Start 7 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The design pedigree of Philippe Harlé is evident in the Start 7’s handling characteristics, which favor stiffness and predictability. With a beam of 2.50 meters, the boat is relatively wide for its length, a trait that provides significant form stability. This allows the vessel to carry its sail area well into freshening breezes before requiring a reef. According to editorial retrospectives by Bateaux.com, the boat is particularly noted for being an ideal platform for beginners due to its forgiving nature and "big boat" feel in a compact frame.

The Start 7 was produced in two primary underwater configurations: a fixed-keel version (Lesté) with a draft of approximately 1.10 meters and a swing-keel version (Dériveur Lesté) for shallow-water cruising. The fixed-keel variant offers superior tracking and upwind performance, while the swing-keel version provides the versatility needed for tidal estuaries and beaching. In light air, the boat’s displacement-to-length ratio suggests it requires a clean hull and well-trimmed genoa to remain competitive, but once the wind hits double digits, the Start 7 finds its groove, tracking reliably with minimal weather helm when properly balanced.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a 23-foot vessel, the Start 7 offers a remarkably functional interior, though it lacks standing headroom, a common trade-off in this size bracket. The layout typically features a classic V-berth forward, a central saloon with two bench settees that double as single berths, and a small galley area. The use of timber accents against the molded fiberglass liner gives the cabin a warmer feel than many of its contemporary "white-box" competitors.

Chantier Mallard maximized the utility of the "Start" hull by offering the Start 6, a smaller sibling designed for those prioritizing trailerability and day-sailing. While the Start 6 shares the same design DNA, the Start 7 provides a significantly more "liveable" volume for weekend cruising. Some variations in the Start 7 interior were seen over its production run, primarily involving the arrangement of the stowage lockers and the integration of the companionway steps. The cockpit is notably large for the boat's size, reflecting Harlé’s philosophy that on a cruiser of this scale, most of the crew’s time is spent topside.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Start 7 should focus their inspections on the structural integrity of the aging fiberglass and the specific hardware choices made by Mallard during the late 70s.

• Deck Core Integrity: Like many production boats of this era, the Start 7 utilizes a sandwich construction for the deck. Buyers should check for soft spots, particularly around the chainplates, stanchion bases, and the mast step, which may indicate water ingress and core rot.
• Swing Keel Mechanism: On the Dériveur Lesté versions, the pivot bolt and lifting cable are critical points of failure. It is essential to inspect the keel trunk for signs of "thumping" or structural cracking caused by a loose pivot.
• Rudder Play: The transom-hung rudder is robust, but the gudgeons and pintles often develop play over decades of use. Significant vibration at the tiller under load is a primary indicator that the bushings need replacement.
• Rigging and Chainplates: Given the age of these vessels, unless recently updated, the standing rigging is likely past its service life. Particular attention should be paid to the chainplate attachments inside the cabin for signs of leaking or fiberglass stress.

Community & Resources

The Start 7 benefits from a strong legacy within the French sailing community. While Chantier Mallard is no longer in operation, the "Association des Propriétaires de Mallard" (Mallard Owners Association) has historically served as a repository for technical drawings and restoration advice for the various models, including the Start 6 and 7. Technical discussions and parts-sharing are common among owners who value the boat's durability and historical significance in the evolution of French composite boatbuilding.

The Verdict

The Start 7 remains a highly regarded entry-level cruiser that offers more sea-kindliness than many modern equivalents of the same length. It is a testament to the era of over-built fiberglass hulls and thoughtful naval architecture.

Pros:

• Excellent stability and forgiving handling characteristics for novice sailors.
• Large, ergonomic cockpit designed for active coastal cruising.
• Strong secondary market with a dedicated following in Europe.
• Versatile keel options (fixed or swing) to suit different cruising grounds.

Cons:

• Lack of standing headroom limits comfort for extended stays.
• Potential for deck delamination and core issues typical of 1970s construction.
• Performance in light winds can be sluggish compared to modern sportboats.