Super Simoun 580 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Super Simoun 580 is widely regarded as a "lively" micro-cruiser, inheriting the responsive hull forms that made the Yves Loday-designed Simoun 445 a staple of French sailing schools. On the water, the 580 feels more like an oversized dinghy than a heavy keelboat. It typically features a retractable centerboard or a shallow-draft lifting keel, allowing it to remain highly trailerable while providing enough leverage to handle a respectable sail-to-displacement ratio.

In light air, the boat excels due to its moderate wetted surface area and relatively lightweight construction. Performance reports from the era suggest that while it is stable enough for family outings, it rewards active trimming and tactical weight placement. Unlike many modern "plastic classics" of its size that prioritize interior volume over hydrodynamics, the 580 maintains a narrow enough beam and a sharp entry to slice through chop without the hobby-horsing common in shorter, stubbier designs. Owners often note that the boat tracks well off the wind but requires attention on a close haul to minimize leeway, a common characteristic of centerboard cruisers from this period.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Super Simoun 580 is a study in 1970s "nautical camping." As a vessel under 20 feet, the headroom is naturally limited, but Gouteron maximized the 5.8-meter footprint by utilizing a simple V-berth arrangement forward and two short settee berths in the main cabin area. The cabinetry is typically minimalist, often consisting of molded fiberglass modules with wood trim, reflecting the builder's transition from plywood to full GRP construction.

Sibling variations of the hull include the smaller, open Simoun 485 and the Simoun 445, which lack the cabin structure entirely. Within the 580 production run, minor variations in the cockpit layout exist, with some later models featuring improved self-bailing capabilities—a hallmark of Gouteron’s safety-first design philosophy. While the cabin is too small for standing headroom, it provides ample dry storage and sleeping quarters for two adults or a small family for a weekend, effectively extending the sailing season into the cooler months.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Super Simoun 580 should approach the vessel with an eye toward the specific aging characteristics of Gouteron’s early fiberglass work.

1. Deck Delamination: Gouteron was a pioneer in sandwich construction, but after five decades, the core material (often balsa or foam in high-stress areas) can succumb to water ingress around deck hardware. Soft spots on the foredeck or near the mast step are high-priority inspection points.
2. Centerboard Trunk Fatigue: Given the boat’s age, the pivot bolt and the trunk itself should be inspected for stress cracks. Because these boats are often beach-sailed, the trunk is prone to wear from sand abrasion and impact.
3. Double Bottom Moisture: Like the 445 and 485, the 580 features a double-bottom design for safety. If the hull has been left uncovered or has undetected cracks, water can become trapped between the skins, significantly increasing the boat's weight and compromising structural integrity.
4. Rigging and Spars: Many 580s utilize proprietary Gouteron or early Z-Spar masts. Check the spreaders and the mast base for galvanic corrosion, as sourcing exact replacements for these vintage French extrusions can be challenging.

Community & Resources

While Chantiers Gouteron is no longer in operation, the Simoun brand maintains a cult following in Europe, particularly in France. The most authoritative technical information is typically found through the Association des Propriétaires de Simoun (AS Simoun), which covers the 445, 485, and 580 variants. These groups provide a wealth of knowledge regarding original sail plans and hardware configurations that are difficult to find in general maritime databases.

The Verdict

The Super Simoun 580 is an excellent choice for the "purist" sailor who values performance and classic French design over the creature comforts of a modern floating condo.

Pros:

• Spirited Performance: Faster and more responsive than most cruisers in the sub-20-foot category.
• Ease of Transport: The centerboard design and light weight make it an ideal candidate for "garage sailing" and exploring different lakes or coastlines.
• Historical Pedigree: Owns a piece of French maritime history from a builder that pioneered safety features like self-bailing hulls.

Cons:

• Minimalist Accommodations: The cabin is best suited for "camping style" cruising rather than extended living.
• Aging Structures: Requires a diligent surveyor or a DIY-ready owner to address potential fiberglass and core issues.
• Parts Availability: Some original hardware and spar components may require custom fabrication or adaptation from modern dinghy parts.