Left Coast Dart Information, Review, Specs

The genesis of the Left Coast Dart lies in Left Coast Development's ambition to establish a unique boat-building presence in Anacortes, Washington, around 2011. The company sought a design that echoed the performance characteristics of boats like the B25, aiming to produce an updated and accessible version of such a sportster. This vision materialized in the Left Coast Dart, designed by Leif Beiley, who aimed to create a trailerable sailboat that was enjoyable for the entire family, making casual afternoon sails less daunting.

Left Coast Development intentionally moved away from traditional boat builder and dealer networks, opting for a direct-to-consumer model to sell their products globally. This manufacturing ethos, influenced by Joe Kitchell's over 30 years of experience in composite construction from Left Coast Composites, emphasized simplifying and reducing labor in boat building. The hull and deck are constructed from solid fiberglass, contributing to the boat's durability. While there was some discussion during the early design phase regarding the choice between aluminum and carbon masts, with some advocating for a carbon rig for a boat of this type, the Dart features a fractional sloop rig. Despite its thoughtful design and innovative distribution, production of the Dart concluded after approximately five units were built.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Left Coast Dart's design specifications translate into a lively and performance-oriented sailing experience. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 32.68, the Dart boasts a high sail carrying capacity relative to its weight, indicating excellent performance in light air conditions and an inherently spirited feel on the water. Its displacement to length ratio of around 184.8 further confirms its status as a light displacement vessel, optimizing it for speed and agility.

The boat's ballast to displacement ratio of approximately 0.386, while not exceptionally high, suggests a reasonable level of stiffness and stability, allowing the boat to stand up well to wind for its performance-oriented design. The Dart is noted for its "speedy hull design," being slimmer than 62% of comparable sailboats, which contributes to its agile handling. A key practical feature is its lifting keel and removable rudder, which significantly enhance its trailerability and ease of launch and retrieval, aligning with its design as a versatile sport boat for family enjoyment.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Left Coast Dart prioritizes functionality and essential comfort for its role as a family day-sailer and sport boat. While specific headroom figures are not available, the accommodations are described as "basic," featuring "good sized berths" designed to sleep four. The layout typically includes space for a porta-potty, further emphasizing its suitability for day trips and short excursions. For convenience, the interior is equipped with an ice chest and LED reading lights. The overall approach to the interior reflects the boat's primary purpose: to be a fun, accessible performance sailboat where the focus is on the sailing experience, with "just enough interior" for necessary comforts.