Dazcat 1495 Information, Review, Specs

The Dazcat 1495 began production in 2014, emerging from the innovative workshops of The Multihull Centre. The Centre, a pivotal institution in multihull yachting since 1968, saw its operations streamlined in 2013 with the consolidation of Dazcat and Multimarine. This collaboration fostered a design philosophy centered on custom composite engineering and the creation of highly personalized vessels. The Dazcat 1495, specifically designed by Dazcat's in-house team, embodies this ethos with its advanced lightweight carbon construction, distinguishing it as a cutting-edge catamaran. The design prioritizes ease of handling and performance, even for short-handed sailing, featuring a well-considered sail plan and responsive controls. A notable design element is the inclusion of daggerboards, which contribute significantly to its performance capabilities.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Dazcat 1495 is celebrated as a fast performance cruising catamaran capable of winning races. Its design achieves a remarkable balance between speed and stability, making it a reliable vessel even in challenging conditions. With a powerful sail plan, the Dazcat 1495 boasts an impressive Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of 31 and a low Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of 64, firmly placing it in the category of light, performance-oriented catamarans.

Handling characteristics are often likened to a performance monohull, with its cable steering linked to carbon rudders providing direct and light control. The daggerboards, while potentially tricky in waves, significantly enhance upwind performance and allow for variable draft, ranging from a minimum of 3.28 feet to a maximum of 9.02 feet, offering both high performance and access to shallower waters. The 1495's ability to maintain a steady motion offshore, rather than jumping onto waves like shorter, lighter designs, further underscores its suitability for long-distance cruising. This combination of attributes makes the Dazcat 1495 a champion for long-distance cruising, family weekends, and competitive events, as evidenced by its numerous victories in RORC and MOCRA races.

Accommodations and Layout

While built for performance, the Dazcat 1495 offers comfortable and spacious accommodations, reflecting its dual role as a cruiser-racer. The interior layout is often described as unusual but well-considered, with owners having the flexibility to customize the finishes and arrangements to their specific requirements. Most owners opt for a modern and light interior plan. A practical design feature, seen across many Dazcat models, is the galley's placement down a level in the starboard hull. The overall impression is one of a comfortable and modern living space, far from spartan when compared to monohull cruiser-racers. The Dazcat 1495 is designed to accommodate families for extended voyages, with examples like the 'Prismo' serving as a live-aboard cruiser, capable of taking its occupants around the world.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Dazcat 1495 consistently praise its solid construction and the exhilarating yet stable motion it offers at sea. The ownership experience is frequently described as transformative, fostering a strong and engaged community among Dazcat enthusiasts. Many owners, including Dazcat director Simon Baker, actively participate in both racing and cruising, demonstrating the vessel's versatility. The ability of the Dazcat 1495 to seamlessly transition from intense racing, such as the Round Ireland Race, to relaxed family holidays, underscores its appeal to a wide range of sailors who value both high performance and comfortable liveability.