves to sailing a simple boat, rather than using large amounts of Energy to adapt the boat to the ‘needs’ of affluent Urban Man.

This design is only available professionally built by Andy Smith Boatworks .

Construction

The Islander 39 is built professionally in strip-planking or double diagonal plywood and epoxy. Using renewable timber as the main boatbuilding material is more eco-friendly than building completely in oil-based composites. Her masts are wood and rigging simple, using the minimum of high-tech, high-carbon footprint, fittings and hardware. Rope is used in many places instead or stainless steel, as is common for all Wharram designs. With the worldwide push to reduce the use of fossil oils, the possibility of making epoxy resin from sugar, or plant based oils may be explored.

The boat is designed to be sailed and rarely motored, saving on fossil fuels. Her hullshape is slim with low wave and skin drag, low freeboard means low windage and hence better windward sailing and reduced fuel consumption when the (auxiliary) motor is used.

We chose the Wharram Wing Sail Yawl rig as its small mizzen can be used to assist in manoeuvring under sail, allowing Eco-sailors to avoid using the engine as much as possible.

The single centrally placed 9.9hp 4-stroke outboard motor is there to be used only in calms to get back in time for the end of the charter, or to get into places where sailing is impossible.

The anchor is lifted traditionally by sailing or motoring over the anchor to ‘break it out’. It can then be easily lifted by hand without the need of an anchor winch.

Accommodation

The lay-out of the Islander 39 is designed specially for charter use in a warm climate. The four simple ‘flexispace’ cabins in the hulls provide each couple with a private space. Half of each cabin is open to the fresh air, ideal in the tropics or hot Mediterranean weather; they are like a room with a balcony for secluded naked sunbathing. On a hot night one can sleep in the semi open, enjoying the stars overhead.

By using the bamboo sunblinds, natural airflow is encouraged. A waterproof cover is there for wet weather. For safety the cabin floors are sealed and self-draining. Large watertight hatches in these floors give access to huge storage lockers, one for bedding and personal possessions, the other for water storage, wetsuits or diving kit.

Water is carried on board in portable jerrycans, allowing them to be refilled anywhere and transported by dinghy.

The open sided deckpod, with ample seating for the crew of 8, has a simple but spacious galley in which several people can prepare food together, while enjoying a glass of wine. The cooker is screened from wind; roll-up side screens protect the crew from sun, wind or rain. The roof top is used for solar panels that will provide all the electrical needs, which are again encouraged to be kept simple.

There are two heads compartments, perhaps using composting toilets. Showers should be taken on deck, the platform hatch is a ‘well’ for raising buckets of seawater. Washing up is also done on deck (using seawater when possible), plenty of space to splash and the platform slats double as a built-in draining rack! Cooking and washing up out in the open as a social activity is far more congenial than in a cramped hot galley down below.

Low Tech Maintenance

The boat can be maintained without modern marina facilities. The small mizzen mast can be used as sheer-pole to lower the main mast, which is set in a tabernacle. The use of wood and rope wherever possible makes repairs and maintenance easy, also in remote areas where importing spares can be a nightmare.

Contact Andy Smith Boatworks

Interested in this boat contact andy smith boatworks:.

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Between a Sailboat or Catamaran for Your Sailing Adventures

C hoosing between a sailboat and a catamaran for your sailing adventures is a significant decision that depends on various factors, including your sailing preferences, experience level, budget, and intended use. Here's an ultimate guide to help you make an informed decision:

1. Sailing Experience:

• Sailboats: Typically require more skill and experience to handle, especially in adverse weather conditions. Ideal for sailors who enjoy the traditional feel of sailing and are willing to invest time in learning and mastering the art.
• Catamarans: Easier to handle, making them suitable for beginners. The dual-hull design provides stability, reducing the learning curve for those new to sailing.

2. Space and Comfort:

• Sailboats: Generally have a narrower beam and less living space. However, some sailboats may offer comfortable cabins and amenities.
• Catamarans: Wider beam creates more living space. Catamarans often have multiple cabins, spacious saloons, and expansive deck areas, providing a more comfortable living experience.

3. Stability:

• Sailboats: Monohulls can heel (lean) while sailing, which some sailors enjoy for the thrill but can be discomforting for others.
• Catamarans: Greater stability due to the dual hulls, providing a more level sailing experience. Reduced heeling makes catamarans suitable for those prone to seasickness.

4. Performance:

• Sailboats: Known for their upwind performance and ability to sail close to the wind. Some sailors appreciate the challenge of optimizing sail trim for efficiency.
• Catamarans: Faster on a reach and downwind due to their wide beam. However, they may not point as high into the wind as monohulls.
• Sailboats: Typically have a deeper draft, limiting access to shallow anchorages and requiring deeper marina berths.
• Catamarans: Shallow draft allows access to shallower waters and secluded anchorages, providing more flexibility in cruising destinations.
• Sailboats: Generally more affordable upfront, with a wide range of options available to fit different budgets.
• Catamarans: Often more expensive upfront due to their size and design. However, maintenance costs may be comparable or even lower in some cases.

7. Mooring and Docking:

• Sailboats: Easier to find slips and moorings in marinas designed for monohulls.
• Catamarans: Require wider slips and may have limited availability in certain marinas, especially in crowded anchorages.

8. Intended Use:

• Sailboats: Ideal for traditional sailors who enjoy the art of sailing, racing enthusiasts, or those on a tighter budget.
• Catamarans: Suited for those prioritizing comfort, stability, and spacious living areas, especially for long-term cruising and chartering.

9. Resale Value:

• Sailboats: Generally have a more established resale market, with a wider range of buyers.
• Catamarans: Growing in popularity, and well-maintained catamarans often retain their value.

10. Personal Preference:

• Consider your personal preferences, the type of sailing you plan to do, and the kind of lifestyle you want aboard your vessel.

In conclusion, both sailboats and catamarans have their advantages and disadvantages. Your decision should be based on your individual preferences, experience level, budget, and intended use. If possible, charter both types of vessels to experience firsthand how they handle and to help make a more informed decision based on your own preferences and needs.

The post The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Between a Sailboat or Catamaran for Your Sailing Adventures appeared first on Things That Make People Go Aww .

39 Vital Tips, How To Sail a Catamaran!(For Beginners, The Fun and Safe Way!)

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In this article, I list many of the things that I have found significant about sailing a catamaran. The list is mainly aimed towards sailors transitioning from monohulls, but new sailors without prior experience will benefit from reading this before leaving harbor!

So what do you need to know before setting off in a Catamaran?

Catamarans Don’t Heel

Since catamarans have two hulls, the boat won’t heel over to its side while sailing; this means a ton of things! In part, it means that your ride will be faster, safer, more comfortable, etc.

Read this  to understand the difference between monohulls (aka regular sailboats) and catamarans.

You will be faster on a Catamaran.

Since a catamaran has two hulls, it has less volume of the boat below the surface; this means less drag and higher speeds.

Want to know why cats are faster than other boats?

Maneuverability inside the Marina will be much more pleasant.

Although a catamaran will be more affected by winds due to its immense size, you can maneuver it as you would with a battle tank since it has two engines. That is doing a 360 turn without any movement forward or backward. This is an excellent way to enter and exit a marina.

Fuel costs will decrease.

Low drag means less energy needed to propel the boat; this is also true when running the engines. Compared to a monohull, the catamaran will draw less fuel.

Check out this article  to understand why and how you can save fuel and instead spend your money on fun things!

If you get knocked over, you won’t get back up again (but at least you won’t sink!)

Catamarans have a terrible reputation for flipping over or capsizing as it is known to the people of the water. There is not much data to support that claim, and if you look at the available data, you would actually see that catamarans, in many ways, are safer than boats with only one hull.

Are catamarans safer than other sailboats?

Catamarans are wider and, therefore, safer.

Is it easier to push something to its side if it has a wide or a small base? Yepp exactly, the cat has a broad base and is, therefore, more stable (the short and easy explanation). There are numerous other factors to consider but a wider base means better stability!

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Catamarans will get you the ladies(or men, or cats, or whatever)

There is nothing more accurate on this list than the fact that a catamaran will get you more company, of the sort you prefer, than a monohull. The sailing is smoother; the space is plentiful, it’s basically made for having friends hanging out on the trampolines.

Speaking of trampolines, some myths say that they are made to reduce water onboard and enhance safety, but everybody really knows it’s a place for beautiful times with great friends ;)!

What are  trampolines  you say?

Because of the shallow draft, you can go places where monohulls can’t

If you are going to the Bahamas (or any other place where the water isn’t very deep), and believe me, you definitely want, then a shallow draft is almost as good of a friend as a cold beer on a sunny day.

A shallow draft means that your boat won’t be sticking very deep into the water, which significantly enhances the number of places you can explore, and it also makes it possible to get very close to the beach.

Be prepared to spend your dollars.

“A boat is a hole in the water where you throw your money” is what a wise friend of mine once told me in a marina in the Miami River. Little did I know at the time how true that statement was to become.

And if you’re on a catamaran… you will have two engines, larger sails, more surface area, more everything, and more everything means that more things will break and more items will have to be paid for

BUT! it also means more fun!

Finding a place to lift your cat out of the water might be trickier than you thought.

Unless you are on a smaller cat, such as the Gemini Legacy 35, you won’t be able to fit in a standard slip, and getting hauled up out of the water might not be possible everywhere.

Be prepared to pay a little extra, and make sure you ask before you!

In contrary to many beliefs, cats can be sailed single-handed.

Another myth is that catamarans are harder to sail than their monohull counterpart; this is simply not true in a general sense. If the boat is set up for shorthanded sailing, it will most certainly be easier to sail than its heeling and leaning sister ship, the monohull.

If you are interested in the skills needed to handle a large cruising catamaran I think you should check out my recommended books here.

No more sailing close to the wind

Since a cat doesn’t have a colossal keel, it tends to move sideways when sailing close to the point of wind. This means more drag, less transfer of movement in the direction of travel, and a less comfortable trip.

Usually, a cat needs to sail more of the wind than a monohull,

Downwind is your new best friend.

But on the other hand, going downwind or running downwind is, together with humans, your dog and red wine, your new best friend. This is where the catamaran will show its true potential.

It’s fast, smooth, and can take you around the world!

Sailing around the world.

Unless you are setting a world record, you will probably take the westward route around the globe. Sailing west means traveling with the prevailing winds and, you guessed it, perfect for a catamaran.

Interested in sailing around the world?

You have friends? Bring all of them!

Maybe not all, but many catamarans can fit many people; 6-10 people is not uncommon. Most of the space is on deck, but since there are two hulls, there are usually 2-4 berths fitting 4-8 people sleeping!

That’s a lot of friends, family, cats, or whomever you would want to bring.

Are you used to monohulls? Then you need to update your storm tactics!

Often, the boat will survive more hardship than the crew; it has happened more than once that a ship will be found only to have lost its team somewhere in the middle of the ocean.

A boat is only as good as its captain allows it to become; with poor sailing skills comes danger, and handling a catamaran IS different than handling another type of boat. Ensure you update your skillset, especially those considering rough weather, so that they are relevant when transitioning to a different kind of vessel!

Full speed with double engines

Exactly how fast you will be able to travel is, of course, dependent upon many factors. But something you can rely on is that more power equals higher speeds; in most catamarans, they employ two engines!

If you want to see a table of examples comparing sailing with one engine and two engines,  check this out.

Hate swinging around on anchor? You better up your bridle-game

A well-balanced bridle will make the cat stay stable towards the wind; a poorly balanced bridle will tend to do a pendulum motion where the waves might push it one way only for the wind to push it back.

Want to better understand  how a bridle work and how to make one?

Don’t stop before the beach; go all the way upon it.

Sailing in the Caribbean, we could often find ourselves wanting to explore a deserted island. We could either throw in the dingy or swim to shore; with a catamaran, you have a third option: “beach” it.

Beaching a catamaran means taking it all the way up to the shoreline so you can step off onto a beautiful beach without even getting your toes wet!

Check this  out to understand what beaching a catamaran is like.

The cat is enormous; why not live on it!

A monohull’s size is usually what takes the fun and comfort out of the vacation, but with more space and your own berth/room, the ability to stay comfortably for more extended periods increases.

You might even have a hard time to get people of your boat 😉

How to sail faster upwind than a longer monohull

Yes, it is usually true that a mono can go closer to the wind than your average cat; this means a shorter distance from point A to point B if traveling directly towards the wind.

But, and its a big but (one T) catamarans on average are faster, that means even though they might have to travel a longer distance, they will usually show up at the destination faster than its mono counterpart.

Especially if we are talking longer distances, let’s say around the world or Atlantic crossings, then there is no discussion over which is the fastest.

Check this list of catamaran speeds to learn more .

No more merry-go-round while at anchor

One of the things I hated the most when living and sailing on a monohull was getting seasick when not even sailing. The wind pushing you one way and the waves the other makes for an incredibly potent mix of sea-sickness.

On a cat, that’s not really an issue; yes, it will swing around a little, it might even swing a little extra since it catches a lot of wind, but it is not going to roll! Which is a huge deal!

How to become a better sailor

Everybody says that to become a good sailor, you must get out there earn your experience, but without the correct feedback and conclusions, you might be at risk of sub optimizing your skillset.

This means that unless you bring someone very experienced, you might create habits that only work under the circumstances you have practiced, that is, calm weather close to shore.

What you need is someone to tell you, “that works today, but it will get you into trouble in X and Y situations,” those tips are vital! Get the opinion of someone you trust, whether it’s online or an actual person tagging along!

The American sailing association has a pretty cool book about handling large catamarans, check it out here.

Sailing single-handed

Catamarans, when set up correctly, can be sailed single-handed or shorthanded. Some of the changes you’ll have to make include;

• Get an autopilot
• Make sure your lines go all the way to the cockpit, so you don’t have to leave your GPS, radar, etc.
• Remove things that are obstructing your view; there are only two eyes on board!
• Ensure you have enough physical power to handle the winches, sail, etc., if you don’t? Hit the gym; if that doesn’t work, buy electric winches.
• Practice sailing single-handed(but have a passive crew tag along for safety) and figure out what else you need.

More info on how to sail single-handed

Anchoring your cat at sea

One way to do this is to use a sea anchor, basically a parachute in the water that breaks your movements.  more on sea anchors here

The sea depth in the middle of an ocean can be thousands of meters, so bringing that much anchor chain doesn’t really work. What you would do is drift under control, that is, situating the boat in a comfortable position, and that doesn’t make you drift too much in the wrong direction.

Picking up a mooring ball

This is a common question, but I’m not sure why it intimidates people as much as it does. It is probably the easiest way to anchor of them all.

Basically, what you want to do is;

• Prepare your bridle
• Head into the wind slowly, approach the ball on the same side of the centerline as your friend, who will later pick it up.
• Take into consideration the drift occurring by the wind and current.
• Use a boathook, stick, or whatever to pick up the line from the mooring ball and attach it to the center of your bridle.
• Put the boat in reverse, give it a little throttle, and tension the lines so that you can trust your anchoring
• Voila, you’ve picked up your first mooring ball!
• How to make your useless friend useful onboard

Turn that useless friend into and a vital asset!

The best way to prepare for troublesome situations is to think through what problems may happen and what you want to do when it happens. What you do is you bring that diamond in the rough that is your friend onboard, you discuss a few situations, you tell her what you want her to do and when.

Then you practice, not full-on, but you will show your friend how things are done; let’s say you want help with anchoring. Do a walkthrough of the process where you let your, now a little bit shinier diamond, handle the ropes and respond to commands. Offer honest and concrete feedback and let them succeed in the task.

Once you feel comfortable with your friend’s actions, you have accomplished two things, you have taught your friend a new skill, and you have acquired a crewmember! Glorious!

Bring your real best friend, the dog (or cat, for you weirdos 😉 )

Heeling is not only tough on us humans! On a cat (the boat), a cat(the animal) can move around more safely, and there is a smaller chance of it falling off. Many chose to keep the pet inside the boat, but I really do believe that your pets should also be able to enjoy the beautiful sailing and weather!

Prepare to see nothing.

I don’t mean beautiful islands and tropical beaches; you’ll see plenty of that! I mean, seeing where you are going, a cat has a lot of stuff in front of you(such as that glorious interior space), so if you’re used to your good old monohull, you might find it difficult at first to get at a good view of where you’re going. Especially when docking or in a marina.

Catamaran Sailing Techniques: Everything you need to know – Yachting World

The wind will give you a hard time.

A catamaran is basically a big box with floating sleds; boxes are not famous for aerodynamics. This box-shaped floater will catch a lot of wind and will make slow speed movements, such as docking, a little bit trickier.

To the rescue comes double engines with separate controls making it possible to do 360 turns on the spot and super small unballasted keels called centerboards.

Spring of the dock will be your new way of life.

Higher on the list, we looked at the box-shaped floating thing that is a catamaran and how much the wind affects it. This is also true when exiting a dock; all that force will make it impossible to head out if the wind blows towards the dock.

Spring off the dock to the rescue! This method uses simple physics of leverage to make your stern move away from the dock even though the wind and waves are pushing you back in.

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Stop turning the wheel and start using your throttles.

The downside of a shallow draft is that it won’t have much that stops you from moving sideways with the wind; the upside of having a catamaran is that you have two engines!

When moving at slow speeds, let’s say docking, you dont have much “grip” on the water and not much water passing around the rudders. This makes handling a catamaran in the same way as a monohull very difficult.

Instead, the preferred method is to put the rudder at center position and turn by offsetting the throttle; higher throttle on your right engine will make you go left and vice versa. This allows for 360 spins and precis handling in tight spaces! Pretty neat, I would say.

Get used to that hellish banging noise!

Bridge deck clearance is a real thing on a catamaran, and if you’re on a smaller sized or just poorly built, you’ll get more banging than your teenaged self ever wished for(pun intended)!

So bridge deck clearance is the distance between the water and the lowest part of the boat between the hulls.

This is the part where the water will pass between the hulls, and under some circumstances, let’s say big enough waves, water will crash and hit the underside—making not only a lot of noise but also vibrations throughout the boat.

Bring all that crap that you thought you would have to leave on land.

“sailing is living the simple life and bringing only what you need,” someone said to me once; screw that! 🙂 On a cat, there is so much space that you’ll be able to bring almost anything that you want and need.

People bring everything from scuba gear(including a system to fill up the oxygen tanks) to washing machines!

Even though I consider myself to be a simple man when it comes to stuff (i live in a van, as some of you know 😉 ) I can totally understand the beauty of bringing a lot of creature comfort on board.

Shallow draft, yes, but how deep is the water, visual checks.

Before sailing the Bahamas, I would hear of stories almost every day of boats that went aground and either got stuck or wrecked their ships. I was terrified but once underway and a couple of months in, I couldn’t really understand how it could happen.

So I started looking into the information about different accidents that I could find, and something struck me, common sense isn’t that common…

I realized that many sailors trusted their GPS or maps more than they trust their own eyes. I could easily understand that the people who went aground were the ones that did not do visual checks when entering or moving through a shallow section.

When storms roll in, the seafloor, especially if made of sand, shifts, and depths, is rarely accurate on a map, and if your sailing with only a few feet to spare, you better keep an eye out!

If monohulls give you feedback like your mom at family dinner, then a catamaran is your dead budgie.

Maybe that title is a bit of a stretch and only applies to my family; if so, sorry about that, let’s carry on!

So when the wind hits the sails on a monohull, it leans to the side, everybody gets seasick, and you want to go home, that is not all bad! That same feeling also gives the captain a sensation of how much force is acted upon the sails, something vital if you want to stay afloat.

The issue with a catamaran is that it does not offer feedback to the helm in the same manner; there is nothing dangerous about it; it is just different. The problem occurs when you expect feedback in the shape of leaning before you start reefing.

If you wait for that, you’ll soon find yourself in trouble!  The easiest and safest way is to use a “wind speed rule of thumb,” basically a standard operating procedure for  putting the reefs in based on apparent wind. Once the wind speed hits X m/s, you put your first reef in; when the speed hits Y m/s, you put the next reef in, and so on.

See a squall coming? Reef early!

A gust of wind? Head down, not up!

I know, I know, I compare monohulls and cats all the time… and yes, here’s one more comparison!

Some of you single-hull-people out there might be tempted to head upwind if there’s a gust hitting the sails, I would rethink that strategy and recommend you train your reactions to do the opposite! 

Heading upwind(on a cat) during a gust will increase the risk of capsizing (flipping over is extremely rare, but if you’re ever going to pull it off, here’s your chance!).

Gybe like Barry White would

I’m not sure we see the same things here, but what I’m trying to say is that you want to take it nice and smooth on the transition from one side to the other.

Tighten in the sheet, pull the mainsail to the center and slowly pass from one side to the other; this will decrease the wear and tear and reduce the risk of injuries from the beam swinging like a 

Owner of CatamaranFreedom.com. A minimalist that has lived in a caravan in Sweden, 35ft Monohull in the Bahamas, and right now in his self-built Van. He just started the next adventure, to circumnavigate the world on a Catamaran!

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