Arrow 1200/1201 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

Performance is the central pillar of the Arrow 1200/1201 design. With a light displacement starting at just 4,000 kg for the "Sports" version and roughly 5,250 kg for the standard 1201 cruising configuration, the vessel possesses an exceptional power-to-weight ratio. According to Schionning Designs, the boat is capable of cruising at 15–16 knots and can exceed 20 knots in optimal conditions. The use of deep daggerboards—a hallmark of performance catamarans—allows for superior upwind tracking and significantly reduced leeway compared to the mini-keels found on production cats.

The handling is described as direct and responsive, particularly when equipped with dual tiller steering, though bulkhead helm options are available. The Beam-to-Length ratio of approximately 14.5:1 ensures slim, low-drag hulls that slice through chop rather than slamming over it. In light airs, where heavier boats would be forced to motor, the Arrow 1200 is known to maintain momentum, making it a "mile-muncher" capable of 250-nautical-mile days during trade-wind passages.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The transition from the Arrow 1200 to the 1201 was primarily focused on refining the living experience. While the 1200 features a functional but more minimalist interior, the 1201 introduced a revised cockpit and bridge-deck arrangement that shares similarities with the larger Arrow 1280-S. The 1201 offers a standing headroom of 1.91 meters in the saloon and 1.93 meters in the hulls, a significant improvement for tall sailors compared to the "Sports" version, which sacrifices bridge-deck headroom (limited to 1.4–1.6 meters) to lower the center of gravity and windage.

Accommodation is typically configured with two generous queen cabins aft and the option for additional single berths or heads forward. The "galley-down" configuration is standard in the 1200 to keep the weight of appliances and supplies low in the hulls, though custom variations built by Pantawee Marine often incorporate high-end finishes and updated materials. The Arrow 1201 specifically moved the navigation station to the saloon level, freeing up hull space for additional storage or cabinetry.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Arrow series has gained a following among the "fast cruising" community, with its development and performance documented through various delivery voyages and technical reviews. Owners of the model, such as the crew of the Arrow 1200 Tetra, have highlighted the boat’s ability to handle offshore conditions using a rotating carbon mast and lightweight composite construction. Schionning Designs maintains a YouTube channel showcasing the Arrow 1200 in various sea states, emphasizing its light-air efficiency and the simplicity of its flat-panel build process.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Due to the Arrow’s diverse construction origins—ranging from professional builds at Pantawee Marine to amateur kit projects—a thorough technical inspection is mandatory.

• Weight Sensitivity: The Arrow’s performance is entirely dependent on its light displacement. Buyers should be wary of vessels that have been overloaded with heavy aftermarket equipment (large washing machines, heavy dinghy davits, or massive battery banks), as this can compromise bridge-deck clearance and lead to wave slamming.
• Core Integrity: These boats are built using foam or balsa-cored composites. An ultrasonic hull scan or professional moisture test is essential, especially around deck fittings and through-hulls, to ensure no water ingress has compromised the core.
• Daggerboard Trunks: Inspect the daggerboard cases for signs of stress or impact damage. Because these boats travel at high speeds, any previous grounding can transmit significant force into the hull structure.
• Self-Build Quality: If the boat was kit-built, pay close attention to the quality of the glass-to-glass joins and the "fairing" of the flat panels. Poorly finished joints can be a precursor to cosmetic cracking or structural movement.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for technical data and design support is Schionning Designs International, which provides study plans and kit specifications for the entire Arrow range. For owners of Thai-built models, Pantawee Marine serves as a point of contact for original build specifications and maintenance history.

The Verdict

The Arrow 1200/1201 is an uncompromising sailor’s catamaran that rewards those who value speed and agility over cavernous interior volume.

Pros:

• Exceptional Speed: Genuinely capable of double-digit cruising speeds and high-performance racing.
• Upwind Ability: Daggerboards provide pointing angles and lift that rival performance monohulls.
• Modern Aesthetics: Stealthy, flat-panel styling that remains contemporary years after launch.
• Custom Build Quality: Professionally built versions (e.g., from Pantawee) offer high-end composite finishes.

Cons:

• Payload Limited: Performance suffers quickly if the boat is loaded with "live-aboard" luxuries.
• Headroom Trade-offs: The "Sports" versions lack standing headroom in the saloon.
• Variable Build Quality: As a kit-based design, the second-hand market contains a wide range of construction standards.