Simple and efficient launching
We waited for a long time for the available time for this test, but the weather and everyone's agendas were finally aligned. Appointment is thus taken at the slipway, just a step from the citadel of Port-Louis, on the small sea of Gâvres. The sun is there, and a small breeze of good weather.
The dinghy, taken out of the yacht club's parking lot, a few steps away, was brought in without difficulty. For its 3.35 meters long and 1.50 meters wide, it weighs only 75 kilograms light. Handling it on its trailer is easy. The catboat's sail is quickly sent into the aluminum mast chute. Self-supporting, the spar is simply embedded in the bottom of the cockpit and the deck elegantly openworked in X.
Comfortable navigation
Once out of the hold, the daggerboard is quickly lowered, as well as the rudder. The flat hull of the PRAM and its 10 centimeters of hull draft make them more than necessary to avoid drifting. True to the logic of simplicity, the daggerboard is a simple board whose leading and trailing edges have been rounded.
With its high freeboard, the dinghy does not fill up at the first heave. You can therefore take the time to settle down on the bench, with your feet in the central strap fixed at the bottom of the cockpit. The large chamfer between the walls and the deck make the seat very comfortable.
Very respectable performance
The Narrows of the small sea of Gâvres is quickly crossed upwind. We can easily play in the current, the ten or so knots of wind allow us to sail safely between the boats on their dead bodies.
It's time to pull back the helm and test the boat's downwind ability. With its nice width, the dinghy has a nice righting moment of 85 kg.m. Even with only 70 kg when recalled and gybes not always mastered, it is not enough to turn the boat upside down.
On the other hand, well set in the open sea, the 7.1 m˛ of the PRAM's horn sail propels the dinghy at a good pace. Lightweight, the boat is sensitive to trim, but the wide cockpit allows to settle comfortably in the bottom.
Want to go further!
It's time to go back to the hold, but the simplicity of the boat is very attractive. Without getting lost in complicated settings, the boat works well. The beaches of Gâvres make you want to test the comfort of the cockpit floor for a nap and a picnic, before going back to have fun on the water.
