Prout Sirocco 26 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The sailing characteristics of the Sirocco 26 are defined by the Prout signature "mast-aft" rig. Unlike contemporary catamarans that favor massive fully-battened mainsails, the Sirocco utilizes a relatively small mainsail paired with a large, high-aspect genoa. This configuration was a deliberate safety choice by Roland and Francis Prout, allowing the crew to handle the majority of the boat's power from the safety of the cockpit via roller furling. In practice, this makes the Sirocco an exceptionally easy boat to sail shorthanded, as the headsail provides the primary driving force while the mainsail acts more like a trim tab or balancing element.

With its low-aspect-ratio keels molded into the hulls, the Sirocco 26 offers a shallow draft—often less than three feet—making it an ideal coastal explorer for tidal estuaries and drying moorings. However, this design trade-off results in a loss of "bite" when sailing close-hauled. Like many cruising catamarans of its vintage, the Sirocco 26 does not point as high as a deep-keeled monohull and can exhibit significant leeway in a blow. While it lacks the exhilarating bridgedeck clearance of modern performance cats, the Sirocco is praised for its predictable motion in a seaway. It does not "heel" in the traditional sense, providing a stable platform that significantly reduces crew fatigue on longer passages. Owners often report that while it is not a "windward machine," its off-the-wind performance is respectable and remarkably secure.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a 26-foot boat, the interior of the Sirocco 26 is nothing short of transformative. This is achieved through the use of a central "nacelle" or bridgedeck cabin that spans the two hulls. Rather than feeling like two separate narrow tubes, the interior is integrated, often featuring a large double berth or a "U-shaped" dinette situated centrally. This layout provides a sense of openness and communal living that was revolutionary for the 1970s. The hulls typically house the galley, a dedicated head, and additional single berths or storage areas.

The Sirocco 26 is often discussed alongside its immediate predecessor, the Prout Ranger 27. While the Ranger 27 offered slightly more waterline length, the Sirocco 26 refined the use of internal moldings to create a more "finished" feel. A notable sibling variant is the Prout Quest 31, which took the Sirocco’s design language and expanded it for more serious offshore work. In the Sirocco, headroom is generally adequate in the hulls, though the bridgedeck area requires a seated or hunched posture, a common compromise in smaller catamarans of this era to keep the center of gravity low and windage minimal.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Prout Sirocco 26 should approach the purchase with a focus on structural longevity, as these boats are now entering their fifth decade.

1. Bridgedeck Slamming and Stress: Due to the relatively low bridgedeck clearance, the Sirocco can experience "slamming" in head seas. Inspect the area where the bridgedeck joins the hulls for stress cracks or signs of structural fatigue.
2. Osmosis: While Prout used high-quality resins for the era, like all older GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) boats, the hulls should be checked for osmotic blistering.
3. Window Sealing: The Sirocco features large wrap-around windows that provide excellent visibility but are prone to leaking over time. Check for water staining on the interior woodwork beneath the ports, which may indicate that the original bedding compound has failed.
4. Rigging Tension: Because the mast-aft rig places significant load on the forestay and the aft-swept shrouds, the chainplates and their associated bulkheads must be inspected for movement or water ingress that could rot the internal plywood cores.
5. Rudder Bearings and Linkage: The twin-rudder system is connected via a cross-linkage. Ensure there is minimal "play" in the steering, as worn bushings can lead to a heavy or unresponsive helm.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Sirocco 26 benefit from one of the most dedicated niche communities in the maritime world. The Prout Owners Association serves as a vital technical archive, offering historical brochures, wiring diagrams, and a collective knowledge base for maintaining these unique multihulls. Because Prout & Sons was a family-run business for so long, much of the original design intent and build specifications have been preserved by this enthusiast group.

The Verdict

The Prout Sirocco 26 is a "big" small boat that offers an entry point into stable, upright cruising without the exorbitant costs of modern wide-beam catamarans. It is a rugged, honest vessel that prioritizes safety and livability over racing trophies.

Pros:

• Exceptional Stability: Sails flat, making it an excellent choice for families or those prone to seasickness.
• Shallow Draft: Capable of entering thin water and drying out on sandy bottoms.
• Ease of Handling: The mast-aft rig and small mainsail make it simple to manage single-handedly.
• Volume: Offers significantly more living space than 26-foot monohulls of the same era.

Cons:

• Windward Performance: Will not point as high as monohulls or modern daggerboard catamarans.
• Bridgedeck Slamming: Can be noisy and uncomfortable when sailing directly into a chop.
• Age-Related Maintenance: Buyers must be prepared to address 40+ year-old gelcoat and window seals.