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Arrow Catamaran
Designer: Neil Fowler & Roy Martin  ·  Builder: Amateur Or Professionally Built To Plans  ·  First built: 1964
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About the Arrow Catamaran

Designed by Neil Fowler and Roy Martin in 1964, this compact catamaran represents one of the early successful attempts to bring multihull performance to amateur builders and small boat enthusiasts. With approximately 1800 hulls constructed over the years, the Arrow has earned a solid reputation in the small catamaran community. At just over 14 feet in length with a 6-foot beam, this lightweight 110-pound boat demonstrates the classic catamaran advantage of minimal displacement paired with generous sail area. The fractional sloop rig features a rotating spar, allowing for efficient sail trim and reduced drag—a sophisticated touch for a boat of this vintage and size category. The wood and fiberglass construction reflects the era's building methods while providing durability for recreational sailing. The Arrow's impressive sail area to displacement ratio of 76.69 indicates exceptional performance potential in light to moderate conditions, making it ideal for lake sailing, protected coastal waters, and small boat racing. Its trailer-friendly size and relatively simple construction have made it popular among sailing clubs and individual owners seeking an affordable entry into catamaran sailing. The boat's responsive handling and speed capabilities offer an exciting introduction to multihull sailing dynamics without the complexity of larger vessels.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 14.11 ft / 4.30 m
Beam 6.10 ft / 1.86 m
Displacement 110.00 lb / 50 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 110.00 ft² / 10.22 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Catamaran Single Dbrd.
Rigging Type Frac. Sloop (Rotating Spar)
Construction Wood/FG
Designer Neil Fowler & Roy Martin
Builder Amateur or Professionally built to plans
First Built 1964
Number Built 1800
Associations Australian National Arrow and Arafura Catamaran Association
Owner Reviews

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Performance Ratios
Displacement/Length Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
28.46
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
1.2
Capsize Screening Formula The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
5.09
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 4.64 kn
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 1.57 pounds/inch
How It Compares

vs. Mystere 43, Trac 14, Windrush 14

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Arrow Catamaran ★
14.1 ft
Mystere 43
14.1 ft
Trac 14
14.1 ft
Windrush 14
14.1 ft
Beam
Arrow Catamaran ★
6.1 ft
Mystere 43
5.0 ft
Trac 14
7.5 ft
Windrush 14
7.5 ft
Displacement
Arrow Catamaran ★
110 lbs
Mystere 43
220 lbs
Trac 14
195 lbs
Windrush 14
170 lbs
Sail Area
Arrow Catamaran ★
110 sq ft
Mystere 43
269 sq ft
Trac 14
148 sq ft
Windrush 14
150 sq ft
Performance
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Arrow Catamaran ★
Mystere 43
118.2
Trac 14
Windrush 14
78.3
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Arrow Catamaran ★
1.2
Mystere 43
Trac 14
1.6
Windrush 14
1.4
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Arrow Catamaran ★
5.09
Mystere 43
Trac 14
5.18
Windrush 14
5.42
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Arrow Catamaran ★
28
Mystere 43
Trac 14
50
Windrush 14
44
Hull Speed
Arrow Catamaran ★
4.6 kts
Mystere 43
Trac 14
4.6 kts
Windrush 14
4.6 kts
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