Super Simoun 800 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The sailing characteristics of the Super Simoun 800 are defined by Philippe Harlé’s signature approach: a relatively wide beam for the era to provide initial stability, paired with a balanced sail plan that excels in moderate breezes. As a masthead sloop, the boat relies on a generous genoa for its primary power, which allows it to punch through coastal chop effectively. Owners often describe the helm as communicative, a trait inherited from Harlé's experience in designing performance-oriented hulls.

The boat features a fin keel and a transom-hung rudder, a configuration that offers high maneuverability in tight marinas and responsive tracking when reaching. While its displacement-to-length ratio places it firmly in the category of a "moderate" cruiser, its performance to windward is respectable for a boat of its volume. However, like many French designs of the 1970s, it can become tender if over-canvassed; experienced skippers recommend reefing the mainsail early to maintain an upright posture and reduce weather helm. The cockpit is deep and well-protected, providing a sense of security for shorthanded crews during spirited coastal passages.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a vessel of 26 feet, the Super Simoun 800 maximized its internal volume through the use of an innovative fiberglass interior liner, which added structural rigidity while streamlining the manufacturing process. The layout typically features a traditional V-berth forward, separated from the main salon by a small head (lavatory) compartment. The salon itself utilizes two longitudinal settees that double as sea berths, flanking a central table.

Gouteron utilized warm wood veneers and trim to offset the industrial feel of the fiberglass liner, a design choice that has aged remarkably well. The galley is compact, usually situated near the companionway for optimal ventilation, featuring a small stove and sink. Headroom is approximately 1.75 meters (5'9"), which was generous for the early 1970s but may feel tight for taller modern sailors. A notable sibling model in the Gouteron cruiser lineup is the Ghibli, a slightly smaller 6.6-meter masthead sloop that shared many of the 800's aesthetic cues but lacked the standing headroom and separate head compartment of the larger vessel. The shipyard also produced the Simoun 702, which served as a mid-range bridge between the dinghy line and the Super Simoun 800 cruiser.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Super Simoun 800 should focus their inspection on the specific structural areas common to 1970s Gouteron builds:

1. Deck Core Delamination: Like many production boats of this era, the deck utilizes a balsa or foam core. Inspect for "soft spots" around high-load areas, particularly the mast step and the chainplates, where water ingress through aged sealant may have compromised the core.
2. Rudder Bushings and Pintles: Because the 800 often features a transom-hung or semi-balanced rudder, the bushings can experience significant wear. Excessive "slop" or vibration at the tiller usually indicates a need for replacement of the nylon bushings.
3. Osmotic Blistering: Early fiberglass hulls from the 1970s are prone to osmosis. While the Super Simoun hulls were generally built with a robust layup, a haul-out inspection is essential to check for blistering, especially if the boat has been kept in warmer waters.
4. Chainplate Anchorage: Examine the points where the shrouds meet the hull. Over decades, the stress on these attachment points can lead to hairline fractures in the fiberglass or wood bulkheads.
5. Original Gelcoat: Gouteron was known for using colorful gelcoats (often yellows or oranges) that can fade or chalk significantly over fifty years. Verify if the finish is original or if it has been painted, as a poor paint job can hide underlying fiberglass crazing.

Community & Resources

While Gouteron is no longer in operation, the legacy of the Simoun line is preserved through various French maritime heritage groups. Information regarding the Harlé design philosophy can be found via the Association Philippe Harlé, which documents the work of the architect and helps owners maintain the integrity of his designs. Technical discussions regarding the shipyard's fiberglass techniques are also frequent topics within the Amis des Simoun, a community primarily focused on the dinghies but possessing deep knowledge of Gouteron's construction methods.

The Verdict

The Super Simoun 800 is a quintessential classic for the sailor who appreciates 1970s French maritime history and Harlé’s balanced design philosophy.

Pros:

• Seaworthy Design: Excellent balance and handling typical of Philippe Harlé hulls.
• Space Efficiency: Surprising volume and functionality for an 8-meter vessel.
• Build Quality: Robust fiberglass layup that has stood the test of time better than many contemporary light-displacement builds.

Cons:

• Dated Ergonomics: Headroom and berth lengths may feel restrictive by modern standards.
• Maintenance Intensive: Requires careful inspection of deck cores and rudder hardware due to age.
• Limited Availability: Harder to find outside of European waters, particularly France and the Mediterranean.