Dazcat 1295 Information, Review, Specs

The Dazcat 1295 began production in 2017 and is one of the most popular models to emerge from The Multihull Centre's workshops. The Multihull Centre, established in 1968 by Pat Patterson, has a long history of innovation in multihull construction and became Europe's first specialist multihull boatyard. The strategic consolidation of Dazcat and Multimarine operations at the center in 2013 further enhanced their expertise in custom composite engineering, a cornerstone of Dazcat's building process.

Designer Darren Newton's philosophy for the Dazcat range, including the 1295, emphasizes "highly sophisticated simplicity," aiming to create yachts that offer both comfort and great looks, while being robust enough for racing. The Dazcat 1295 is hand-built in Cornwall to an exceptional specification, benefiting from the builder's extensive experience in advanced composite construction. Dazcats are specifically designed and built by sailors, for sailors, with a strong focus on optimizing weight distribution for comfort and performance. Each Dazcat offers a margin of customization, allowing owners to tailor the vessel to their specific cruising or racing programs.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Dazcat 1295 is an exceptional performance catamaran designed for both blue water cruising and racing, known for its ability to excel in inshore and offshore events. With a length overall of 42.49 feet and a generous beam of 21.65 feet, the Dazcat 1295 provides a stable platform capable of handling various sea states. Its design prioritizes lightweight construction combined with strength, achieved through clever design and material processing, making Dazcats approximately half the weight of a standard production catamaran. This lightweight yet strong construction contributes to its impressive speed and agility.

Equipped with daggerboards and a fractional sloop rig with a reported sail area of 968.75 sqft, the 1295 is designed for efficient sailing. Owners and reviewers consistently praise its responsiveness and ability to perform well even in light winds. Darren Newton, the designer-builder, often validates his designs by racing his catamarans, including the 1295, demonstrating their competitive edge. The Dazcat 1295 is often the fastest in races, even on technical courses, and can achieve impressive speeds with minimal wind. Its twin rudders further enhance control and maneuverability.

Accommodations and Layout

The Dazcat 1295 is celebrated for its comfortable and spacious accommodation, providing ample living space for blue water cruising. The interior boasts a maximum headroom of 6.56 feet, contributing to an open and airy feel below deck. While specific layouts can be customized, typical arrangements include three double cabins, offering generous sleeping quarters. The minimalist Dazcat interior is often complemented by owners' choices of dark wood and white upholstery, creating a modern and inviting ambiance.

Key features of the interior typically include a well-appointed saloon with comfortable seating, a moulded vanity unit with a hemispherical sink, shower, and an electric toilet with overboard discharge and a black water tank in the heads compartment. Storage is ample throughout the vessel, and the design centralizes weight to optimize distribution for both comfort and performance. The general finish quality reflects the high standard of construction and personalization offered by The Multihull Centre, emphasizing both aesthetics and practical functionality.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners consistently praise the Dazcat 1295 for its solid construction, comfortable motion in a seaway, and exhilarating sailing performance. The ownership experience is frequently described as "life-changing," fostering a strong and engaged community around Dazcat vessels. Owners highlight the ability to customize their vessel to exact specifications, appreciating the personalized approach from the builder. The Dazcat 1295 is considered a versatile catamaran, excelling as both a family cruiser and a competitive racer. Owners like Tom Hughes of a Dazcat 1295XL, for instance, actively share their positive experiences, underscoring the transformative nature of owning one of these high-performance cruising catamarans. The strong focus on lightweight construction and centralized weight distribution also contributes to a comfortable sailing experience, even with a short-handed crew.