Swift (Prout) Information, Review, Specs

The Prout Swift commenced production in 1954, coinciding with a pivotal period for Prout & Sons as they transitioned from building canoes and folding dinghies into dedicated catamaran design. This era saw the Prout brothers, Roland and Francis, build upon their early experiments of lashing canoes together, which led to their first catamaran, the Shearwater 1. The Swift is often described as the smaller counterpart to the successful Shearwater series. Prout's manufacturing ethos during this time was characterized by innovation, with the company becoming one of the first to adopt fiberglass construction for catamarans.

The Swift was initially offered either as a finished boat or as a kit, providing accessibility for a broader range of enthusiasts. A notable design modification occurred around 1973, which may have led to a "MkII" version, incorporating a standard trampoline and a rolled deck instead of the earlier bridge deck.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a 14.5-foot catamaran with a fractional sloop rig and twin centerboards, the Prout Swift was designed for speed and agility, characteristic of a small racing catamaran. Its lightweight fiberglass and wood composite construction contributes to its nimble nature. Anecdotal accounts suggest the Swift performs well in open waters, indicating it may be less suited for inland, confined areas. Its design as a twin centerboard catamaran allows for good upwind performance and reduced draft when the boards are raised.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its compact size of just over 14 feet, the Prout Swift is primarily an open daysailer. It features a simple layout typical of small racing catamarans, focusing on a functional cockpit space for sailing rather than extensive interior accommodations. The design provides minimal amenities, with its primary purpose being on-water performance and recreational sailing rather than overnight cruising or extensive living space. Any "interior" details would be limited to the open hull structures or a basic cuddy, though detailed information on its original interior setup is scarce.