Prout 39 Bluewater Cat ?

[Talbot]

Originally Posted by limejucer

Yes the bridge deck clearance is Low It is not a good thing. But the Nacell and narrow tunnels reduce the violence/impact of slamming in my experiance. higher wetted area = slower
However reduced windage is the pay off for a Nacell.
Solid foredeck = strong ridgid body.
Hobby horsing you got me banged to rights Guv.(UK expression means Yes)
Overall slower than modern Multyhull but solid and tank like.
My wife likes the security and stability

Dave

This also meets my own experience with the Snowgoose.

The Escale is a very different boat (except for the style of the interior!)

[Southern Star]

Please understand that I was not trying to attack the boat at all; rather I expressed an opinion on areas of concern already listed by the OP. I will agree with all of those who say that tunnel width and shape are also hugely relevant factors in reducing slamming.

Brad

[limejucer]

Brad no offence taken.

I put in my 2 cents worth. As a proud but balanced Prout owner (I Hope)

[Southern Star]

limejuicer, for whatever it is worth I took your posts as precisely that - proud but balanced. Furthermore, as a fellow owner of a British-built, tank-like cat with a cutter rig, relatively narrow beam and less than ideal bridgedeck clearance, I hear you!

Brad

[geade]

Originally Posted by allezaubon

We're looking at purchasing a Bluewater, cruising cat with a limited budget.

The Prout 39 Escale has come to our attention, however we're a little concerned with the lack of bridgedeck clearance, solid foredeck ( as opposed to trampolines) and the narrow hulls , as to it's suitability.

Any feed back much appreciated

I lived in Benfleet near Canvey island where the Prout was built in the UK, hence grew up watching them come off the slip.
They are an old design, good in their day and reasonably solid. There are quite a few home finished around so watch for that?
I believe from memory, sadly fading, that Bluewater purchased the molds and started building in Oulton Broad Suffolk. I looked over one being built and the quality of workmanship looked reasonable. I have to say that my first comment in ignorance was "is it a Prout".
One criteria in the days of Prout UK (80's) was (I am lead to believe) a max 15.75' beam to enable transit through the French canal to the Med. Hence restricting design capability.
I fear that Composite technology, French subsidy and flair and South African subsidy, and as always a lack of support for UK boatbuilding has led to decline in our innovation.
I sadly say that I believe they have to a degree been passed by!
Depending upon what your cruising criteria is you will or will not enjoy a low bridge deck and if you are extended ocean cruising with all the extra weight it could (like any) cat become a very wide unstable monohull. If you buy then make sure it is always slightly stern heavy never bow heavy. Good luck