Musard 350 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The creation of the Musard 350 in 1967 firmly placed it within Lanaverre's most innovative period. The builder, under the influence of Christian Maury, was a pioneer in Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) construction, a significant departure from traditional wooden boat building. This transition allowed for mass production, reduced maintenance demands, and more consistent boat performance, thereby making sailing more accessible to a wider audience. Christian Maury, celebrated for his design of the ubiquitous 420 dinghy, brought his expertise in crafting popular and performance-oriented small boats to the Musard 350. While specific design philosophies for this model are not extensively documented, its design as a "cruising/regatta" dinghy suggests an intention to provide a stable yet lively boat suitable for a range of uses, from leisurely paddles to competitive club races. The Musard 350, like other Lanaverre boats, benefited from the company's commitment to quality and efficient manufacturing, enabling a substantial output of over 40,000 boats across its various models before Lanaverre's independent operations concluded in 1976.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Lanaverre Musard 350 is a centerboard dinghy rigged as a fractional sloop, a common and efficient setup for small boats. With a hull speed of approximately 4.38 knots, it is designed for nimble performance in its class. As a very small boat (under 30 feet), traditional performance ratios like sail area to displacement or ballast to displacement are not typically applied, as their relevance diminishes at this scale. Instead, its performance is characterized by its light displacement and simple rig, making it responsive and easy to handle. Owners generally describe the Musard 350 as a "good little boat for sheltered waters," suggesting it excels in calmer conditions where its light weight allows for easy propulsion, even under oars, achieving speeds of 2-3 knots without significant effort. Its centerboard design allows for flexibility in shallow waters, providing good windward performance when deployed and reduced draft for beaching or navigating skinny passages when retracted. However, some owners note that the cockpit is not self-draining, which means it can accumulate water in certain conditions.

Accommodations and Layout

As a compact dinghy, the Lanaverre Musard 350 is primarily an open cockpit boat, designed for day sailing rather than extended cruising. The focus of its layout is on maximizing usable space for crew and sailing operations. There is no conventional interior accommodation with berths or a galley. Instead, the layout consists of an open cockpit area, providing seating for its crew. Any enclosed space would likely be limited to small, basic storage lockers for safety equipment or personal gear, rather than a dedicated cabin. The absence of a reported maximum headroom measurement further confirms its open-boat design, prioritizing lightweight construction and on-water performance over internal volume. The hull and deck are constructed from fiberglass, a durable and low-maintenance material that was a hallmark of Lanaverre's innovative production methods.