Super Simoun 580 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

Production of the Super Simoun 580 commenced in 1970 by the French yard Gouteron (Chantier). Gouteron, a company that began operations in 1959, was known for its innovative approach to boat building, initially utilizing plywood before transitioning to fiberglass for increased durability as new materials became available. This move to fiberglass construction is evident in the Super Simoun 580, which features a solid fiberglass hull and deck. The boat was designed by Emile Pradelle. Gouteron's design philosophy emphasized creating accessible small cruisers, a characteristic clearly reflected in the Super Simoun 580's practical nature. A notable design feature of the Super Simoun 580 is its versatility in keel configuration; it was available with a centerboard, offering a minimum draft of 1.64 feet, and also in a fixed keel version with a draft of 2.95 feet [1, 3,. The centerboard option specifically allowed the boat to navigate both coastal and inland waters, significantly enhancing its utility.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Super Simoun 580 is a fractional sloop with an overall length of 19.03 feet and a waterline length of 15.42 feet. It carries a reported sail area of 172 square feet, and a displacement of 1,830 pounds, with 408 pounds of ballast. The choice of a centerboard keel makes the Super Simoun 580 particularly adaptable, allowing sailors to reduce draft for shallow areas or increase it for better performance upwind [2,. This pivoting lifting keel configuration is a significant advantage for those looking to explore diverse sailing grounds, from deep coastal waters to shallower inland lakes and rivers. The builder, Gouteron, generally produced moderate-weight sailboats known for reasonable performance and good stability, a characteristic likely passed on to the Super Simoun 580.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its compact size of just over 19 feet, the Super Simoun 580 offers basic yet functional accommodations typically expected of a small cruising sailboat of its era. While specific interior details are not widely documented, a boat of this design, classified as an "habitable cruising monohull," would typically feature a simple cabin layout. This would generally include a V-berth forward for sleeping, a small main salon area with perhaps two settees, and potentially a compact galley space with basic amenities. Storage would be limited but practical, likely consisting of lockers under bunks and along the hull sides. Ventilation would typically rely on a forward hatch and possibly a small portlight or two in the main cabin. The emphasis for a vessel of this type would be on maximizing utility and comfort within a restricted footprint, making it suitable for weekend trips or short coastal excursions.