490 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The story of the Lanaverre 490 is intertwined with the pioneering spirit of its builder, Lanaverre, and the design genius of Christian Maury. Lanaverre, established in 1944, truly hit its stride after Maury joined in 1955, becoming an early leader in Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP), or fiberglass, boat construction. This transition from traditional wood to composite materials revolutionized boat building, enabling mass production and consistent performance, a philosophy that directly influenced the creation of the 490. Christian Maury, known for his instrumental role in designing the globally renowned 420 dinghy, extended his expertise to the 490, aiming to create a robust and enjoyable sailing platform. Production of the 490 began in 1968, marking its place among Lanaverre's diverse portfolio of small sailboats that also included the 470, 505, and Jet dinghies. While specific design philosophies for the 490 are not extensively documented, it can be inferred that Maury's objective was to produce a stable, responsive, and durable dinghy that aligned with Lanaverre's ethos of quality and accessibility in the sailing world.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Lanaverre 490, with its 16.08-foot length overall and a 14.7-foot waterline, is fundamentally a lively and responsive dinghy. Its monohull design, combined with a centerboard, provides flexibility in sailing: the centerboard can be lowered for optimal upwind performance and stability, and raised for shallow water access or easy beaching. With a fractional sloop rig, the 490 is designed for ease of handling and efficient power delivery, making it suitable for a range of skill levels. The boat's relatively light displacement of 280 pounds contributes to its agility and quick acceleration. While specific performance ratios are less applicable to small dinghies of this size, the 490's design suggests a vessel capable of planing in stronger breezes, offering an exhilarating ride. Its estimated hull speed is 5.14 knots, indicating its potential for spirited performance. Owners typically find it a straightforward boat to sail, offering a direct feel on the tiller and a rewarding experience for those learning or perfecting dinghy sailing techniques.

Accommodations and Layout

As a 16-foot dinghy, the Lanaverre 490 is primarily an open-cockpit boat designed for day sailing rather than extended cruising. The layout prioritizes an efficient and functional space for a crew of one or two, possibly more for recreational use. The cockpit would feature seating along the gunwales, providing comfortable perches for hiking out. Being a centerboard boat, a trunk would be centrally located in the cockpit. While specific details on interior finish are scarce, Lanaverre's reputation as a pioneer in fiberglass construction suggests a durable, low-maintenance hull and deck constructed from fiberglass and wood composite. Storage, if any, would be limited to small, open compartments or simple dry bags stowed beneath seats, typical of a dinghy of this size. The design emphasizes simplicity and robustness, focusing on the pure joy of sailing without the complexities of extensive interior accommodations.