B-Lion Information, Review, Specs

With its twin fiberglass hulls and centerboard design, the B-Lion was a product of its time, designed for both competitive racing and recreational sailing. Though its moment in the spotlight was brief, overshadowed by the rise of other B-class catamarans like the Tornado, it stands as an early example of the fiberglass catamaran's potential.

History and Design

The B-Lion began its production run in 1965. Its design was submitted to Boating Magazine in the same year as an IYRU B-class doublehander, a category for two-person racing catamarans. The creation of the B-Lion, originally also spelled "BEELION," was detailed in a series of articles in Popular Boating in July 1965, which covered the design process and provided building instructions for amateur constructors. While plans were available for home builders, most B-Lions were ultimately constructed of fiberglass.

American Fiberglass Corporation, co-founded by designer Art Javes and financier Billy Mills in 1962, built its reputation on producing boats that delivered "exciting performance at a reasonable cost," a mission that strongly aligned with the B-Lion's concept. Their manufacturing ethos during this era centered on making sailing enjoyable and attainable for a wide audience, as exemplified by their flagship Aqua Cat. The B-Lion, designed as a competitive racer, embodied this spirit by offering a high-performance platform within a recognized racing class. Its popularity, however, was soon eclipsed by the introduction of newer B-class catamarans like the Tornado within a few years of its launch.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a 20-foot catamaran with a reported sail area of 235 square feet, the B-Lion was designed for lively performance. Its lightweight displacement of 420 lbs suggests a boat that would be quick to accelerate and highly responsive, particularly in lighter wind conditions. As an IYRU B-class doublehander, it was intended for competitive two-person racing, implying a focus on speed and agility.

Equipped with a fractional sloop rig and twin centerboards, the B-Lion offered versatility in handling. The centerboard design allowed for a minimum draft of just 0.5 feet, enabling access to shallow waters, while the maximum draft of 2.5 feet provided essential lateral resistance for upwind performance when deployed. This configuration would have allowed sailors to fine-tune the boat's handling and adjust for varying wind conditions and courses. The nature of small, performance-oriented catamarans like the B-Lion means they are typically exhilarating to sail, demanding active crew participation to maximize speed and maintain control, particularly in gusty conditions or choppier waters.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its design as a 20-foot IYRU B-class doublehander racing catamaran, the B-Lion was not intended for overnight cruising or extended stays onboard. The provided specifications indicate no significant maximum headroom, and searches for interior layouts confirm that the B-Lion offered no enclosed accommodations. Its layout would have been entirely open, focusing on functional space for two crew members to manage the sails and steer effectively during racing and day sailing. Any storage would have been limited to small, open compartments for essential gear, characteristic of beach-launched and raced catamarans of its size and era.