Simoun 445 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The story of the Simoun 445 is closely intertwined with its builder, Gouteron (Chantier), a French shipyard founded in 1959. Gouteron quickly established a reputation for crafting practical, fun, and accessible sailing vessels. The company was an early innovator, pioneering the use of "contreplaqué ployé" (bent plywood) hulls in the early 1960s and later transitioning to durable fiberglass construction, the material used for the Simoun 445. A significant design feature integrated into models like the Simoun 445 was the self-bailing double bottom, enhancing both safety and convenience for sailors.

The Simoun 445 itself was designed by Yves Loday, a distinguished French naval architect. His design philosophy for this model aimed to create a robust and easy-to-handle dinghy, making sailing approachable for a wide audience. As a central offering in Gouteron's lineup, hundreds of these fractional sloops were produced over its nearly four-decade production run, from 1960 to 1997.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Simoun 445, with its centerboard hull type and fractional sloop rig, is characterized by a balance of reasonable performance and good stability. Its lightweight displacement of just 243 pounds and a reported sail area of 125 square feet contribute to a lively yet manageable sailing experience. As a small dinghy, it is designed for responsive handling and can be sailed effectively by an agile crew of two. Its robust construction and inherent stability make it a capable boat for various conditions, with anecdotal evidence suggesting its ability to handle "quite rough conditions." The centerboard design offers flexibility, allowing for reduced draft in shallow waters and improved upwind performance with the board fully deployed to its maximum draft of 3.18 feet.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its role as a 14-foot sailing dinghy, the Simoun 445's "accommodations" are focused primarily on its open cockpit layout. Designed to be crewed by two people, the cockpit provides ample space for active sailing. A key design feature, highlighting Gouteron's innovative approach, is the self-bailing double bottom. This critical safety and convenience element ensures that any water taken aboard quickly drains, keeping the cockpit drier and the boat safer, particularly important for an open boat of this size. The layout is straightforward, featuring essential fittings and controls commensurate with a simple, functional dinghy designed for ease of use and maintenance.