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Trimarans are growing in popularity worldwide, due to their light construction and high stability these multihulls are even faster than catamarans. Trimarans are still one of the lesser-known boat types so in this article ill be checking out some of the most popular models.
The best trimarans include:
These tris are built with your safety in mind while also packing powerful speed and a wide array of comfort features to optimize your sailing experience , some are even foldable making them possible to load on a trailer and transport to the sailing destination of your choosing.
In this article, I have created a list of the 16 best trimarans in the market and their unique features. You’ll also learn the best options for different purposes such as circumnavigation, weekend sailing, racing, and more.
Table of Contents
A trimaran is a multi hulled sailboat with three individual hulls; the main hull ( vaka ) and a pair of outrigger hulls ( amas ). These smaller outrigger hulls are attached to the main hull using beams.
While trimarans have a rich history dating back nearly four millennia, these types of sailboats have only gained popularity in the late 1900s and early 2000s.
Trimarans are primarily used as personal boats for sailing enthusiasts or racing. These sailboats draw their versatility from their lightweight design, making them faster and easier to handle at sea when compared to single-hulled boats (monohulls). Additionally, the three hulls also contribute to better stability, making it very hard to capsize (although more likely than a cat according to this study)
Trimarans come in various sizes, and some can be as small as 19 feet (5.8 meters) in length, while others go up to 60 feet (18meters). They’re also used for different purposes. Most trimarans are used for racing and recreational purposes, although some units are still used as ferries.
As with all things, to find out which is the best we need to understand what it will be used for. There is a big difference in requirements between a boat used for day sailing compared to offshore around the world sailing.
The list below highlights the best trimarans for different purposes.
The Neel 43 is a French trimaran best suited for cruising. Its key features include:
This unit is also built for comfort, ideal for more extended travels. This 43-feet (13-meter) trimaran is also made with recyclable and bio-sourced materials, highlighting the manufacturer’s commitment to environmental consciousness.
This trimaran has a base price of €329,000 excluding VAT. This translates to approximately $370,138.
Named the best full-size multihull for 2020, the Neel 47 is a strong contender for one of the best trimarans in the market. This 47-foot (14.3-meter) long trimaran features optimized exterior and interior ergonomics for a unique design and look.
Still on design, the Neel 47 is ideal for couples looking to take a weekend off or spend some time as liveaboard. It has a spacious owner’s cabin and two bedrooms. It also features a spacious living room and kitchen and is optimized to ensure comfort for a couple.
The Neel 47 also has two basic guest cabins so your friends or children can tag along on your sailing adventure. Accordingly, this unit is ideal for those looking to explore the sea for the sheer joy of sailing.
The Neel 47 comes at a 571,139 euro ( $643,600 ) price tag, excluding VAT.
The Rapido 60 offers a blend of performance, safety, and luxury, making it one of the best options for bluewater sailing. Measuring 59.3 feet (18 meters) in length, the Rapido 60 is an imposing unit. It’s made from lightweight sandwiches and carbon materials that provide speed and strength, allowing it to stand up to strong ocean currents.
The Rapido 60 also has spacious living spaces and is built for comfort at all points of the sail. Its design also optimizes safety. While it’s an ideal option for circumnavigating, it’s also an excellent choice for racing due to its speed.
This is also the same boat that The Youtube channel La Vagabond just purchased.
The Rapido 60 retails at $1,400,000 .
The Rapido 40 measures 39.4 feet (12 meters) in length and is ideal for cruising around the world. The Rapido 40 features twin “C” foils, which provide added lift, enhancing its speed and performance whether you are sailing downwind or upwind.
Because it has C foils, this trimaran doesn’t have a central daggerboard, increasing interior space. Accordingly, it’s an excellent option for couples looking to cruise and enjoy great performances .
The Rapido 40 is made from high-tech all-carbon materials for a lightweight yet sturdy design. This material is also used for the countertops and furniture, and the cork flooring adds a touch of style.
This trimaran retails for $595,000 , making it a cheaper option than the Rapido 60.
The Dragonfly 40 measures 40 feet (12 meters) in length. It features high-comfort standards, making it one of the best trimarans in the market for taking your family for a cruise. Because of its larger size, it has a better capacity, being capable of accommodating six to eight people, so you can bring your family and friends along.
It’s easy to navigate and extremely safe. With a maximum speed of 24 knots (44.5 km/h), this trimaran also provides fast speeds to make your cruise even more exhilarating.
The Dragonfly 40 retails from €509,000 exclusive of VAT, which rounds up to $572,000 .
The Dragonfly 32 is a high-performance cruiser. Like the Dragonfly 28, this unit features a contemporary design for racing. This trimaran can accommodate five to seven crew members.
Although slightly longer than the Dragonfly 28 with its 32-foot (9.8-meter) length, the Dragonfly 32 has a max speed of 23+ knots (42.6+ km/h), making it one of the fastest trimarans for racing. This unit also has comfortable accommodation, which makes it an ideal option for a weekend cruise with family and friends.
The Dragonfly 32 has a base price of $350,000 .
Thanks to a variable draft with a retractable rudder, the Corsair 37 is an ideal choice for shallow water exploration. This 37-foot (11.3-meter) long trimaran features advanced foam-cored construction designed for safety, making it virtually unsinkable.
The carbon hulls minimize weight, this makes for a lightweight ocean exploration sailboat with blistering speeds. One of its selling points is that this trimaran has previously been used for Arctic expeditions, possibly marking it as one of the better options for circumnavigation and offshore sailing in the northern waters.
This trimaran has a base price of $189,000 but can go up to $204,125 .
8. dragonfly 28.
The Dragonfly 28 is a 28-feet (8.75-meter) long sailboat that can accommodate up to five people. It comes in two versions:
It clocks a maximum speed of 22+ knots (22+ km/h) and is beam-folded. It’s an excellent option if you want a high-performance, comfortable yet smaller unit for your day or weekend cruise.
The Dragonfly 28 starts at €188,280 inclusive of VAT, which comes to around $211,600.
Like other trimarans under the Dragonfly brand, this 25-foot (7.62-meter) trimaran is great for both racing and short term cruising. However, this high-performance boat delivers easy handling, making it perfect for couples looking to take a ride out over the weekend and seasoned sailors looking for an exhilarating racing adventure.
The Touring version features a lightweight build and offers comfort and accommodation to keep you, and the few guests you can fit, comfortable during the ride. This trimaran also has a Sport version, which is optimized for racing.
The Dragonfly 25 retails from EUR 86,800 .
The Pulse 600 trimaran is a compact sailboat. It’s made from lightweight, carbon-reinforced construction and vacuum-formed materials for optimal speed. This trimaran is an ideal option if you are looking for speed.
It also features ample deck space, greater stability, and volume than most trimarans of similar size and build.
This trimaran measures 19.8 feet (6 meters) in length and can be sailed single-handedly by one person with minimal effort. The Pulse 600 has a base price of $38,800 , which places it in the lower price range.
The F-22 is one of the smaller trimarans in the market. Developed in New Zealand, the F-22 is a folding trimaran built for speed. The hulls are made from narrow fiberglass tied together using fiberglass beams and aluminum, minimizing bulk while optimizing speed.
The F-22 is roomy and is not as pricey as other models in the market. This trimaran has two main versions:
The 2019 Weta trimaran is a 14.5-foot (4.4-meter) trimaran featuring a carbon frame, centerboard, rudder foil, and rudder shock. The hull is made from fiberglass and foam. The Weta is built for strength and speed based on these lightweight materials.
The 2019 Weta trimaran is easy to sail and is worth considering whether you want to take a quiet sail, race with your friends, or take kids to a sailing lesson. It has a simple design and is easy to set up independently. Thanks to its collapsible design, this trimaran is easily stored away with minimal space demands.
The 17.4-foot (5.3-meter) WindRider 17 is one of the more versatile trimarans in the market. It packs high performance for a low cost. This trimaran has a light rotating mast to boost performance, and a full-battened mainsail optimizes visibility.
This sailboat is made from rotomolded polyethylene, which is more durable than fiberglass and demands less maintenance.
The WindRider 17 has a comfortable interior and can fit six adults. This is an ideal choice for social sailing for a couple or a family and friends. It’s easy to ride, and a shallow draft allows easy maneuverability.
If you’re looking for something small but still comfortable, this 22.5-foot trimaran is for you. Built for speed and maneuverability, the Astus 22.5 has optional foils to optimize speed. The modern design, coupled with the spacious interior, can fit up to four beds. Accordingly, this trimaran is suited for family outings.
This trimaran also has a foldable design, collapsing to only 16 feet (4.9 meters) for easy storage.
The Multi 23 trimaran has a contemporary design, featuring a vinyl ester and PVC foam core construction. The section below the waterline is made of solid glass for a sturdy base.
The beams are made of lightweight carbon, and the trimaran features a 33-foot (10-meter) aluminum rotating wing mast for optimal harnessing of the wind. While ideal for weekend excursions with family, once rigged with the asymmetrical spinnaker will get your heart pumping.
This trimaran packs high performance at a lower cost than most other options in the market. It’s a good choice if you are looking for a high-performing unit without spending an arm and a leg.
The Challenger Trimaran 15 is the best choice for persons with disabilities. It’s designed to provide disabled sailors an opportunity to explore their passion for sailing without worrying about aspects like safety or operation.
A man named Geoff Hold circumnavigated the British Isles in 2007, becoming the first disabled person to achieve this feat. He had quadriplegia.
Living up to its name, the Challenger can withstand harsh weather conditions while blending performance with speed.
Admittedly, no trimaran is best for everyone. But whether you are looking to race with your friends, take your loved ones or friends for a cruise over the weekend, or circumnavigate the ocean, you can rest assured that these lightweight trimarans will deliver speed, safety, and comfort to make it worth your while.
These brands are innovatively designed and feature intricate safety mechanisms that make them virtually unsinkable. Give them a shot and begin your ocean adventure.
Owner of CatamaranFreedom.com. A minimalist that has lived in a caravan in Sweden, 35ft Monohull in the Bahamas, and right now in his self-built Van. He just started the next adventure, to circumnavigate the world on a Catamaran!
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The complete list of trimarans.
There is no single trimaran that is best for everyone. Where some prefer luxury cruisers for long trips with family and friends, others might opt for a high performance racing tri for thrilling rides at breakneck speeds. With the recent spike in trimaran popularity, these days there is a perfect tri for every sailor. So to help prospective trimaran owners decide which boat is just right for them, we here at WindRider have put together a comprehensive list of the best trimarans on the market today! Read through for simple at-a-glance trimaran comparisons of boats both big and small, exhilarating and relaxing, and for all price points.
Jump to a specific sailing trimaran: Neel Weta Corsair WindRider Dragonfly Catri Astus Hobie Sea Pearl Farrier Sea Cart Multi 23 Triak SeaRail Warren Lightcraft Diam Radikal Challenger
Known for their award-winning luxury trimarans, NEEL is based in La Rochelle, the capital city of sailing in France. NEEL trimarans are built for fast cruising with an average cruising speed of about 10 knots, and are even configured to facilitate that sustained speed under motor propulsion. The NEEL 45 was notably named Cruising World’s Most Innovative Vessel in 2013, and by all accounts is an easy-to-sail, high performance boat that is just plain fun.
At a glance:
Models: NEEL 45, 65
Length: 45’ – 65’
Cost: $$$$$
Use: Luxury cruiser
A fan favorite, Weta trimarans are fast, stable, and remarkably easy to rig. This single-sailor tri has a capacity of up to three, and the ease with which it can be transported and stored makes this a great, versatile boat for beginners. The Weta was named Sailing World’s 2010 Boat of the Year, and one ride is enough to know why: simply put, the Weta is an absolute ton of fun to sail regardless of skill level.
Models: Weta
Length: 14’5”
Cost: $$ $$$
The high-end Corsair trimaran definitely holds its own in the categories of versatility, performance, and convenience. Boasting a rigging time of 30 minutes from trailer to sailor , the Corsair 42 – whose convenient folding amas makes trailering possible – is a simple option even for single sailors, though cabin space is suitable for two adults. These boats are wicked fast, capable of reaching speeds of 20+ knots, and were made for skilled sailors seeking solid construction and high performance vessels, not for beginners.
Models: Pulse 600, Sprint 750 MKII, Dash 750 MKII, Corsair 28, Cruze 970, Corsair 37, Corsair 42
Length: 19’8” – 37’
Cost: $$$$ $
Use: Sports cruisers
Built for the sailor who wants to maximize the joys of sailing while minimizing any hassle, WindRider trimarans are notoriously fast, very safe, and a blast to sail from start to finish. With several models that can hold between 1 and 6 riders, including adaptive designs to allow participation from sailors of all levels of mobility, there’s something to suit every sailor’s needs. The WindRider 17, an exhilarating ride perfect for families or camper sailors, has been known to reach speeds of up to 20mph. This easy day sailor goes from trailer to sailing in under 30 minutes and is sure to fit in perfectly with whatever adventures you have planned.
Models: WR 16, 17, Tango, Rave V
Length: 10’11” – 18’3”
Cost: $ $$$$
Use: Day sailor
The Danish-built Dragonfly trimarans come in a variety of models ranging from 25’ – 35’, all known for their spry performance, comfortable ride, and ease of use. Every model comes equipped with the unique “SwingWing” feature, a motorized system that can unfold the amas even while the boat is already underway – making it accessible to marinas and slips, and even makes trailering possible. Perfect for those who don’t want to sacrifice their comfort for high performance, the Dragonfly can breeze along at 13 knots while remaining one of the quietest compact cruisers out there.
Models: Dragonfly 25, 28, 32, 35, 1200
Length: 25’ – 39’
Designed for both safe cruising as well as for high speed racing, Catri trimarans will make your day. Especially noteworthy is the Catri 25, a stable yet wildly fast foiling trimaran with accommodations for up to 6 people. With profiles optimized for speeds of 25+ knots when foiling, this is no beginner’s sailboat. The special attention paid to stability in the foil design allows the Catri to be a single sailor vessel, even at foiling speed, with no special physical abilities. Whether you’re taking a small crew for longer rides at shuddering speeds or bringing the whole family along for a shorter, but still thrilling sail, the Catri is truly one of a kind.
Models: Catri 25
Length: 25’
Use: Cruiser/racer
A popular brand of trimaran in Europe, Astus has recently made its way to the US market to the delight of sailors on this side of the pond. Designed to offer maximum pleasure with minimum hassle, all models of Astus trimarans are fast to set up, quick on the water, inherently stable, and always a joy to sail. Their outriggers are mounted on telescopic tubes for easy stowage and towing, and can even be extended and retracted on the water for access to narrow passageways and monohull slips in marinas. With models in all sizes and price points, Astus trimarans are a great option for any sailor.
Models: Astus 16.5, 18.2, 20.2, 22, 24
Cabin: Some models
Length: 16’ – 24’
Use: Sport cruisers
HOBIE ADVENTURE ISLAND
Great for beginners and adventurers alike, the Hobie Mirage Adventure Island series is nothing if not just plain fun. With the option to use as a kayak or as a very basic trimaran, the Hobie is transportable, versatile, unintimidating, lightweight, and wonderfully affordable. The pedal system known as “Mirage Drive” allows a person to pedal the kayak using their legs for an extra kick of movement in slow winds. Amas tuck close to the main hull for docking or car-topping, adding serious ease and convenience to the exhilarating experience of the Hobie.
Models: Hobie Mirage Adventure Island, Mirage Tandem Island
Length: 16’7” – 18’6”
Use: Convertible kayak/trimarans
Best known for its use in camp cruising excursions, the Sea Pearl offers a roomy main hull and particular ability to sail in very shallow waters, making beaching and launching a breeze. The lightweight Sea Pearl trimaran is easy to tow, and the larger-than-expected cabin opens this vessel up for overnight adventures with plenty of storage space. The simple design makes the Sea Pearl notoriously low maintenance, and the ease it takes to rig and sail it add to the overall delight of owning this boat.
Models: Sea Pearl
Length: 21’
Use: Camper cruiser
Quick, lightweight, roomy, and trailerable, Farrier trimarans are made for versatility to fit every sailor’s needs. Different Farrier models are available in plan or kit boat form for those who appreciate building their boat themselves, but of course, also as the full production sail-away boat for the rest of us. Single-handed rigging and launching takes under 10 minutes from start to finish, minimizing hassle and getting you on the water fast. All non-racing Farrier designs use a minimum wind capsize speed of 30 knots or more to ensure safety for all those aboard. Add the roomy cabin and high speed capabilities to the equation and you’ve got a boat that is great fun for everyone.
Models: F-22, 24, 25, 82, 27, 28, 31, 9A, 9AX, 9R, 32, 33, 33R, 33ST, 36, 39, 41, 44R
Length: 23’ – 39’4”
Cost: $$$ $$
Use: Sport cruisers/racers
One of the biggest names in the game, SeaCart is internationally noted for its high performance trimarans that far exceed expectations for a production boat of its size. The SeaCart trimaran performs as brilliantly off the water as it does on with its super-light and efficient harbor folding system, making light work of trailering. Notoriously easy to manage and maintain, the SeaCart 26 One Design is the ultimate day racing trimaran, designed for both course and inshore/coastal distance racing. Absolutely worth the international buzz it has garnered, the SeaCart is a thrill from beginning to end.
Models: SeaCart 26
Length: 26’
A high performance racer class, the Multi 23 is a lightweight, powerful trimaran known for its wicked speed of up to 25 knots. Multi trimarans of both available configurations were designed to give beach cat thrills and speed without any of the stability or seaworthy concerns. Open ocean sailing is no issue for the Multi’s big bows, which do their job to keep her stable. Built for sailors with a need for speed, the Multi makes a perfect weekend boat for racers, especially those with a taste for boat camping.
Models: Multi 23
Length: 23’
Another dual outrigger sailing kayak/canoe design, the Triak trimaran was designed to be effortless and fun, especially for beginners. Paddle the kayak with sails furled, use the foot pedals for an extra kick of momentum, or sail with just the mainsail – the only boat in its class to feature an asymmetrical spinnaker – for exhilarating speeds and a blast on the water. Car-top the Triak anywhere for a quick sail or plan for a week long expedition, but always count on having a great time on this easy little boat.
Models: Triak
Length: 18’
Use: Convertible kayak/trimaran
SeaRail trimarans are known for being affordable, light weight, trailerable trimarans that offer the perfect combination of exciting and relaxing experiences to a wide range of sailors. Whether it’s day sailing with your family, resort or camper sailing, SeaRail trimarans are ideal leisure vessels. Leave the hassle to the other boats – the SeaRail takes you from trailer to sailor in 15 minutes. But don’t let its reputation as a leisure tri fool you: if speed is what you want, rest assured that the SeaRail can deliver that as well.
Models: SeaRail 19
WARREN LIGHTCRAFT
Warren Lightcraft trimarans , another example of a convertible kayak-to-sailboat option, are known for their aesthetically pleasing designs that are also, as the name implies, very light for simple transportation and ease of use. Convert the kayak into a fast, high performance sailboat in just minutes, fly around on the waves all day long, then simply car-top the 68lb Warren for a maximum enjoyment, low-hassle day on the water. Perfect for sailors and paddlers of all skill levels, the Warren Lightcraft is the best of both worlds and an absolute joy to sail.
Models: Warren Lightcraft
Length: 15’6”
Built strictly with racing in mind, the Diam 24 is a light, powerful one-design class trimaran and a notoriously exceptional performer. Boasting blistering speeds of up to 30 knots, Diam trimarans are not intended for beginners. For racers who crave the very best in terms of intense speeds, smooth handling and impeccable performance, the Diam is the red-hot one-design racing tri for you.
Models: Diam 24
Length: 24’
For the sailor who prefers the finer things in life, the Radikal 26 delivers. Perfect for bringing the whole family out for a day on the water, this high performance, trailerable sailing trimaran strikes the most luxurious balance between quicksilver speeds and a smooth, comfortable ride. The Radikal 26 trimaran is as convenient to transport and set up as it is pleasant to sail, with a folding system that minimizes rigging hassle and also makes this a trailerable tri. Built for a fast and comfortable sail rather than a hold-onto-your-seats thrill, one-the-water safety and overall pleasure makes the Radikal 26 what it is.
Models: Radikal 26
Use: Sport cruiser
A solidly-built, single-handed trimaran, the Challenger also doubles as an adaptive design – meaning it is made to accommodate sailors of all levels of physical mobility. Best suited to lakes, the Challenger is a very safe, seaworthy boat for sailors of all ages and experience levels. Add to this the ease of owning, transporting and maintaining the Challenger trimaran and what you get is a simple, fun sailboat perfect both for beginners and those seeking a cheap thrill alike.
Models: Challenger
At a glance comparison:
Astus 16.5, 18.2, 20.2, 22, 24 | 16’ – 24’ | Sport cruiser | Some models | ||
Catri 25 | 25’ | Cruiser/racer | Y | ||
Challenger | - | Day sailor | N | ||
Pulse 600, Sprint 750 MKII, Dash 750 MKII, Cruze 970, Corsair 28, 37, 42 | 19’8” – 37’ | Sport cruisers | Y | ||
Diam 24 | 24’ | Racer | N | ||
Dragonfly 25, 28, 32, 35, 1200 | 25’ – 39’ | Luxury cruiser | Y | ||
F-22, 24, 25, 82, 27, 28, 31, 9A, 9AX, 9R, 32, 33, 33R, 33ST, 36, 39, 41, 44R | 23’ – 39’ 4” | Sport cruisers/racers | Y | ||
Mirage Island, Mirage Tandem Island | 16’7” – 18’6” | Convertible kayak/trimarans | N | ||
Multi 23 | 22’ | Racer | Y | ||
NEEL 45, 65 | 44’ – 65’ | Luxury cruiser | Y | ||
Radikal 26 | 26’ | Sport cruiser | Y | ||
Sea Pearl | 21’ | Camper cruiser | Y | ||
SeaCart 26 | 26’ | Racer | Y | ||
SeaRail 19 | 18’ | Day sailor | N | ||
Triak | 18’ | Convertible kayak/trimaran | N | ||
Warren Lightcraft | 15’6” | Convertible kayak/trimaran | N | ||
Weta | 14’5” | Racer | N | ||
WR 16, 17, Tango, Rave V | 10’11” – 18’3” | Day sailor | N |
Did we miss one? Let us know. Tell us what you sail and what you like about each boat in the comments below.
Strike 15 trimaran plans £185
PDF plans £115
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The Strike 15 trimaran is a high performance dinghy designed to be easy to sail by older or less experienced sailors and easy to launch from the beach. Designed by renowned multihull sailor Richard Woods, it is fast but stable and has folding outriggers for easy transport.
Compared to a monohull racing dinghy, the outriggers and wide overall beam give greater sail-carrying power and less likelihood of capsizing offwind. The addition of the jib and asymmetric spinnaker easily offset the extra weight and drag from the two outriggers, so it is a fast boat! It will take two people when daysailing but is really intended to be raced as a singlehander.
Even if it does capsize, the Strike should be easy to right by simply folding the outriggers forward to make it narrow enough to be righted like a conventional dinghy.
The cockpit is 1.8 m × 1.2 m (6′ × 4′) so is large enough to sleep in under a cockpit tent. This makes the Strike 15 suitable for racing in raid-style events or even coastal cruising.
The Strike 15 is a complete trimaran design, unlike the Strike 16 and 18 which use parts from other boats. The main hull is hard chine while the outriggers are rounded-v tortured plywood. Although it is just light enough to cartop, trailering is a much more sensible option.
The outriggers fold for transport. This is a common arrangement, but on most boats the outriggers fold aft. Richard decided to make the Strike 15 outriggers fold forward for a more fail-safe method. It also means the mainhull is further back on the trailer, nearer the water and thus easier to launch and retrieve. The mast is keel stepped with a mast gate. That means it can be left up with the outriggers folded.
In theory the outriggers will rarely be in the water. Nevertheless, Richard designed them to minimise wave making (more important at speed than wetted surface) and to avoid the windward outrigger slam that is common to round bilge outriggers when sailing in a cross sea. They also have plenty of reserve buoyancy. The rounded-v shape of the outrigger hulls gives the Strike the ability to sail off and onto a beach without the daggerboard.
It sailed just like a performance dinghy, tacking quickly and accelerating fast. Very manoeuvrable. So exactly the ‘geriatric dinghy’ concept I was hoping for. After sailing around in light winds for an hour I sailed it back straight onto the trailer at 6:05pm. At 6:30 we drove away, slowed considerably by arguing over how best to lash the boat down, it being our first time. Clearly it will get much quicker once we have the trailer sorted. But definitely an easy boat to rig and launch singlehanded.
Richard Woods, designer
With practice, launch and recovery are feasible in 15 minutes.
The Strike 15 is very easy to build with a stitch-and-glue hard chine hull and flat panel plywood decks. Estimated build time ready to paint is 150 hours. It is designed so that each stage can be broken down into 2 hour segments, making it an ideal project for evenings after work.
You can see Richard doing a dry fit of the prototype main hull in the video below. Note that it is all one camera shot, proving it really is an easy boat to put together. The build of the main hull prototype was completed in 100 hours.
The cross beams are simple wooden trusses, which are strong and light, but more importantly they have a big ‘hole’ at the hull end so water won't slam against the beam. The outer ends are set well above the outrigger deck, to reduce wave drag. The stays attach to the main hull so the outriggers can be folded in with the mast left up for storage in a dinghy park.
Richard Woods has also designed three other trimarans in the Strike range: the Strike 20 is a larger version of the Strike 15; the Strike 16 and Strike 18 are designed primarily for day sailing and cruising, not racing.
The main hull with fittings weighs about 60 kg, the outriggers 12 kg each, the crossbeams 2.5 kg each.
Richard has also designed a forward mast step which takes a standard unstayed Laser rig, for those who want a simple boat to sail, with less performance.
The Strike 15 trimaran plans include detailed specifications for building the main hull and outriggers. The quality and clarity of the plans ease the construction of this boat, though you still need to be confident of your plans-reading ability.
A complete materials list is supplied with the plans. All dimensions are in metric units.
An electronic version of the plans in PDF format that can be viewed using Adobe Reader. After credit card authorisation the file will be sent to the email address put on the order form.
How to build a lightweight boat (not just a kayak).
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Wire rope for rigging a sailing boat, made to the length you need, with loops or thimbles on the ends.
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Further information:
Sailing La Vagabonde post a video of the launch of La Vagabonde III (Rapido 60 #04) on 2 November 2023. See video below.
“I sailed Rapido Hull #01 on the Mediterranean Sea the other day and we were doing 14 knots upwind while cooking in the spacious kitchen!" Ferdinand van West (former F18 World Champion working with designers, Morrelli & Melvin ). ( Click here for original article in Catamaran Racing.)
Billed as the World’s Ultimate Ocean Cruising Trimaran , the Rapido 60 really is the Queen of the Oceans . It offers speed, safety, performance – and luxury.
The inspiration behind the Rapido 60 comes from Paul Koch (co founder of Rapido Trimarans), arguably, the man who has built more production trimarans than anyone else on the planet.
The design is by world renowned naval architects, Morelli & Melvin Design and Engineering who use some of the most sophisticated technology in the world. Triac Composites is our exclusive builder.
While the foam sandwich and carbon construction is lightweight which gives the boat its speed, it also provides an extremely strong and rigid structure that has been designed to withstand the might of the oceans.
An additional benefit of the foam sandwich construction is the high degree of insulation, protecting the Rapido when the sun beats down.
Morelli & Melvin enjoy a very strong international reputation. Their designs even include entries for the America’s Cup .
https://www.facebook.com/raceweek/videos/1868118026600225/UzpfSTM1ODI2NDQ5MTAwMzkyMjoxMDU2MjY4MzMxMjAzNTMx/
[Video caption: Take a tour onboard Rapido 60, Romanza with owners, Dougall and Jaz Love, during Hamilton Island Race Week.]
Morrelli & Melvin’s computer modelling said that the Rapido 60 was very strong. And so we tested it.
We bolted the centre hull of the Rapido to the factory floor in HCMC. We then brought in two mobile cranes – each took a diagonal corner of the two outer hulls. With one diagonal corner each, the two cranes began to lift while the trimaran’s centre hull remained bolted to the floor, causing it to twist. One tonne of lifting pressure… Two tonnes… Three tonnes…
As the trimaran twisted it began to creak and groan. But the sensitive electronic equipment we had measuring every move and twist remained unphased. Everything was within design parameters.
Seven tonnes… Eight tonnes… Nine tonnes…
The pressure was eased and the Rapido spring back into its original condition – totally unaffected by the enormous twisting pressure that had been placed upon it.
The computer modelling had accurately predicted the incredible structural strength of the composites used in the Rapido. The Rapido is built to take on the oceans.
Rapido is, simply, the Queen of the Oceans.
Incredible storage capacity
The Rapido 60 has amazing, dedicated storage capacity. Floats (4.8m x 1.3m). Beneath the cockpit seats (2.1m x 0.5m). Beneath the cockpit floor (2.1m x 2.9m x 1.3m). Forward of forward cabin (1.4m x 1.2m x 1.2m).
Other videos
[Video above: Rapido 60, Romanza, races effortlessly at 24 knots during the opening day of Airlie Beach Race Week (Whitsunday Islands, Queensland, Australia) in August 2018.]
[Video above: Owners of Rapido 60, Romanza, take the organisers of Hamilton Island Race Week on a walk thru tour.]
[Video above: Owner of Rapido 60, Ineffable, Steve Bourne is interviewed about his boat for the 39th St Maarten Heineken Regatta.]
[Video above; Rapido 60, Romanza wins the PIC Coastal Classic in New Zealand in November 2020. And it wasn’t all hard sailing out there over the 21 hours.]
Trimarans are safe, powerful and fast as demonstrated by the fact that they consistently win races and hold the solo speed record for circumnavigating the world.
Safety at sea is the No. 1 priority and this thinking is reflected throughout the design and construction of the Rapido.
The Rapido 60 has some truly amazing living spaces which provide more open, private and intimate areas than monohulls or catamarans.
Trimarans are comfortable on all points of sail.
The combination of safety, performance and comfort put the Rapido in a league of its own. The enormous trampoline nets add fun and excitement as you watch the blue water rush underneath you – or as you lounge on the nets while gently floating over a reef. You will be instantly hooked..
Rapido 60 in action.
See more Rapido Trimarans videos (You Tube)
View all Rapido 60 photos
Below is a list of articles which have appeared in various publications regarding Rapido Trimarans.
ABOUT THE TR40
The boat in the photo is Yana, the TR40 design of which a small number were built in the early 1990's. The TR40 was inspired by my experience cruising, racing, and living aboard my 33' trimaran Yellow Bird in the early to mid 1980's.
Regretfully no TR40's were built in Australia and to this day I have not had the opportunity to sail on one, although I have raced and cruised on the smaller Spoon Bay 10.6 which I designed just a few years earlier.
The TR42 is a current day version of the TR40. Float shapes have evolved, the centre of gravity has moved aft, and we'd prefer twin rudders because boats tend to get driven harder these days and you need the extra bite when you're flying the main hull.
The design is very similar to the Rocket Factory trimarans, with the main hull, decks and cabin all built in kit form from flat panels. It could be a Duflex kit, or you could build the whole boat from full size patterns over temporary moulds.
For a more bare bones high performance version of this design see the R42 here.
TR42 is available in aft cabin and open cockpit versions and some variations on the internal layout are possible in both versions.
TR42 Trimaran Layout with single forward bathroom. The arrangement in the main saloon is interchangeable with the aft cabin and open cockpit versions.
There is quite a bit of flexibility with the layout on the TR42, for both the aft cabin and the open cockpit versions. I have presented these two options as a starting point. I have a personal preference for quarter berths while at sea, as I've stated elsewhere, but the aft cabin serves the same purpose. It gives quick and easy access to the cockpit if you're single handing or short handed.
For the aft cabin version I've moved the cabin forward from the transom a bit to make room for a boarding platform, dinghy stowage, and offering the option of using an OB motor as an auxiliary.
One advantage that comes from moving the forward beam and dagger case aft compared to earlier designs is that it provides a lot of space in the forward cabin. There is ample space to fit a head and shower forward of the beam BH and the forward berth is 1.5m/5' wide.
If you wanted a private owner's cabin forward it is possible to fit a second head and shower behind the dagger case in the saloon as shown in the open cockpit layout. This arrangement can also be used on the aft cabin version.
This arrangement shows the two bathrooms forward and once again is interchangeable with the aft cabin and open cockpit versions
Mainsail | 60.18sq.m. | 647sq.ft |
Solent | 32.15sq.m. | 346sq.ft |
Code Zero | 47.42sq.m. | 510sq.ft |
Gennaker | 135.35sq.m. | 1456sq.ft |
Mast Length | 17.26m. | 56'8" |
Air Draft | 19.2m. | 63ft. |
Mast Position | 50% LOA from bow | |
Disp DWL | 4641kg | 10210lb |
LOA | 12.8m | 42' |
Beam OA | 9.6m | 31'6" |
Beam CL-CL | 4.6m | 15' |
Beam Main Hull | 3.56m | 11'8" |
Height of Main Hull | 2.55m | 8'4" |
Hull Length to beam Ratio DWL | 10.24 : 1 |
Enquire for pricing on plans, kits, and built to order ready to sail.
Ed Horstman designed TRIMARAN and CATAMARAN plans are drawn for the first time builder. Plans are concise and clearly drawn so the builder can easily follow each building step. Designs are continuously updated with your input and new ideas. Plans include full size patterns to 63'. The larger TRI's and CAT's have full radius hulls.With no lofting you build right away. The DESIGNER'S book TRIMARAN and CATAMARAN CONSTRUCTION is part of the plans (over 21') and covers all phases of construction. Plans are leased to build ONE boat, NO time limit. Tri-Star designs are proven designs, sailing the seven seas since 1964. Free consultation is provided to the original non-professional builder till he or she is sailing the seven seas. All boats may be built with flared hulls, with the exception of the TRI 25, TRI 26MT, CAT 27PC and the CAT 27. A DESIGN FEE for customer modifications to stock plans. Small, Fast Catamaran Design
TRI-STAR CAT 14 Plans $ Slightly Larger, Fast Catamaran Design TRI-STAR CAT 19 Plans $ Trailerable, Fast Catamaran Design with berthing areas TRI-STAR CAT 27 PC Study Plans $ TRI-STAR CAT 27 Study Plans $
TRI-STAR CAT 34 Plans $ CAT 36 designed as a spacious, fast enjoyable sailing cataramarn with accomodations found only on much larger yachts.
TRI-STAR CAT 36 Study Plans $
TRI-STAR CAT 38 Study Plans $
TRI-STAR CAT 41 Study Plans $
TRI-STAR CAT 51 Study Plans $ TRI-STAR CAT 55 Study Plans $ TRI-STAR CAT 55 Plans $ | ||||||||
Catamaran and Trimaran Boat Plans make it a reality to build your own catamaran or trimaran. Multi-hulled sailing vessels are a special class of boat. A very different mind set is required when thinking about sailing a multi hull, let alone getting your head around building one.
There are some unique challenges building a multi-hull sail boat, the extra beam added by each hull for instance can create storage issues while under construction. Hartley boat plans make the build process straight forward for even amateur builders. However with all things considered, building a multi can be an amazing journey.
Yacht design.
We provide stock boat plans for both monohull and multihull sailing vessels, including sailing skiffs and sharpies. Our designs mainly feature timber construction, in plywood or cedar strip plank composite construction, using the W.E.S.T. system (wood epoxy saturation technique). Our designs are intended mainly as cruising boats, although several have done well in racing. All designs are suitable for amateur boat builders.
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Folding and unfolding a Corsair trimaran takes only a minute. With just 4 bolts to remove, it is easily managed by one person, and is normally done while afloat. Simply raise (to fold) or press down (to unfold) the inboard end of one cross beam. It can be done from the safety of the cockpit and only a little force is needed due to the folding system’s carefully balanced geometry, and the movement of the floats being mostly horizontal.
The solid aluminium folding struts have absolute control over the folding motion and prevent flexing or racking. A stainless steel bolt on the inboard end of each beam secures the floats for sailing. Crucially, wingnets remain attached during the folding process – their frictionless fixing allows them to tension themselves appropriately through the folding process. The system is so simple and balanced that Corsair trimarans can even be folded while motoring.
Corsair Marine trimarans are especially weight-conscious, and sit low on their trailers meaning they have excellent trailering characteristics. They are equally easy to launch, giving you more time on the water, and the ability to expore many more remote cruising grounds or participate in regattas far from home. Some Corsair trimaran models go from trailer to water in 25 minutes, and with practice even the largest boat models can be done in 40 minutes.
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Discussion in ' Boat Design ' started by Schoolbus , Feb 17, 2019 .
There seems to be a real gap of trimaran plans out there in the 40- 50 foot range- I am only finding trailerable tris, or very old Piver type designs, or the 54 foot Chris White Hammerhead..... Anyone out there know of any bluewater 40-50 foot Trimaran plans? (Neel 45 is one of the few production ones, and it is more of a catamaran style.......) Sincerely, Schoolbus
Schoolbus said: ↑ Anyone out there know of any bluewater 40-50 foot Trimaran plans? Click to expand...
In WoodenBoat Magazine #265 * ( Nov . /Dec . 2018 ) was a design concept for a LOA 39' 4" ( 12 m ) wind - solar - electric trimaran motorsailer by Laurie McGowan . * Table of Contents PDF ( the flickering in the above animation, below the bottom in center view, is the lines of the bow centerboard and the mid centerboard and the rudder interfering with each other while being raised and lowered ) — two Elco EP-14s electric motors, one up and one down in this aft view —
F-39 Farrier is close but a bit short and the retractable amas put it into the trailerable slot, I am really looking for a dedicated bluewater cruiser tri....... Something about the WoodenBoat's tri seems a bit off.....cant put my finger on it- a bit like a Popular Mechanic quality of execution..... Schoolbus
There are Grainger Tri's - about four models TR52 Performance Trimaran https://www.graingerdesigns.net/trimaran-designs/tr52-trimaran/
Philippe Briand has designed the Exception 52 Tri, several were built by Techni Yachts Pinta in the 1980's , here's one for sale , don't know if Philippe sells plans for it though, but if meant for single handed self build then such projects are gonna be to big I think.
rwatson said: ↑ There are Grainger Tri's - about four models TR52 Performance Trimaran https://www.graingerdesigns.net/trimaran-designs/tr52-trimaran/ Click to expand...
Searunner Multihulls - CC 44 Tri http://www.searunner.com/index.php/cc-44-tri Traveler Class Trimaran by Dick Newick http://dicknewickboats.com/traveler.html Kurt Hughes Multihull Design - Catamarans and Trimarans for Cruising and Charter - 52' Trimaran http://www.multihulldesigns.com/designs_stock/52tri.html
Add Roger Simpson, John Marples to the list if you can still get plans (not sure) RW
Here's a thread about a Roger Simpson 43 ' Liahona stalled build project, it shows it's important to make a realistic plan how to finish such a project before starting it. To see some pics of a completed Liahona, there's a fixer upper for sale * , she's located on Walter Greene' s yard in Yarmouth ME. ( * see post #20 - #25 - #27 in the above linked thread )
↑ 2 × the in 1999 Greene built 38' Scout , designed by Walter Greene. ↑ P2 - 52' Newick/Lambert/Greene design, in 2005 built by Greene. See also Dick Newick designs. ( one of them is already linked by Tad in post #8 )
here is a good one.
At 60' she's out of range, she's an tarted up for hollywood older version of an ORMA 60 ... Same type , the old ORMA 60 Brossard , she was wrecked in 2009 in Oman , and has been there like pictured for quite a number of years .
I always thought that the big harpoon in the front would have been super useful. Would have added a lot to the marina charges though.
That's why they've parked Brossard's bow on the boulders in Oman, as they were only charged for the part in the water there . . from Brossard's better days . . .
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23' trimaran for the masses PLANS FOR SALE. email for Plans. Dick Newick ... 50' racing trimaran. Tricia. Argonauta 27' folding trimaran. Spark. Maine Cat 22 22' folding catamaran. Triad (external link!) 42' Creative racer/cruiser trimaran. Seaworthy design: Kittery Point man an international legend.
Kurt Hughes Multihull Design - Catamarans and Trimarans for Cruising and Charter. Order the Latest Design Portfolio today to see over 85 multihull plans in stock. Besides illustrating my stock designs, for which I sell study plans and full construction plans, it also contains my design philosophy of multihulls; an article on the rapid Cylinder ...
However - like the Strike 16/18 - the Strike 20 also uses a beach cat for the outriggers and rig. In this case a F18, which are available worldwide at reasonable cost (for the older designs like Hobie Tiger and Dart Hawk). A Tornado or Hurricane 5.9 could also be used.
Irens designs over the years. 1977 60-foot cruising trimaran Promenade built for Caribbean charter; still sailing in the BVIs today. 1980 40-foot racing trimaran Gordano Goose built. 1982 40-foot racing trimaran IT82 wins its class in Round Britain race. 1982 50-foot racing catamaran Vital takes third overall in the Route du Rhum
Owen Clarke Design began as sailing multihull designers, sailors and project managers. Our first multihull was Fiery Cross a racing trimaran design by Merfyn Owen in 1987. Their first custom cruising yacht was Syn Y Mor, a 30' fast cruising catamaran and the first collaboration with Allen Clarke. In recent years they worked with clients on a Multi50 trimaran project and most recently 20m racer ...
About Woods Downloadable Plans The Strike 2 trimaran is akin to a scaled up Strike 15, rather than a longer Strike 18. ... $400.00. Add to Cart. Qty in Cart: 0. Quantity: Decrease Quantity of Strike 20 racing trimaran using a F18 beach cat for hulls and rig Increase Quantity of Strike 20 racing trimaran using a F18 beach cat for hulls and rig ...
Ed Horstman designed TRIMARAN and CATAMARAN plans are drawn for the first time builder. Plans are concise and clearly drawn so the builder can easily follow each building step. Designs are continuously updated with your input and new ideas. Plans include full size patterns to 63'.
The ultimate multihull design and building resource - catamarans and trimarans to 150 feet ... Racing Multihulls: 40' Performance Trimaran for short-handed sailing ... Formula 40 trimaran in composite for shorthanded extreme sailing. This Formula 40 trimaran was created for the offshore F40 rule where they had to stay out offshore for longer ...
A project that explores the boundaries between a high performance cruiser and a lightweight racer, the R42 deploys a fine main hull with just enough concession to creature comforts below decks to ensure that planning a long term cruise is as equally realistic as mixing with the action at the front end of the fleet in a major race series. The ...
This trimaran retails for $595,000, making it a cheaper option than the Rapido 60. 5. Dragonfly 40. The Dragonfly 40 measures 40 feet (12 meters) in length. It features high-comfort standards, making it one of the best trimarans in the market for taking your family for a cruise.
Contact us to find the right professionals and resources for your project, or to create a custom design to empower your vision for time on the water. Sailing Catamarans, Trimarans and Power Cats. Plans for Kit Construction - Catamarans and Trimaran Designs by Grainger Designs
The SeaCart trimaran performs as brilliantly off the water as it does on with its super-light and efficient harbor folding system, making light work of trailering. Notoriously easy to manage and maintain, the SeaCart 26 One Design is the ultimate day racing trimaran, designed for both course and inshore/coastal distance racing.
The Strike 15 trimaran is a high performance dinghy designed to be easy to sail by older or less experienced sailors and easy to launch from the beach. Designed by renowned multihull sailor Richard Woods, it is fast but stable and has folding outriggers for easy transport. Compared to a monohull racing dinghy, the outriggers and wide overall ...
Design, construction, and material information about small trimarans: Design Criteria, Construction Methods, Comparisons of Designs, Speed, Stability, and much more. Your sailing multihull DESIGN-INFO site for… Small Trimaran Information, Small Multihull Design, Design Issues, ...
Strike 18 Main Hull Plans Download. $175.00. About Woods Downloadable Plans Click HERE to download Free Study Plans The 18ft STRIKE is a trimaran design that uses a 16ft beach cat as the outriggers/amas and rig. The main hull is plywood and has a dory shape that is extremely easy to build.
Below is a list of articles which have appeared in various publications regarding Rapido Trimarans. Sailboat Review, Rapido 40, A sailor's dream boat, by Mark Pillsbury, Cruising World magazine, 6 May 2024; Rapido host much anticipated launch of first Rapido 53XS, Sails magazine, 1 May 2024; Rapido 53XS - a peak speed of 24 knots during initial sea trials, by Emmanuel van Deth, Multihulls ...
TR42 PERFORMANCE CRUISING TRIMARAN. ABOUT THE TR40. The boat in the photo is Yana, the TR40 design of which a small number were built in the early 1990's. The TR40 was inspired by my experience cruising, racing, and living aboard my 33' trimaran Yellow Bird in the early to mid 1980's. Regretfully no TR40's were built in Australia and to this ...
42ft racing trimaran. Discussion in 'Multihulls' started by gosailing, Oct 16, 2010. Page 1 of 3 1 2 3 Next > Joined: Oct 2010 Posts: 6 Likes: 0, Points: 0, Legacy Rep: 10 Location: Jamestown, RI gosailing ... Very interesting design and I like your philosophy as well:
The larger TRI's and CAT's have full radius hulls.With no lofting you build right away. The DESIGNER'S book TRIMARAN and CATAMARAN CONSTRUCTION is part of the plans (over 21') and covers all phases of construction. Plans are leased to build ONE boat, NO time limit. Tri-Star designs are proven designs, sailing the seven seas since 1964.
Genuine Hartley Boatplans and Samson Boatplans are only supplied by hartley-boats.com, New Zealand. Catamaran & Trimaran Boat Plans from Hartley Boats make it a reality to build your own multihull at home. Build with Plywood or Fibre Glass. 12-35 ft plans.
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK. Snail Mail: PO Box 900, Morayfield, Qld, 4510, Australia. Email: [email protected]. Mike Waller Yacht Design provides comprehensive boat plans for amateur boat builders. A range of stock plans are available for both monohulls and multihull vessels, constructed in plywood or timber / glass composite.
Discover our range of trailerable and foldable trimarans suitable for regatta racing and family cruising. The worlds favorite tailerable trimaran builder, suited to day sailing, family cruising and racing. Exit. NEW TRIMARANS. CORSAIR 880; CORSAIR 760; CORSAIR 970; PULSE 600; CORSAIR 37; SAILING MANUAL; USED TRIMARAN; WHY A CORSAIR. 16 REASONS WHY;
Angélique aka Angel (only by name) Philippe Briand has designed the Exception 52 Tri, several were built by Techni Yachts Pinta in the 1980's, here's one for sale, don't know if Philippe sells plans for it though, but if meant for single handed self build then such projects are gonna be to big I think.