Prout 38 Information, Review, Specs

The Prout 38 commenced production in 1998, emerging as one of the final models from G. Prout & Sons Ltd before the company's dissolution around 2002. Prout & Sons had a storied history, evolving from building canoes in 1935 to becoming pioneers in fiberglass catamaran construction. Throughout its history, Prout emphasized robust construction and practical designs suitable for offshore and bluewater cruising. The Prout 38 continued this tradition, though it also aimed to incorporate more modern styling and enhance ease of handling.

Designed by Fortabat Yacht Design, the Prout 38 features a cutter rig and twin fixed keels. A notable design element is its asymmetrical hull shape, which was incorporated to improve tracking and reduce slamming in a seaway. The fixed keels, while contributing to the boat's durability, are acknowledged to add some drag and reduce lift when sailing hard on the wind. The boat was designed as a Category 'A' ocean cruiser, engineered for long-distance voyages, emphasizing easy single-handed sailing without the need to leave the protection of the central cockpit.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Prout 38 is an unashamedly cruiser, built for comfort and safety rather than outright speed. Its catamaran hull form, combined with a cutter rig, allows for versatile sail plans. While its windward performance is considered good for a fixed-keel catamaran, it is not comparable to a performance monohull. Owners report that the boat tacks easily enough. The Prout 38 is generally expected to maintain a cruising speed of 5.5 to 6 knots under sail.

A key characteristic of the Prout 38's handling is its central cockpit, which offers excellent protection and visibility, crucial for long passages and single-handed operation. The asymmetrical hull design contributes to stable tracking and minimizes the jarring motion often associated with catamarans in rough conditions. Overall, the Prout 38 delivers a comfortable and predictable motion, aligning with its design brief as a seaworthy offshore cruiser.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Prout 38 is designed for spaciousness and comfort, reflecting its cruising pedigree. With a generous beam of 17.42 feet, the layout typically accommodates three couples, offering ample privacy and living space. The boat often features one head in the port hull and a sunken galley in the starboard hull, contributing to a sense of distinct areas within the multihull. Some configurations also offered an optional three-cabin, two-head layout, further enhancing its suitability for multiple guests or extended family cruising.

The Prout 38's interior is noted for combining modern styling with traditional Prout craftsmanship. Designers utilized techniques like a nacelle running fore and aft to maximize internal volume, providing generous headroom and storage. The central cockpit design not only benefits sailing performance but also contributes to the interior layout by allowing for a well-protected and often semi-enclosed living area connected to the saloon. Ventilation and natural light are typically good, enhancing the liveaboard experience.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Prout 38 consistently praise its robust construction and thoughtful design, echoing Prout's long-standing reputation for durability and seaworthiness. Many consider Prout catamarans, including the 38, to be excellent choices for long-term, far-off cruising due to their solid build and reliable performance in offshore conditions. The central cockpit is frequently highlighted as a major strength, providing a secure and protected space for helm duties, even allowing for single-handed sailing without needing to leave the safety of the cockpit.

While generally well-regarded as a sturdy ocean cruiser, some owners note that its design is distinctly for cruising, and it may not satisfy those seeking higher performance characteristics. Compared to some other Prout models, a few owners have expressed that the Prout 38 might not be considered "particularly great," but this typically relates to a preference for earlier Prout designs rather than inherent flaws in the 38 itself. Despite these varied opinions, the Prout 38 maintains a strong following among those who value its comfort, safety, and capability as a long-distance cruising platform.