For decades, the name Prout & Sons was synonymous with pioneering catamaran design and robust offshore cruising. From humble beginnings building canoes and folding dinghies, this British firm evolved into a world leader, introducing the first production catamaran and developing a line of highly regarded multihulls that continue to be sought after by cruisers worldwide.
The story of Prout & Sons began in 1935 when Mr. Geoffrey Prout, along with his two sons, Roland and Francis, established a partnership. The firm initially specialized in the construction of canoes and practical folding dinghies, often used as yacht tenders. After World War II, the family expanded their operations, opening a small factory at Small Gains Corner on Canvey Island, from which hundreds of their folding dinghies and canoes were sold globally. Provided data The Prout brothers, Roland and Francis, were accomplished canoeists, even representing Britain in the 1952 Olympic Games. Provided data
Their pivotal shift into catamaran design began as early as 1949, when Roland and Francis Prout experimented by lashing two canoes together. Provided data The promising results led them to design their first dedicated catamaran, the Shearwater 1. This innovative vessel quickly proved its mettle, winning every local race it entered. Provided data The Shearwater 1's outright victory in the "D" class handicap at the Burnham-on-Crouch annual regatta week in 1954 generated significant interest. Provided data Building on this success, the Prouts introduced the smaller, more easily trailed Shearwater III. In 1956, the Shearwater III made history by winning the inaugural Cross-Channel Dinghy Race from Folkestone to Boulogne, beating leading racing dinghy helmsmen by over an hour. Provided data This remarkable achievement cemented the Shearwater III's success, establishing it as the world's first production catamaran and a dominant class in Britain and across Europe. Provided data, 3, 5
History and Evolution
Following the success of the Shearwater III, Prout & Sons rapidly transitioned from small racing catamarans to larger cruising vessels. A significant milestone in the company's evolution was its pioneering adoption of fiberglass construction. Prout was among the first companies to produce fiberglass catamarans, laying the groundwork for modern multihull manufacturing. While early hulls featured solid fiberglass construction, later models sometimes incorporated wood cores.
The company's growth saw various corporate developments. In 1976, a new entity was launched, involving Roland and Francis Prout, alongside John and Tom Lawrence, Rodney Hall, and Robert Underwood. Further expansion occurred in 1994 when L.G. Prout & Sons Ltd acquired Gemmell & Frow Ltd, leading to the formation of Gemmell & Prout Marine Ltd. This period saw Prout consolidate its position as a leading catamaran builder. However, after decades of innovation and production, G. Prout & Sons was ultimately dissolved in 2002. The company ceased operations, with receivers involved in the process by early 2002.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Prout catamarans carved out a strong reputation in the sailing world for their emphasis on durability, safety, and practicality. They became particularly known as solid, seaworthy vessels, highly capable of offshore and bluewater cruising. The design philosophy often balanced comfort and space with ease of sailing, making them appealing to those seeking reliable long-distance cruisers.
While the Prout brothers, Roland and Francis, were instrumental in the early designs and continued to be key designers, the company also collaborated with other naval architects. For instance, David Feltham was involved in the development of the Event 34. Signature features included robust construction and often practical layouts, such as the Prout 45's saloon, which was positioned aft of the forward bulkhead to maximize internal volume.
Iconic Models and Legacy
Throughout its history, Prout & Sons produced a range of iconic and influential catamaran models. Beyond the groundbreaking Shearwater series, the firm developed the 19ft Cougar, which found considerable success in the USA, and larger cruising classes like the 27ft and 31ft Ranger. Provided data The 45ft Ocean range, the 35ft and 37ft Taranga classes, and the 36ft Princess Catherine further expanded their cruising offerings. Provided data At the top end of their custom projects was the impressive 77ft Tsulmaran luxury cruiser. Provided data
However, it was arguably the Snowgoose and Quest series that became most synonymous with Prout's cruising legacy. The original Prout Snowgoose was built as a one-off in 1955. The Snowgoose 35, followed by the highly popular Snowgoose 37 and Snowgoose Elite 37, gained a reputation for their robustness and suitability for extended voyaging, despite their appearance not always suggesting "world cruiser" capabilities. Provided data, 10, 28 The Quest series, including the Quest 31 and Quest 33CS, also offered comfortable and spacious layouts ideal for cruising. Provided data, 8, 11 The Quasar series, notably the Quasar 49 and Quasar 50, were celebrated for being among the most spacious catamarans available at their time, designed for long-distance comfort and ease of handling. Provided data, 13, 23 Beyond cruisers, Prout also engaged in special projects like the 14ft outboard-powered Panther sportsboat, which won the Havoline Trophy and completed the demanding Paris 6-hour Race, marking it as the first catamaran to do so. Provided data
The Builder Today
While Prout & Sons ceased new boat production in 2002, its legacy endures through the many thousands of catamarans still sailing worldwide. Prout catamarans remain highly sought-after in the used boat market, a testament to their enduring craftsmanship and reputation for safety and reliability. They continue to appeal to sailors looking for proven, bluewater-capable multihulls that offer significant comfort and space for their size.
A testament to the brand's lasting impact is the vibrant Prout Owners Association, an active community that allows Prout catamaran owners to connect, exchange valuable tips, and share information. This strong owner community underscores the loyalty and satisfaction derived from owning these robust and well-regarded cruising catamarans.
