Catamaran Arrow Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Arrow is widely regarded as a "reach-machine," designed to excel in the high-speed planning conditions common in Australian coastal waters. With a light displacement of approximately 70kg (154 lbs) and a generous 11.15 square meter (120 sq ft) mainsail, the boat possesses a high sail area-to-displacement ratio that translates into immediate acceleration. Its handling is characterized by its responsiveness to weight trim; because the boat lacks a jib, the solo sailor must be precise with mast rotation and downhaul to control the power of the large fully-battened main.

On a reach, the Arrow is capable of speeds exceeding 20 knots, a testament to its efficient hull form and the use of deep, high-aspect-ratio daggerboards that minimize leeway. In lighter air, the boat’s low wetted surface area allows it to ghost along while heavier production cats remain stagnant. Anecdotal accounts from the National Arrow and Arafura Catamaran Association highlight that the boat’s "sea-kindliness" is largely dependent on the sailor’s ability to manage the rig's significant power in a blow, where the addition of a trapeze becomes essential for maintaining a flat, fast platform.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Arrow holds a significant place in Australian maritime history as one of the first "people's catamarans." Its cultural footprint is most visible in the competitive racing circuits of the Northern Territory and Queensland, where it dominated the multihull scene throughout the late 20th century. The class gained national prominence through events like "Cat Week 78" in Darwin, which consolidated the Arrow’s status as a premier racing class. While it lacks the international "YouTube" fame of modern foil-borne cats, it remains a staple in regional sailing literature and historical retrospectives of the Australian multihull movement, often cited alongside its siblings in the evolution of lightweight performance craft.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

When inspecting an Arrow, the age and construction material of the specific hull are the most critical factors. Because the class has spanned over 60 years of production, buyers will encounter everything from vintage plywood kits to modern foam-sandwich fiberglass builds.

• Plywood Delamination: On older timber hulls, check the "stitch-and-glue" seams and the transom area for soft spots or water ingress, which can lead to rot and structural failure under the high loads of the rig.
• Beam Mountings: The transition from timber to aluminum beams in 1977 introduced potential wear points. Inspect the hull-to-beam connections for cracks in the fiberglass or elongated bolt holes, which can cause "racking" (the hulls moving independently), significantly reducing speed.
• Daggerboard Cases: Like many high-performance beach cats, the daggerboard trunks are subject to heavy lateral stress. Ensure there are no cracks at the base of the cases and that the trunks remain watertight.
• Mast Step Compression: Check the deck area around the mast step for spider-web cracking or depression, indicating that the internal structure may be weakening under the downward force of the stays.

Community & Resources

The Arrow is supported by a robust and dedicated community focused on racing and preservation. The primary technical and social hub is the National Arrow and Arafura Catamaran Association, which provides class rules, building plans for those still interested in DIY construction, and a directory of regional branches in New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia. Technical wikis and tuning guides are often maintained by veteran sailors within these state-based associations, offering invaluable advice on modernizing older hulls with carbon fiber components or high-performance sailcloth.

The Verdict

The Arrow is an uncompromising classic that offers a pure, high-speed sailing experience for a fraction of the cost of modern performance multihulls. It is best suited for experienced solo sailors who appreciate a boat that rewards technical skill and physical agility.

Pros:

• Exceptional speed and acceleration for its size, especially on reaches.
• Strong, active class association ensures good resale value and competitive racing.
• Lightweight enough for easy single-handed beach launching and road trailering.
• Versatile construction history allows for affordable entry into the class via older timber boats.

Cons:

• Requires a high degree of physical fitness and trapeze skill in heavy air.
• No jib limits some tactical options compared to two-person racing cats.
• Older plywood hulls require meticulous maintenance to prevent rot.