Easy Catamarans Sarah Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Sarah is engineered as a "moderate" catamaran, meaning its hull shapes are neither overly slender for high speed nor excessively wide at the waterline. This design choice results in an easily driven hull that performs well under a modest sail plan, reducing the physical strain on the crew and the mechanical stress on the rig. According to technical documentation from the Easy Catamarans Official Design Archive, the vessel features a 12-meter length and a 6-meter beam, providing a 50% beam-to-length ratio that offers substantial initial stability.

Under sail, the Sarah is noted for its predictable tracking and ability to maintain momentum in light to moderate conditions. Because the hulls lack significant "rocker" (the curve of the keel), the boat resists hobby-horsing in choppy seas, a common complaint among smaller multihulls. While it lacks the raw acceleration of high-tech carbon or foam-core performance cats, the Sarah is highly efficient under power; many owners opt for lightweight twin 9.9hp or 20hp high-thrust outboards rather than heavy internal diesels. This configuration allows the boat to achieve cruise speeds of 6–8 knots while maintaining the simplicity and weight advantages of outboard power.

Interior Comfort & Variations

As an "enclosed bridgedeck" catamaran, the Sarah utilizes the entire space between the hulls for living quarters, offering a layout often described as "apartment-like" in its spaciousness. Because these boats are often custom-built from plans, the interior configurations vary significantly between hulls. However, the standard Sarah 12m design typically features two large queen cabins in the forward sections of the hulls, with a large bridgedeck saloon that integrates the galley and a panoramic dining area.

The "Sarah 12" often includes a "galley up" configuration, placing the food preparation area on the same level as the saloon to maximize social interaction and ventilation. A notable technical feature of the Snell design is the isolation of the engine compartments from the living spaces; in many builds, the outboards are housed in dedicated wells or on the transom, which eliminates the noise and diesel odors frequently found in monohulls. Sibling models, such as the smaller Easy 37 (11.6m) or the Easy 10.5, offer similar layouts but with reduced bridgedeck clearance and tighter hull accommodations, making the Sarah the preferred choice for those seeking full-time residency afloat.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a pre-owned Easy Sarah must recognize that build quality is the primary variable, as most were constructed by private individuals.

• Plywood/Epoxy Integrity: The most critical inspection point is the state of the plywood core, particularly in high-stress areas like the chainplates and under-deck fittings. Any sign of "soft spots" or delamination in the epoxy sheathing can lead to structural rot. Particular attention should be paid to the "scrim" or fiberglass cloth layer to ensure it was properly saturated during the build.
• Bridgedeck Clearance: While the Sarah offers excellent interior volume, the bridgedeck clearance (the height between the water and the underside of the saloon) is moderate. In heavy head seas, some "slamming" may occur. Buyers should inspect the underside of the bridgedeck for any stress cracking caused by repeated slamming over time.
• Weight Sensitivity: Like all multihulls, the Sarah's performance is highly sensitive to weight. DIY builders occasionally over-build the interior with heavy domestic timbers, which can sink the boat below its designed waterline, compromising both speed and safety. Check the actual waterline against the designer's original marks.
• Rudder and Foil Inspection: The twin rudder systems and mini-keels should be checked for vertical alignment and signs of grounding damage. Since these are often constructed of wood/epoxy as well, moisture ingress at the leading edges is a common maintenance item.

Community & Resources

The Easy Sarah benefits from a dedicated community of builders and owners, primarily centered in Australia but spanning the globe. The Easy Catamaran Owners Group and the technical archives maintained by the designer provide a wealth of "as-built" data, including modifications for different rig types and interior finishes. These resources are vital for anyone maintaining or refitting a Sarah, as they offer direct access to the designer's original intent regarding structural reinforcements and material substitutions.

The Verdict

The Easy Catamarans Sarah is a pragmatic choice for the cruising sailor who prioritizes volume, stability, and cost-efficiency over brand-name prestige.

Pros:

• Exceptional Volume: Provides significantly more living space than monohulls or performance catamarans of the same length.
• Build Efficiency: Smart use of standard material sizes makes repairs and modifications straightforward for the handy owner.
• Redundancy: Features twin rudders and twin engines, with hulls divided into multiple watertight zones for offshore safety.
• Shallow Draft: At roughly 0.75m–0.8m, the Sarah can access remote anchorages and rivers inaccessible to most cruisers.

Cons:

• Variable Build Quality: The "home-grown" nature of many builds requires a rigorous survey to ensure professional standards were met.
• Weight Limits: Easily overloaded, which can significantly degrade sailing performance and bridge-deck clearance.
• Resale Value: Often suffers from a lower resale price compared to production fiberglass cats (e.g., Lagoon or Leopard), despite similar utility.