Quote:
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
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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