Gunboat 66 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Gunboat 66 is defined by a power-to-weight ratio that rivals dedicated grand prix racing yachts. With a sail area-to-displacement ratio frequently exceeding 40, the vessel is capable of sailing at wind speed in as little as 5 to 6 knots of true wind. Its performance is facilitated by deep, high-aspect carbon fiber daggerboards that allow the boat to point as high as 30 degrees apparent wind angle, a feat rarely achieved by cruising multihulls.

Handling is centralized in the forward cockpit, a design choice that places the sailor in the "command center" protected by the coachroof, yet with a clear view of the sail plan and the horizon. As noted in editorial tests by Yachting World, the 66 behaves more like a nimble beach cat than a 66-foot cruising ship, responding instantly to helm corrections and capable of sustained speeds in the mid-20s. The boat’s sea-kindliness is a result of its extremely narrow hull entries and high bridge-deck clearance, which minimize slamming in offshore conditions. However, the extreme speeds require an attentive crew; the 66 is not a "set and forget" cruiser, but rather a precision instrument that rewards active trimming.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Gunboat 66 is a study in "weight-conscious luxury." To maintain performance, the cabinetry is typically constructed from foam-cored carbon fiber with thin veneers of teak or maple. The layout is characterized by a "galley-up" configuration on the bridgedeck, which integrates the social heart of the boat with the navigation station and the cockpit. This open-plan design creates a seamless transition between the interior salon and the aft deck.

Accommodation varies based on the original owner’s specifications, as these were semi-custom builds. Most 66s feature a four-cabin layout, with the master suite often occupying the majority of one hull or the forward section of both. The 66 offered significant upgrades in headroom and volume over its sibling, the Gunboat 62, specifically in the guest cabins and engine rooms. Variations exist between the hulls built by Harvey Yachts and those finished by Jaz Marine, with later hulls often showing more refined electrical integration and lighter finishing techniques.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Gunboat 66 gained global notoriety through the exploits of specific hulls that dominated the regatta circuit and social media. Perhaps the most famous is Phaedo, the bright orange 66 owned by Lloyd Thornburg. Phaedo set numerous course records, including a blistering Transpac run and multiple Caribbean 600 line honors, proving the 66's reliability in punishing offshore racing. Another notable vessel, Slim, became an early ambassador for the brand’s "adventure cruising" ethos, documented through high-quality photography and travelogues that highlighted the boat’s ability to reach remote destinations at double-digit speeds. The model was also featured prominently in architectural and design publications for its "loft-on-the-water" aesthetic, which influenced a generation of multihull interiors.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective owners of a Gunboat 66 must approach the purchase with the mindset of a racing team manager. High-performance carbon yachts require specific due diligence:

• Daggerboard Trunks and Bearings: The immense lateral loads placed on the daggerboards can lead to wear in the high-density polyethylene (HDPE) bearings or stress crazing around the trunk exits. These areas should be inspected for structural integrity and ease of movement.
• Rigging Fatigue: Most 66s utilize carbon fiber rotating masts and synthetic (PBO or Kevlar) standing rigging. These components have strict service lives and replacement intervals. A professional NDT (Non-Destructive Testing) ultrasound of the mast and a full standing rigging replacement history are mandatory.
• Core Integrity: While the carbon/epoxy build is robust, any secondary installations (aftermarket hardware) that were not properly "decored" and potted with epoxy can lead to moisture ingress in the Nomex core. A moisture meter survey is essential for the decks and coachroof.
• Hydraulic and Electrical Complexity: The 66 relies heavily on hydraulic systems for winch operation and often features complex PLC-based electrical systems (like CZone or Mastervolt). Buyers should verify the availability of software backups and ensure the wiring looms have not been compromised by salt-air corrosion or unprofessional modifications.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for technical data and factory support remains Gunboat's current headquarters in France. While the company has moved on to the 68 and 80 models, they maintain records for the legacy fleet. The most active community engagement occurs through the Gunboat Class association, which organizes owner meetings and dedicated racing divisions at events like the St. Barths Bucket and the Les Voiles de St. Barth. Technical insights are often shared through the naval architects at Morrelli & Melvin, who continue to provide refit engineering support for the 66 fleet.

The Verdict

The Gunboat 66 remains one of the most coveted performance multihulls ever built, offering a visceral sailing experience that modern, heavier "luxury" catamarans cannot replicate. It is a boat for the master sailor who values the journey as much as the destination.

Pros

• Elite Speed: Capable of outrunning weather systems and competitive racing at the highest levels.
• Design Pedigree: A Morrelli & Melvin masterpiece that has aged exceptionally well.
• Visibility: The forward cockpit offers the best helm perspective in the multihull world.
• Build Quality: Full carbon construction ensures a stiff, responsive, and long-lived hull.

Cons

• Demanding Maintenance: Requires a professional or highly experienced owner-operator to manage complex systems.
• High Operating Costs: Synthetic rigging and carbon repairs command a significant premium.
• Sensitivity to Weight: Performance degrades quickly if the boat is overloaded with excessive cruising gear.