Another Prout v Solaris Question

[docbick]

Hi,

I am planning for my next boat and the leap from one hull to two (although must admit it's not an imminent prospect!).

The models I am most seriously considering are a Prout Event and a Solaris Sunrise.  I suspect these two often get considered together, don't they?

Does anyone have experience of sailing or, better still, owning both?  I would be particularly interested in finding out how they handle and turn under power.   I'm assuming that a Sunrise with two engines will turn in a much tighter circle, which is relevant to me as I might want to keep in a very narrow ditch (!)

Many thanks for your opinion.

[Jadzia]

Hello and welcome to the forum.
Although we do not have first hand experience of owning or sailing the Event we carried out a considerable amount of research before we bought Jadzia, our Sunrise. We spoke to owners of Events, after we had trialled other Prouts and dismissed them mainly on the single engine issue and also on accommodation issues (no proper double berth).
It seemed to us that Prout had resolved the double berth issue by modifying the hull mould, which gave the profile of the boat when viewed from the stern a marked step close to the water line. In the opinion of the owners we spoke to this slowed the boat down by a knot or two when compared to a similar Snowgoose or CS.
The other problem for us was that the price of an Event in good condition compared to a similar Sunrise was higher. The Events we looked at had single engine installations, whereas the Sunrises had twin engines.
Based on a purely personal preference, we went for the Sunrise.
I would however add that although the manouverability of a boat with twin engines is, in our opinion, superior to that of a single engine installation, our previous cat had a single engine and we found her to be easy to handle.
And yes with two engines they do turn tightly. In their own length in fact. And using the rudders, prop walk and one engine ahead/one astern they will go sideways. So bow thrusters are for girls as they say!

Whatever you decide to do, and whenever you decide to do it, go for the sea trials and try handling her under engine. Form your own opinions, based on your experiences.

Good luck, and whatever you decide I hope you have as much pleasure from her as we have from Jadzia.

Nigel & Sheila.

[Roger]

Not all of the Sunrises have 2 engines although every one that I have seen does.

Certainly with 2 engines she goes well and manouvers even better. No problem turning in her own length and as Jadzia says with a bit of practice you can even go sideways.

The only slight issue is there is significant windage and not that much under the water, so for example a strong wind blowing off a jetty makes it a little harder to get on the windward side.

Once in open waters, the boat also handles well with just a single engine and a little counter steering on the rudders.

I totally agree with what Nigel and Sheila said, DO have some sea trials and sail and motor her yourself - but don't blame us if that makes you buy a Sunrise !!

[docbick]

Many thanks for both of your replies!

I'm glad you mentioned the 'step' in the hull profile of the Event.  I've spent several moments looking at the underwater profile and thinking 'does the water struggle to get through there'?  I thought similar might apply to the Sunrise too because of the big nacelle, but I take from your point that the more hydrodynamic profile makes a difference.

I have more q's, but I will post them as new threads for maximum exposure!