roland 36 catamaran

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Roland36 aka NACRA36

By ray_zuredge , January 1, 2005 in Nacra Sailors Forum

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Ray_zuredge.

If anyone is interested, the 36' catamaran molds are available for production runs. Pricing is near complete for an all carbon build to the America's Cup Catamaran specifications.

Due to some naming restrictions, the completed boat will be called "X1".

This project is being documented at www.sailfast.us

Any and all input is welcome!!!

Ray Zuredge, SailFast.us

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American (west coast) Catamaran builder, designer and founder/creator of the NACRA brand. Originally an acronym for North American Catamaran Racing Association.

5 Sailboats designed by Tom Roland

Nacra 5.5 (18 SQ. Meter)

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Catalina 36 MK II

This recent update of an extraordinarily popular 18-year-old design is a good all-around boat. owners’ main complaint is with interior woodwork..

Now the largest manufacturer of sailboats in the US, Catalina Yachts was formed in 1970, two years after founder Frank Butler was fired by the company to which he sold his first boatbuilding business.

Butler was the owner of a machine shop that provided parts for the aircraft industry when he began sailing at age 30. In 1961 he got the boatbuilding bug and formed Wesco Marine, soon changing the name to Coronado Yachts.

He successfully introduced the Coronado 25 in 1964, and sold the company to the Whitaker Corp. in 1968. A year later he was unemployed, and prohibited by a no-compete agreement from forming another company for two years.

With the expiration of the agreement in 1970 he established Catalina Yachts; introduced the Catalina 22, of which more than 15,500 have been sold; and began a steady ascent to the top of the industry.

The company’s 700 employees occupy more than 500,000 square feet of manufacturing space at two plants in California, and a third in Florida, purchased from Morgan Yachts. Butler still manages the daily affairs of the company, and continues to act as “warranty coordinator.” He is assisted by chief designer and engineer Gerry Douglas, and Sharon Day, director of marketing, both of whom are now co-owners.

Catalina’s model lines range from the 8-foot Sabot to a well-developed line of Catalina and Expedition daysailers to boats with cabins that run the gamut from the Capri 22 to the Catalina 470. The company also builds Nacra catamarans.

Design Like most of the company’s boats, the Catalina 36 was designed by the in-house design team under the direction of Douglas.

“The target market for the 36 is couples and families who primarily weekend and vacation cruise but may be planning some extended cruising,” said Douglas. “They want a boat that is comfortable, offers reasonable performance, and is stable and predicable to handle. The boat suits their budget, and they can add gear for bluewater cruising.”

Like most modern production boats, the 36MKII has a fairly flat sheer, low-profile cabin and short overhangs. Beam is carried well aft to accommodate the double berth in the aft cabin.

“The hull shape has remained the same, since a basic tenet was that the boat would sail in a one-design fleet,” Douglas said. As a consequence, changes to appendages have had little affect on the PHRF rating, which is 140-150, depending upon local fleet handicappers.

The standard fin keel is the same design as on hull #1, though two shoal draft keels have been offered. An optional Scheel keel, which enjoyed limited success, has been replaced by a shoal draft wing keel. On new boats the rudder has been reconfigured as a semi-elliptical blade.

Three different decks have been manufactured but, as Douglas said, “most of the changes are cosmetic or ergonomic and have gone unnoticed. Maybe a customer said that a radius needed to be softened or I noticed things on my boat that I wanted to change.”

The MKII was introduced in August 1994 with hull #1368. Hull #2038 was launched last March.

Construction Catalinas are assembled from three principal moldings—the hull, deck and an interior liner that incorporates the cabin sole and much of the “furniture.” Butler was an early (possibly the first in the US) proponent of this time-saving method.

The hand-laid hull is solid fiberglass. Vinylester resin is used on the outer plies, underneath the gelcoat, because it better resists osmotic blistering than polyester. The balance of the laminate consists of alternating layers of 7.5-ounce cloth, 24-ounce roving and 1.5-ounce chopped strand mat (CSM).

“There’s more knitted than woven roving in current models,” Douglas said, adding that this improves structural integrity.

Hull thickness is 1″ at the centerline and 5/8″ on bottom panels.

The liner is bonded to the hull at all intersections using X-mat tape. Bulkheads are bedded in 3M 5200 and bolted or screwed to the liner.

The hand-laid deck is cored with Baltec AL 600 end-grain balsa; decks on earlier versions were cored with plywood.

The hull/deck joint is an overlapping flange bonded with a fiberglass-reinforced polyester mix and secured with 1/4″ bolts on 6″ centers.

The loads from the lower shrouds are transferred to the hull via tie rods fastened to the chainplates on top and to reinforced areas of the hull at bottom. A common complaint among owners responding to a PS survey is that chainplates leak and require annual inspection or rebedding.

Deck hardware is fastened with machine screws to drilled and tapped aluminum plates bedded in the deck laminate. This method produces a secure fit and avoids dimples on the ceiling of the interior.

The keel is lead with 2% antimony and installed with type 316 stainless steel keel bolts. The fin weighs 6,042 pounds, the wing keel 6,670 pounds.

On Deck Because the 36MKII was designed for cruising by couples and families with children, the deck layout is organized for shorthanded sailing.

The anodized mast is manufactured by Catalina. A Schaeffer 2100 furler is standard. The solid vang and most deck hardware are made by Garhauer Marine. Lewmar winches and hatches are standard. These lower-priced products are fine for their intended use.

The wire upper shrouds and stays are 5/16″; lower shrouds are 1/4″. A split backstay is equipped with adjustable turnbuckles. We would consider adding a backstay adjuster, which would have eliminated headstay sag on our test boat.

Standard running rigging on the boat is Dacron, strong enough and suitable for most owners, but we would consider switching to low-stretch rope.

Primary winches are self-tailing, chromed-bronze Lewmar 48s; halyard winches are self-tailing Lewmar 30s. Both were large enough for the heavy loads we encountered during our test sail.

The tracks for jib and genoa cars are located inboard, near the cabin sides, and outboard on the toerail. During our test sail we found the inboard track to be at least 1′ too short for sailing hard on the breeze with a double reef in the main and shortened headsail.

Standing rigging is led out of the way to the base of the cabin trunk, easing maneuvering along the 17″-wide decks. Coupled with a 1-1/2″ high toerail, and a stainless steel handrail running the length of the cabintop, we always found a handhold. However, stanchions are only 24″ high, 5″ lower than we prefer on an oceangoing yacht. Similarly, the mast pulpit is only 25″ tall.

A taller rig designed to improve performance in light air adds 24″ to the 44′ 9″ standard spar height and $860 to the purchase price, including the cost of larger sails — a deal worth grabbing, we think.

The anchor locker houses two 35-pound anchors and rode, and is designed for installation of a saltwater washdown hose. A Maxwell windlass mounted in the anchor locker is optional.

Ten-inch mooring cleats are located at the bow and stern.

We found the 8′ 8″ cockpit comfortable under sail and at dockside. Seats are 17″ wide and have comfortable 13″ backrests. Though a 42″-diameter destroyer wheel eases steering in heavy winds and seas, it impedes movement forward to the jib sheet or mainsail controls when singlehanding.

When the combination of wind and heel resulted in cushions being tossed around the cockpit, we stowed them below, only to discover that wet, slick cockpit seats make tending sail controls difficult when heeled more than 10°. A better non-skid surface would be safer.

Light and ventilation belowdecks are provided by Lewmar hatches located on the bow, amidships, and over the galley and nav station. The large hatch that vents the aft stateroom is covered by a hinged cockpit seat.

One old 36 we inspected had windows screwed to the outside of the cabin side. We prefer the current method of bedding ports in the cabin sides. However, the windows overlap the fiberglass to which they are bonded by 1-1/2 inches, and few owners reported leaks on newer boats.

A storage area spans the stern and provides access to the steering gear. A propane locker is located in the stern and vented overboard. The port lazarette has adequate space for the storage of deck gear, dock lines and, if properly stowed, an inflatable dinghy.

Belowdecks The accommodation plan is nearly 20 years old and is essentially unchanged, except for “minor changes in storage areas, especially where batteries are located,” Douglas said.

The saloon measures 13′ 4″ long from the companionway to the forward stateroom, and maximum headroom is 6′ 5″. The combination of light- colored composite countertops and wood cabinetry, opening ports and hatches, and two portlights in the hull contribute to a sense of spaciousness.

The galley is located to port at the foot of the companionway, aft of a U-shaped dinette that seats four. (An L-shaped dinette with fold-down table also is available.) Forward to port is the head, which can be accessed from the saloon or the forward stateroom. The V-berth measures 90″ wide at the head and 84″ on centerline.

A second stateroom below the cockpit is accessed from a door in the port quarter. The nav station sits opposite the galley, aft of two heavily cushioned seats located to either side of a 25″ x 30″ game table that can double as a dining table or be converted to a 6′ 2″ long berth. Each chair has storage in its base.

“That table has been part of the design since hull #1, and was the first of its type in the industry,” said Douglas. “It’s still a good use of the space.”

One owner complained that the dining table mounting bracket is so far off the center of the table that a large person thrown onto the inboard edge could break the table. Another owner added a hinged second leg.

A common complaint among owners concerns interior woodwork. Said one owner, “The joinery is only average, but this isn’t a Hinckley; it’s a production boat.” Cabinet corners frequently do not fit squarely, and one owner reported having to plane drawers until they fit properly.

The galley is an L-shaped affair with a Seaward two-burner propane stove. The counter is 60″ long and 18″ wide when wooden panels are placed over the double sinks. A 22″ deep dry locker would benefit from the addition of a shelf and storage containers.

The 22″ x 26″ chart table is too small for full-sized NOAA charts but suitable for folded charts or chart kits.

The owner of our test boat echoed two common complaints about the heavily upholstered nav station chair, which is mounted on a swinging stainless steel bracket.

“The lock doesn’t always hold the chair securely under the table on a starboard tack,” he said, “and the chair blocks access to the aft stateroom and also intrudes into the passageway when occupied.”

“The nav station chair has been changed as a result of complaints about the stability of early models,” Douglas said. “Current boats have a bronze bearing on the seat swivel, and a stronger spring. And the backrest can be easily removed by those who are unhappy with the space it takes amidships.”

The nav station bulkhead is large enough for mounting a VHF radio, GPS, stereo and instruments. The switch panel is hinged; wires are easily accessible and color-coded.

Newer boats have a second electrical panel located at the nav station, equipped with a Perko master switch for the engine and DC power.

Headroom at the forward end of the aft stateroom is 5′ 10″, and elbow room is adequate. The stern bunk is a whopping 78″ wide and 80″ long. However, there’s minimal clearance betweenthe bunk cushions and the bottom of the cockpit—only 16”. A hanging locker is wide enough for four sets of clothes, and storage is in four tiny drawers.

The head is essentially unchanged from early models, other than the addition of a sump in the shower. It measures 50″ x 36″ and is furnished with a large cabinet and mirror. A shower seat is forward of the sink.

The diesel engine is accessed by removing the companionway steps and panels in the aft stateroom. Reaching the port side of the engine is a difficult chore. The fuel tank is under the aft berth. All of the tanks have inspection ports.

Performance We tested a three-year-old MKII with a tall rig on a blustery winter day on Puget Sound, and were impressed with its performance in winds of 15-30 knots.

The standard-issue sails showed signs of use, since this owner sails 60-70 days a year. The test boat was also loaded for cruising with two kayaks lashed atop the cabin, a towed dinghy, barbeque, propane tank, and outboard motor mounted on the stern rail.

In wind speeds of 16 knots true and a one-foot chop on the quarter, we sailed at 5.7 knots under full main alone. This was good speed, with a tacking angle of about 110°.

Then, sailing upwind with the full main and 135% genoa, boatspeed varied between 5.5 and 6 knots. When we reefed the main she flattened out to approximately 15° of heel, her best attitude, and speed increased to 6.2 knots. Our tacking angle with the genoa up was about 100° —not stellar, but not abnormal, either.

Next we tucked in a second reef in the main, shortened the jib to 105%, and with water coming over the bow we watched speed increase to 7.1 knots. At one point the speedo recorded 7.6 knots on the beat. She slowed to 6.2 knots when we pinched her closer to 40°. Footing off to a broad reach, our speed increased to 8-8.5 knots, a knot faster than theoretical hull speed.

With sails balanced, we also tested the Autohelm 4000 on a reach in 20-25 knots of wind and found that the boat tracks well.

The 36 MKII performs as well as owners say, but could be improved with better-cut standard sails and a backstay adjuster.

The standard engine is a four-cylinder Universal 35B diesel. Fuel consumption is estimated to be 0.8 gallons per hour at 2200 RPM. When we doused sails in 25-knot gusts the diesel easily held the boat into the wind. The boat responds quickly to the wheel under power, as we discovered while poking in and out of fingers docks in a marina.

Conclusions Based on input received from more than 60 Catalina 36 owners who responded to a PS survey circulated by Phil Herring at Catalinaowners.com, we consider them a savvy bunch who understand the strengths and shortcomings of their boats.

These owners consider their boats to be structurally sound, seaworthy, and “fast enough.” They don’t suffer from expectations of Hinckley quality. We note that three 36 owners have circumnavigated the world, without incident according to the company.

“They don’t mind not having that extra layer of varnish or wood plugs in holes,” as Douglas says, “and they like to tinker on their boats. I like to think that we’ve given them a stable platform on which they can safely sail.”

Our test boat gets more-than-average use by a family that includes three teenagers, and it still looks fit. The boat also suffers some of the shortcomings of joinery assembled in a large manufacturing facility.

An excellent 78-page owner’s manual includes schematics of all of the boat’s operating systems, locations of through-hulls, a complete parts list, even a section on cleaning stains on the upholstery. From an owner’s perspective, this makes working on the boat easier. From Catalina’s perspective, it reduces the number of telephone calls to the customer service department.

The warranty is five years on the structure, and five years for blisters with a depreciating schedule that reduces to 50% in the final year.

Considering the number of 36s built during its 18-year run, and the number of repeat customers among Catalina owners, we think buyers looking for a moderately priced production boat should definitely check out this retooled version.

Also With This Article Click here to view “Owner Comments.”

Contact- Catalina Yachts, 21200 Victory Blvd., Woodland Hills, CA 91367; 818/884-7700; www.catalinayachts.com .

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YOT 36 - we tell you more about Catana Group's first outboard powercat

July 13 2023

Written by Yachting Art English Edition

ActuNautique Yachting Art is already able to reveal new information on the YOT36, the very first powercat outboard of the Yot Power catamarans brand from the Catana Group shipyard.

With the YOT 36, the world number two in the leisure catamaran market is aiming for nothing less than to repeat the success of its Bali range in sailing, but this time on the powercat market. The credo of the YOT Power Catamarans range could not be clearer: to offer pleasure on board, a new state of mind on the yacht market, combining design, trend, space and comfort.

Certainly, the YOT 36 will be recognizable among a thousand on a body of water. On the design side, the taut and modern lines, very personal, should give the YOT 36 a real personality.

It must be said that the YOT 36 is signed by the firm J&J Design, a reference in the field of yachting!

The Hard-Top of the YOT 36, well integrated, will undoubtedly offer good protection against the bites of the sun, as well as against spray and rain. By using flexible canvas, the YOT 36 should be an all-weather powercat.

Important detail: the volume of the hulls should bode well for good interior accessibility, even if the yard has not yet revealed anything about the layout plan for this powercat.

Performance, economy and... stability!

The cockpit of the YOT 36 is distinguished with four seats protected by front and side windshields. Enough to enjoy speed in the greatest comfort. At the helm, the pilot should have fun, the YOT 36 being powered by two Mercury Verado V8 300hp outboard engines, renowned for their performance, silence and efficiency in terms of consumption. On the comfort side, the joystick should facilitate port maneuvers to the extreme, helped in this by electric steering and the multifunction electronic navigation system.

A typical central console deck plan

The deck plan of the YOT 36 is of the central console type, with two beautiful side walkways framing the steering console. This plan is quite classic, which clearly optimizes the useful volume of the deck, and the ease of movement on board. It is particularly practical in port, especially for the installation of fenders.

The deck area of the YOT 36 is nearly 38m2, i.e. a rather exceptional space used, the key word of which would be modularity in order to adapt to each type of use.

With its 3.99m beam and its 2 two aft bulwarks lowering to have a real beach club, the YOT 36 should be popular at anchor! As such, its central wet bar, outdoor fridge and cooking areas should make the YOT 36 a must have for family and friends!

This aft cockpit is completed by a foredeck which for its part accommodates a vast sundeck, a real bed on the sea, as well as a large bench seat positioned at bow level, allowing you to feel the speed while sailing, in complete safety. security !

2 comfortable cabins, in complete privacy

The interior of the YOT 36 - not yet unveiled by the shipyard - is organized around 2 cabins, positioned in each of the hulls, each cabin being equipped with its own bathroom and toilet, for overnight stays in complete privacy.

YOT 36 - a dedicated factory, in Portugal

The production of the YOT 36 will be carried out in Europe, and more precisely in Portugal, at Composite Solution, a renowned company, bought for this purpose by Catana Group a few months ago, and which is now specialized in the production of motor catamarans. of the group.

YOT 36 - on vous en dit plus sur le premier powercat hors bord de Catana Group - ActuNautique.com

ActuNautique Yachting Art est d'ores et déjà en mesure de vous dévoiler de nouvelles informations sur le YOT36, le tout premier powercat hors-bord de la marque Yot Power catamarans du chantier ...

https://www.actunautique.com/2023/07/scoop-on-vous-en-dit-plus-sur-le-yot-36-premier-powercat-hors-bord-de-catana-group.html

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36 Sport Power Catamaran

The Aquila 36 Sport is a totally innovative approach to having fun on the water. An outboard propelled power catamaran that can day boat with a multitude of revelers and all their water-toys or provide complete privacy for two couples on an adventure to newfound destinations, all with a multitude of options that support everything from invigorating watersports to sportfishing.

Available with a sport windscreen, full windscreen to the hardtop or fully enclosed helm deck with air conditioning (cruiser package option), the Aquila 36 Sport can accommodate most conditions.

The controls are strategically positioned to give the operator complete command of the vessel and the Mercury Joystick Piloting option makes docking and close-in maneuvering intuitively simple. Easily operated and safely able to manage open seas, the Aquila 36 Sport is in a class of its own.

Read on for details on cruiser package option and the fishing/diving version.

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Plenty of Liveaboard Space

Aquila 36 Sport VIDEO – FEATURING Hydro Glide Foil System™

Want to see the Aquila 36 Sport  with Hydro Glide Foil System ™ in action? Check out the full performance evaluation and walkthrough by BoatTEST as they put this model and innovation to the test.

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Specifications

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Now Available as a Cruiser

Enjoy maximum comfort and control with the new cruiser package option. Featuring an aft 3-panel tempered glass sliding door which can be locked into place, the cruiser package option allows you the ability to close off the entire salon and galley for increased privacy, security, and relaxation. In addition to the improved climate control and aesthetics, the Aquila 36 Sport cruiser option offers accent wood in the salon, and Infinity carpet throughout the salon and galley. The already stellar Aquila 36 Sport now provides more luxury than ever before.

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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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Sail & Power & Boats & Motor Yachts

Edel 36 Catamaran Sail Boat, Best Seller

You can sail on the Edel 36 Catamaran Sail Boat with confidence, knowing that it has been built to last and features top-of-the-line equipment. It’s not just about how fast or expensive the sailboat is – it’s about how well it performs. The Edel 36 is no exception. In fact, like many others on the market today, it exceeds expectations and leaves spectators in awe of its performance and durability.

Sailing On the Edel 36 Catamaran Sail Boat Sleek and Fast The Edel 36 has a sophisticated yet sporty appearance. This makes it a great choice for anyone looking for a stylish but fun addition to their fleet. With its distinctive single-hull design, you can rest assured that your travel experience will be nothing short of smooth sailing on this catamaran sailboat .

Comprehensive Equipment List

The Edel 36 has a comprehensive equipment list that will both please and impress. The sailing yacht’s luxurious interior provides plenty of space to house your personal items and your boat’s equipment, as well as comfortable accommodation for your crew. Off the Windowed Cockpit, The classy and yet open-plan Off the Windowed Cockpit is where you’ll spend most of your time sailing on the Edel 36.

You’ll find yourself in this beautifully appointed cabin most working days, as you head out on your day-to-day sailing adventures. Custom Cabinetry by Boatbuilder Your yacht’s cabinetry is nothing short of fantastic. The interiors are beautifully finished with soft materials, including leather seating and cabinetry, along with stainless steel. The cabinets feature a variety of storage solutions, including top-mounted cupboards, drawers, and shelves, as well as a drop-down slide-out table that doubles as a bed.

Super Strong Aluminum Construction

Like all catamaran sailboats, the Edel 36 is built around a high-strength, lightweight aluminum hull. This sturdy construction is further enhanced by a Super Strong Construction (S.S.C.) rating. Although it may not have the acceleration of a fiberglass boat, the Edel 36 is highly maneuverable and tough enough to take you where you want to go. Trimmed to a Tailsheet Finish The S.S.C. rating also means that the Edel 36 is incredibly strong and durable.

This is evident in the yacht’s firm, yet lightweight, fiberglass hull. The fiberglass is strengthened with aluminum bars, making the Edel 36 a truly stable and seaworthy boat. Part of this stability comes from the yacht’s distinctive single-hull design. The yacht’s long, graceful lines flow beautifully throughout the water, creating a feeling of calm and assurance. The single-hull design also offers better airflow, which results in less drag, allowing the Edel 36 to reach a higher speed and achieve a higher sailing rating.

Foldable and Removable Cockpit Seats

Like most sailing yachts, the Edel 36 has fully removable, foldable, and adjustable cockpit seats. The removable seats allow you to take them with you when you’re not using them and make the yacht even more transportable. Cockpit Seats are also fully adjustable, allowing you to move them back and forth to optimize the amount of space available in the boat.

Trimmed to a Tailsheet Finish

Ships’ finish materials are typically painted onto the boats, making the surface smooth and easy to damage. This is not the case with the Tailsheet finish, which is applied using a specialized finish-applying machine. This finish gives the Edel 36 a unique and striking look that will make you stand out on the water. Additionally, the finish prevents water damage, allowing the surface to remain smooth and the lines to remain straight.

Aft Stowage and Storage with Great Access

Having a large, open cockpit and no storage space whatsoever is certainly not the type of space you’d want to be spending most of your time in. Enter the aft stowage, which is located behind the mast and consists of two large storage compartments with lockable doors. These compartments are perfect for leaving your toys and shoes, as well as your ever-increasing cargo when you’re not sailing. They also provide plenty of storage space for your passengers and crew.

Solid Wood Cabinetry with Leather Seating

Although there is a difference in class between a catamaran and a monohull boat, the solid wood cabinetry of the Edel 36 still manages to feel warm and homey. With simple lines and a soft, worn-in look, the cabinetry feels comfortable to sit in. The cabinetry is finished with a beautiful, hand-lettered sign that reads “Inspiration”.

User-Friendly Controls

The controls on the Edel 36 are user-friendly, making it a cinch to get into the heart of your sailing route. The wheel is at the front of the boat, making it easy to reach, while the controls for the sails are easy to see and access from the deck. The helm station also features a printed service manual, making it easy to find and quickly open when you’re on the water.

The sailing yacht market is filled with great options, but the Edel 36 Catamaran Sail Boat is one of the best. It offers a luxurious ride, top-notch equipment, and an attractive exterior. The Edel 36 has everything you need for a comfortable, sophisticated sailing experience. It’s not just about how fast or expensive the sailboat is – it’s about how well it performs. The Edel 36 is no exception. In fact, like many others on the market today, it exceeds expectations and leaves spectators in awe of its performance and durability.

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