Cougar Mk III Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Cougar Mk III is widely regarded as the "Formula 1" car of its era in the small multihull world. Unlike modern beach cats that rely solely on hull shape or small skegs for tracking, the Mk III utilizes dual kick-up centerboards. This allows the boat to point exceptionally high into the wind for a catamaran of its vintage. When the boards are down, the boat tracks with precision, but they can be raised to reduce drag on a reach or to navigate shallow waters.

With a sail area of approximately 235 square feet on a displacement of roughly 600 pounds, the power-to-weight ratio is formidable. In light air, the Mk III is surprisingly sensitive, often moving when monohull dinghies are becalmed. In a breeze, the boat truly comes alive; however, it requires active weight management. Historical accounts from the Cougar Class Association highlight that while the boat is more stable than a monohull of similar length due to its nearly 8-foot beam, the Mk III can be prone to "pitch-poking" if driven too hard into a chop with the weight too far forward. The sloop rig, featuring a large fully-battened mainsail, provides significant drive, and the boat is known for its ability to plane on a reach, reaching speeds that still challenge modern designs.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Cougar Mk III enjoyed significant cultural success, specifically as a pioneer of the one-design multihull movement in North America. It was one of the first catamarans to be embraced by traditional yacht clubs that had previously been exclusive to monohulls. The model's prestige was bolstered by the Prout brothers' own Olympic pedigree, which lent the Cougar an air of technical legitimacy. The boat was a frequent subject in mid-century nautical publications like Yachting and One-Design & Offshore Yachtsman, where it was often cited as the boat that proved catamarans could be both seaworthy and competitively raced under a strict set of class rules.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Purchasing a Cougar Mk III today requires a discerning eye, as many of these vessels are now over 50 years old. The following areas are critical for inspection:

• Bridgedeck Integrity: The connection between the hulls and the bridgedeck is a primary stress point. Inspect the fiberglass for stress cracking or "crazing," which may indicate structural fatigue from years of high-speed racing.
• Centerboard Trunks: Because the Mk III uses moving centerboards, the trunks are prone to wear and leakage. Check the internal trunk walls for delamination and ensure the pivot pins are secure and the surrounding fiberglass is not soft.
• Mast Step and Rigging Points: The compression loads on a catamaran’s mast step are significant. Ensure the area under the mast step has not compressed. Additionally, inspect the chainplates and forestay attachment points for signs of hardware pulling through the GRP.
• Hull Symmetrical Alignment: Older catamarans can sometimes suffer from "racking" or twisting. Verify that the hulls are still perfectly parallel and that the boat has not been stored improperly, which can lead to permanent hull deformation.

Community & Resources

The legacy of the Cougar is preserved by a dedicated group of enthusiasts who value the boat's historical significance and unique sailing characteristics. The Prout Owners Association serves as the primary repository for technical drawings, historical context, and maintenance advice for all Prout-designed vessels, including the Cougar lineage. While the formal US racing class is less active than in its 1960s heyday, the association remains a vital link for owners looking to source rig dimensions or original hardware specifications.

The Verdict

The Cougar Mk III is a vintage speedster that offers a visceral sailing experience far removed from the "condomaran" style of modern cruising multihulls. It is a purist's boat, rewarding skill and attentiveness with remarkable speed and agility.

Pros:

• Exceptional speed and "pointing" ability thanks to dual centerboards.
• Historical pedigree from the world-renowned Prout brothers.
• Large cockpit capacity for a boat of its length, making it a viable high-speed day sailer.
• Strong, active owner community for technical support.

Cons:

• Requires more maintenance than modern rotomolded or simplified beach cats.
• Heavy compared to modern carbon-fiber racing multihulls.
• The kick-up centerboards and rudders require frequent inspection to ensure reliable operation.