Choosing a catamaran with daggerboards can greatly enhance your sailing experience, especially if you value performance.
Daggerboard-equipped catamarans are typically faster, more maneuverable, and can navigate shallow waters with ease.
Below, we explore the benefits and trade-offs of daggerboards, and how they work, and offer a comprehensive list of catamaran models that feature them.
Why Choose a Catamaran with Daggerboards?
Daggerboard catamarans are designed for superior performance. Unlike fixed-keel catamarans, they can sail closer to the wind when going upwind, offering a faster and more efficient sailing experience.
Daggerboards also allow you to lift the boards, reducing the draft and enabling anchorage in shallow waters. This flexibility makes daggerboard catamarans ideal for performance sailors who prioritize speed and versatility over comfort.
One reason daggerboard catamarans tend to outperform their fixed-keel counterparts is the attention to weight and materials.
Builders of these boats often use lighter materials, which contribute to better performance. The focus on performance also means that these boats are designed by top naval architects to optimize hull design and hydrodynamics.
Carbon fiber is commonly used for its high strength-to-weight ratio, especially in hulls, masts, and daggerboards, making the boats faster and more efficient. Fiberglass, a widely used material in boat construction, balances strength and weight but is heavier than carbon fiber. To learn more about fiberglass construction and its applications, you can visit our guide to boat fiberglass.
However, it’s important to consider the trade-offs. Daggerboard catamarans typically have less interior space because of the daggerboard compartments, which may limit the boat’s overall comfort.
The complexity of handling daggerboards also adds to the learning curve, and these boats are generally more expensive, with daggerboards adding around $30,000 to the overall cost.
How Do Daggerboards Work?
Daggerboards are retractable keels that provide stability and control to a catamaran.
Unlike a fixed keel, daggerboards can be raised or lowered depending on sailing conditions, offering greater flexibility. When sailing upwind, lowering the daggerboards increases the boat’s ability to sail closer to the wind by reducing sideways drift, also known as leeway.
When sailing downwind or anchoring in shallow waters, daggerboards can be lifted, reducing the boat’s draft and allowing the catamaran to navigate through shallower areas that fixed-keel boats can’t reach.
Benefits of Daggerboards:
- Enhanced upwind performance: Reduces leeway by providing a more effective lateral resistance.
- Shallow-water navigation: Can be lifted to reduce draft, allowing for easier access to coastal areas.
- Adjustability: You can lower or raise them depending on the conditions, optimizing performance in both calm and rough waters.
Drawbacks:
- Complexity: Requires more attention and skill to operate, especially for novice sailors.
- Maintenance: Daggerboards require regular checks and maintenance due to wear and tear.
Catamarans with Daggerboards: List and Comparison
Here is a detailed list of popular catamaran models that feature daggerboards, including key specifications and performance highlights.
| Model | Origin | Draft (Daggerboards Up) | Draft (Daggerboards Down) | Length | Performance | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catana | France | 3.1 feet | 7.8 feet | 42-62 ft | Excellent upwind performance, high cruising speed | Comfortable for long voyages |
| Outremer | France | 2.3 feet | 8.2 feet | 45-55 ft | Designed for speed, handles well in offshore conditions | Great compromise between performance and comfort |
| Dolphin 42 | Brazil | 3 feet | 6.9 feet | 42 ft | Offshore performance, good in varying wind conditions | Adequate living space for long voyages |
| Sud Composites — Switch 51 | France | 3.5 feet | 8.5 feet | 51 ft | High performance in moderate wind, lightweight construction | Sacrifices some interior space for better performance |
| Soubise Freydis — Tournier Marine | France | Varies (around 3 feet) | Varies (around 9 feet) | 49-70 ft | High-performing, durable designs | Larger models offer more living space without performance loss |
| Havcat 27 | Unknown | 2.7 feet | 5.8 feet | 27 ft | Small, high-performance catamaran | Limited living space, best for coastal cruising |
| Schionning | Australia | 3.2 feet | 7.5 feet | Varies | Custom-built, optimized for speed in all conditions | Performance-focused, lighter interiors |
Benefits of Having Daggerboards on a Catamaran
- Enhanced Performance: Daggerboards allow catamarans to sail closer to the wind, making them faster and more efficient, particularly in upwind sailing.
- Shallow-Water Navigation: With the daggerboards raised, the draft can be as little as 3 feet, allowing you to anchor in shallow waters and access secluded bays that other boats can’t.
- More Anchorage Choices: The shallow draft offers more flexibility when choosing anchorages, giving you more options to avoid crowded marinas or busy beaches.
Disadvantages of Daggerboards
- Learning Curve: Handling daggerboards requires more sailing knowledge and effort. Unlike fixed keels, daggerboards need to be raised or lowered depending on the sailing conditions, which adds to the complexity.
- Reduced Comfort: The compartments for the daggerboards take up space that could otherwise be used for living areas. While performance is improved, the interior layout can feel more cramped compared to fixed-keel catamarans.
- Higher Cost: The addition of daggerboards typically adds around $30,000 to the overall construction cost of the catamaran, making these boats more expensive than their fixed-keel counterparts.
Why Choose Daggerboards Over Fixed Keel?
Choosing daggerboards over a fixed keel boils down to a trade-off between performance and comfort. If your priority is speed, efficiency, and the ability to navigate shallow waters, daggerboards are the clear choice. Daggerboard-equipped catamarans can cross oceans faster and handle upwind sailing with ease. This makes them ideal for experienced sailors looking to take on long passages or circumnavigations.
On the other hand, if comfort is your main concern and you’re planning shorter, more leisurely trips, a fixed keel might be a better option. Fixed-keel catamarans are generally heavier and slower but provide more living space, making them more suitable for those who prioritize onboard comfort over speed.
Daggerboards are for sailors who expect to make longer passages and have some sailing experience. These boats offer unparalleled performance but require more knowledge and skill to operate effectively.
Final Thoughts on Choosing Daggerboard Catamarans
Daggerboard catamarans offer unmatched performance for sailors who value speed, efficiency, and the ability to navigate shallow waters. While they come with trade-offs like reduced comfort and higher costs, the advantages in terms of sailing capabilities are clear. Whether you’re planning to cross oceans or explore shallow anchorages, a daggerboard-equipped catamaran is a great choice for performance-driven sailors.
By comparing models like the Catana, Outremer, and Dolphin 42, you can find the best catamaran to suit your sailing style and needs. For those looking to combine performance with some degree of comfort, catamarans like the Outremer offer a perfect balance.
If you have any experience with daggerboard catamarans or know of models that should be added to this list, please share your thoughts!
