Sailing Performance & Handling
The Dazcat 1195 is widely regarded for providing a "monohull-like" tactile experience, largely due to its signature use of tiller steering rather than a traditional wheel. This design choice offers the helmsman direct feedback from the balanced rudders, a rarity in cruising catamarans of this size. With a high power-to-weight ratio and narrow, high-aspect hulls, the 1195 exhibits exceptional light-air performance and can easily sustain speeds in the mid-teens under white sails.
The boat’s handling characteristics are defined by its deep daggerboards, which allow for upwind pointing angles that rival performance monohulls while significantly reducing leeway. Unlike many production catamarans that suffer from bridge deck slamming in choppy conditions, the 1195 features significant bridge deck clearance, a design priority at Dazcat to ensure sea-kindliness during offshore passages. The sail plan is typically managed from the aft cockpit, making it an efficient platform for short-handed sailing, though it truly shines when fully crewed during MOCRA (Multihull Offshore Cruising and Racing Association) events.
Interior Comfort & Variations
Inside, the Dazcat 1195 balances the minimalist requirements of a racer with the practicalities of a long-distance cruiser. The bridge deck typically houses a light-filled saloon with 360-degree visibility, a hallmark of Newton’s designs that integrates the social space with the external environment. Depending on the specific build, the galley is often located in one of the hulls (galley-down) to maximize the social space of the saloon, though custom configurations have allowed for "galley-up" variants.
The boat was produced in several distinct versions to suit different owner profiles. The standard 1195 provides a comfortable three or four-cabin layout with integrated storage and a functional head. The 1195R (Racing) variant features a stripped-back interior, often replacing heavy wood finishes with lightweight composites and utilizing simplified systems to shed every possible kilogram. In contrast, the 1195XL variant—a predecessor and sibling to the newer 1295—offers extended transoms for improved buoyancy and easier water access. Materials throughout the interior emphasize durability and weight savings, utilizing foam-cored cabinetry and technical fabrics.
Popular Mentions & Media
The Dazcat 1195 has maintained a strong presence in the European racing circuit, particularly in the Round the Island Race and the Rolex Fastnet Race. The model gained significant visibility through the success of specific hulls like Bare Necessities, which became a frequent podium finisher in offshore multihull classes. Its reputation for speed and safety has also made it a subject of technical features in publications such as Yachting World, where it is often cited as a benchmark for the "Performance Cruiser" category.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
Prospective buyers should approach a Dazcat 1195 with a focus on the specialized nature of its composite construction and performance systems.
- Daggerboard Trunks: Inspect the daggerboard cases and the boards themselves for sacrificial tip damage or stress fractures. Because these boats are often sailed hard, the trunk-to-hull joints should be checked for signs of movement or water ingress.
- Rigging Loads: The 1195 utilizes a high-tension rig, often with composite standing rigging in later or upgraded models. A thorough professional survey of the chainplates and the mast step area is essential to ensure the structure has not been compromised by over-tensioning.
- Weight Management: Dazcats are highly sensitive to weight. Buyers should audit any "cruising additions" (like heavy davits, oversized battery banks, or excess ground tackle) added by previous owners, as these can significantly degrade the bridge deck clearance and sailing performance.
- Moisture in Core: While vacuum infusion results in a high-quality laminate, any aftermarket hardware installations that were not properly "over-drilled and potted" can lead to moisture in the foam core. A moisture meter check around all deck fittings is recommended.
Community & Resources
The primary hub for technical support and community is The Multihull Centre in Cornwall, which maintains the original build records and offers refit services specifically for the Dazcat range. Owners also find a robust community through the Multihull Offshore Cruising and Racing Association (MOCRA), which provides a handicapping system and a competitive framework for Dazcat owners to test their vessels against other performance designs.
The Verdict
Pros
- Exceptional speed and pointing ability for a cruising catamaran.
- Unrivaled helming feedback via the twin tiller configuration.
- High-quality, bespoke British construction with excellent resale value.
- Category A (Ocean) rating with a proven track record of safe offshore passages.
Cons
- Performance is highly sensitive to the addition of cruising gear and weight.
- Limited interior volume compared to "condo-cats" of similar length.
- The high-performance rig and daggerboards require more active management than a fixed-keel cruiser.
