corsair 28 trimaran

Corsair F28 R

Sailboat specifications.

• Last update: 1st April 2020

Corsair F28 R's main features

Corsair f28 r's main dimensions, corsair f28 r's rig and sails, corsair f28 r's performances, corsair f28 r's auxiliary engine, corsair f28 r's accommodations and layout.

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Corsair F-28

A small trimaran for having fun and enjoying your sailing…

Practical info

• Builder : CORSAIR MARINE INTL
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The F-28 test took us to Saint-Malo (Brittany, France), where we met Guy Albaret, director of La Landriais Marines Services shipyard, which imports the Corsair trimaran line into France. The F-24, F-31, and now the F-28, designed by Ian Farrier, are made near San Diego, California. We may find ourselves, along the French coastlines, crossing, or perhaps being passed by one of the 35 Corsair F-series trimarans sailing there regularly

A Real Trailerable Multihull

In fact, the F-28's true role is to succeed the F-27, 450 of which were built. At first glance, you might not necessarily spot the difference with respect to any other sports cruising trimaran. There is nothing in the boat’s general appearance to suggest it is a trailerable folding trimaran. A closer look and a demonstration shows that it takes one person alone little more than 2 minutes to fold both cross arms holding the amas, almost effortlessly, so that the F-28 can be trailered easily. Three steps prepare an F-28 for trailering: 1. Releasing the shrouds through a lever system at the base of each shroud 2. Disconnecting the four lock bolts on the cross arms 3. Raising the cross-beams to fold the amas against the hulls very easily thanks to a patented system The side trampolines move with the amas to come alongside the central hull. This is a really surprising operation, except for those already familiar with Corsair trimarans. The F-24, F-27 and F-31 have been using this mechanism for ten years now. This goes to show the reliability, robustness and functionality of the folding system. Consequently, this is a 6 meters wide trimaran tha...

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• Sailboat Guide

2003 Corsair F-28

• Description

Seller's Description

A particularly well maintained Corsair F-28 trimaran, lightly used, mostly in fresh water. Excellent sail inventory, with almost new mainsail and jib, new nets. Aluminum trailer recently serviced and ready to travel anywhere.

Additional Details

Manufacturer Provided Description

The F-28 sport cruiser is a versatile, trailerable trimaran that offers both cruising comfort and performance excitement. Sail Magazine’s 25th Anniversary poll of 24 notable yacht designers named it among the eight most significant sailboat designs of the past quarter century. The F-28 is a worthy successor to the F-27 and retains its best features while introducing many exciting improvements. The F-28 sport cruiser is perfect for sailors who like performance and fun, but who also require a family-friendly practical boat with a large cockpit and a roomy cabin that is suitable for cruising. Like other Corsairs, the F-28 can sail rather fast, even exceeding 20 knots. Cruisers will appreciate how the easily sustained high averages of the F-28 will bring new destinations within range - and make the return to home port quick, safe, and comfortable. The interior layout is functional and spacious. Berths include a large double forward, individual settees / bunks on each side of the main cabin area, and a single bunk or stowage area under the cockpit. The comfortable wing nets are ideal places to relax and sunbathe while the water zips by below. The aft-cockpit with sturdy pushpit railings gives everyone plenty of room and a good sense of security as well. The F-28’s single-spreader rotating aluminum mast and the square-top fully-battened mainsail and roller furling jib form a very efficient combination that is faster than similar size fixed rigs, but with improved safety margins and easier handling. The F-28 features a roller furling boom for quick mainsail reefing and furling.

Mainsail, Calvert Performance Load Path, square top, new in 2018 Jib, roller furling, Calvert Performance Load Path, new in 2014 Screacher, original, has had very little use Asymmetrical spinnaker, original, still in excellent condition Additional sails: Original mainsail, still in good condition All sails have bags

Spars, rigging and sailing equipment

Aluminum wing mast, rotating, 38 ft Aluminum boom, roller furling Bowsprit, carbon fiber, with synthetic bobstay Winches: two self tailing for halyards, two non-self tailing for sheets, all on cabin top Synthetic side stays, Colligo Marine Tiller extension Lifting eyes Cover for tiller handle

Accommodations

V berth and two settees, all with newly covered cushions with extra thick foam Galley unit with sink and manual faucet Water tank all nets (wing nets and bow nets) replaced in 2016

Electrical and electronics

12V electrical system with 12V AGM battery, battery switch and circuit breaker panel Interior lights Running lights Analog compass on bulkhead facing cockpit VHF radio with masthead antenna and connection in cockpit for remote microphone Autopilot, Raymarine ST2000+ with wireless remote controller Solar panel, 11W, for battery charging Motor has 6A alternator and is wired for battery charging Portable GPS will convey with boat for full price offer–otherwise not.

Honda 8 hp 4 cycle outboard wired for battery charging from alternator used only with ethanol free fuel serviced annually (engine and lower unit oil change) new water pump impeller

Aluminum trailer, double axle, leaf springs, Trailex Trailers New tires in 2019 Surge brakes, reconditioned in 2020, with new flushing lines installed Comes with spare wheel bearing

Miscellaneous

Bottom anti fouling paint, Pettit Vivid Shark White Anchor, Fortress FX16 with chain and rode Dock lines Fenders Garelick Sport Dive ladder All necessary mast raising and trailering equipment

Rig and Sails

Auxilary power, accomodations, calculations.

The theoretical maximum speed that a displacement hull can move efficiently through the water is determined by it's waterline length and displacement. It may be unable to reach this speed if the boat is underpowered or heavily loaded, though it may exceed this speed given enough power. Read more.

Classic hull speed formula:

Hull Speed = 1.34 x √LWL

Max Speed/Length ratio = 8.26 ÷ Displacement/Length ratio .311 Hull Speed = Max Speed/Length ratio x √LWL

Sail Area / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the power of the sails relative to the weight of the boat. The higher the number, the higher the performance, but the harder the boat will be to handle. This ratio is a "non-dimensional" value that facilitates comparisons between boats of different types and sizes. Read more.

SA/D = SA ÷ (D ÷ 64) 2/3

• SA : Sail area in square feet, derived by adding the mainsail area to 100% of the foretriangle area (the lateral area above the deck between the mast and the forestay).
• D : Displacement in pounds.

Ballast / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the stability of a boat's hull that suggests how well a monohull will stand up to its sails. The ballast displacement ratio indicates how much of the weight of a boat is placed for maximum stability against capsizing and is an indicator of stiffness and resistance to capsize.

Ballast / Displacement * 100

Displacement / Length Ratio

A measure of the weight of the boat relative to it's length at the waterline. The higher a boat’s D/L ratio, the more easily it will carry a load and the more comfortable its motion will be. The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more.

D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds.
• LWL: Waterline length in feet

Comfort Ratio

This ratio assess how quickly and abruptly a boat’s hull reacts to waves in a significant seaway, these being the elements of a boat’s motion most likely to cause seasickness. Read more.

Comfort ratio = D ÷ (.65 x (.7 LWL + .3 LOA) x Beam 1.33 )

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds
• LOA: Length overall in feet
• Beam: Width of boat at the widest point in feet

Capsize Screening Formula

This formula attempts to indicate whether a given boat might be too wide and light to readily right itself after being overturned in extreme conditions. Read more.

CSV = Beam ÷ ³√(D / 64)

The F-28, introduced in 1998, is similar but with a number of small updates including a rotating spar. (Renamed CORSAIR 28 in 2001.)

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• Corsair Manuals
• Sailing manual

Corsair 28R Sailing Manual

• page of 101 Go / 101

Table of Contents

• Preparation
• Safety Compartment
• Outboard Motor
• Mast Raising on the Water
• Daggerboard
• Rotating Mast Control
• Windward Performance
• Spinnaker Jibing
• Spinnaker Sailing Downwind
• Safe Sailing Recommendations
• Sailing Hints
• Retrieving to Trailer
• De - Rigging
• Lifting out
• Marina Docking
• Unsinkability
• Offshore Sailing
• Personal Responsibility
• Safety in General
• Spring Retaining Clips
• Hoisting Mainsail
• Bearing Away
• Rudder/Daggerboard Hum
• Rudder Ventilation
• Compression Pads
• Float/Beam Vents
• Cleaning Floats
• Clean Boat Hint
• Hurricane Survival
• Specifications
• Corsair Sail Plans
• Corsair Accomodation Plans
• Corsair Deck Layouts
• Typical Trailer Setup
• Running Rigging
• Standing Rigging
• Folding System
• South America

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Summary of contents for corsair 28r.

• Page 1 SAILING MANUAL For Corsair Trimarans...
• Page 3 Owner3: _____________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ Built by: Corsair Marine International 7 Go O Moi Street, Phu Thuan Ward, District 7, HCMC, Vietnam Tel: +84.8.3873.3620, Fax: +84.8.3873.3621 Email: [email protected] Copyright © 2014 by Corsair Marine International...

Page 4: Table Of Contents

• Page 5 HULLS ..........................94 BEAMS ........................... 94 FOLDING SYSTEM ......................95 TRAILER ......................... 95 CORSAIR DEALERS WORLDWIDE ..................96 USA ..........................96 EUROPE ......................... 97 ASIA ..........................98 SOUTH AMERICA ......................99 OTHER ........................... 99 Copyright © 2014 by Corsair Marine International...

Page 6: General

Page 7: safety compartment, page 8: outboard motor, page 9: trailering, page 10: rigging.

• Page 11 Another alternative is to attach the yoke to the deck first, then fit the mast to it. 6. The mast foot is connected to the mast step as follows: (Dash/Sprint 750 MKII yoke.) (C28, C31 & Cruze 970 yoke.) Copyright © 2014 by Corsair Marine International...
• Page 12 8. Position the mast raising pole on the mast in the yoke socket. Attach the wire form the top of the pole to the eye on the front of the mast, with the pole being approximately perpendicular to the mast. Copyright © 2014 by Corsair Marine International...
• Page 13 During mast raising it is very important to be alert to all items of rigging lifting or supporting the mast. If any resistance to raising is felt at point, stop and check that nothing has fouled. Do not proceed until any obstruction is clear Copyright © 2014 by Corsair Marine International...
• Page 14 Once initial adjustment has been done, the forestay turnbuckle does not need to be undone during normal rigging or de-rigging, only the clevis pin is removed or inserted. Copyright © 2014 by Corsair Marine International...
• Page 15 Feed the mainsail head into the track on the mast and connect the main halyard. 15. Run all the halyard lines from the mast through the turning blocks back to the correct rope clutches on the aft end of the cabin roof. Copyright © 2014 by Corsair Marine International...

Page 16: Lauching

• Page 17 Always take care in strong winds while fully folded and with mast up. A combination of a fast tight turn and mast windage and weight could cause a roll over in such conditions. If in doubt, unfold one or both sides to eliminate this danger. Copyright © 2014 by Corsair Marine International...
• Page 18 There is knack in unfolding of using both your foot to push on the upper folding strut and your hands to pull the top of the beam in and down. After a few tries you will find it easy to do. Copyright © 2014 by Corsair Marine International...
• Page 19 Once the mast is properly supported by the shrouds, the mast raising wires can be removed. The spinnaker pole bowsprit can now be fitted or extended depending on model. Copyright © 2014 by Corsair Marine International...

Page 20: Mast Raising On The Water

Page 21: rudder, page 22: mast setup, page 23: sailing.

• Page 24 Neither of these controls are essential for everyday sailing, their main purpose being to give more efficient control over the mainsail. Both must be removed when roller furling. Copyright © 2014 by Corsair Marine International...
• Page 25 23 | Page Corsair trimarans are sailed like any other yacht, the most notable differences being the response, lightness of the helm, and the low angle of heel. This ranges from an average of 5° to 10° to a maximum of about 15°.
• Page 26 Now unthread the outhaul line and rethread it through the new reefing clew eye. All the controls of a jiffy reefing system are now in place, except you don’t have to tie off the Copyright © 2014 by Corsair Marine International...

Page 27: Rotating Mast Control

Page 28: windward performance, page 29: reaching, page 30: spinnaker, page 31: spinnaker jibing, page 32: safe sailing recommendations.

• Page 33 31 | Page Sometimes when running downwind, it is better to drop the main and run under jib only. Corsair built trimarans can go to windward and tack while sailing under either jib or mainsail alone. 2. When winds are strong and gusty, and the boat is being sailed hard, then always have the sheet of the largest sail up, be it the mainsail, genoa, or spinnaker, in hand, ready for quick release.
• Page 34 8. Always carry full safety gear, including life jackets, as required by U.S. Coast Guard and local regulations. (For safety, always wear a life jacket and when sailing hard. Always keep the sheet in hand ready for instant release.) Copyright © 2014 by Corsair Marine International...

Page 35: Sailing Hints

Page 36: anchoring, page 37: beaching.

• Page 38 Take great care while folded in wind of 25 knots or more. A combination of a high cross wind and a fast, tight turn, may be sufficient to overcome the folded stability of bigger designs, resulting in a roll over. Copyright © 2014 by Corsair Marine International...
• Page 39 The boat can now be pulled from the water, and when on level ground. Remember to check that it is fully winched slack in the winch wire. Tie an extra safety line from the bow eye down to the winch post, ready for de - rigging. Copyright © 2014 by Corsair Marine International...

Page 40: De - Rigging

• Page 41 This is to prevent them from rubbing on the deck which will quickly wear through any gelcoat or paint. On long trips it is also a good idea to pad between the wires and the mast, or remove the wires altogether. Copyright © 2014 by Corsair Marine International...

Page 42: Lifting Out

Page 43: unsinkability, page 44: offshore sailing, page 45: righting.

• Page 46 Once folded, insert the beam locking pins. Repeat process with other side float. Smaller designs will fold up just from your weight on the wing net. Copyright © 2014 by Corsair Marine International...
• Page 47 Now tighten the beam bolts, and start bailing. A long tubular type bilge pump is needed to do this successfully. You may initially need to wrap a rag or towel Copyright © 2014 by Corsair Marine International...

Page 48: Personal Responsibility

Page 49: technical notes, page 50: heavy helm, page 51: compression pads, page 52: float/beam vents, page 53: collision.

• Page 54 Also remove the wing and bow nets. These don’t have much windage, but it is surprising how much it can be in such winds. Your boat is then as safe as anything can be in a hurricane. Copyright © 2014 by Corsair Marine International...

Page 55: Specifications

• Page 56 Draft D/B down: ... 7’ 7” (2.3m) Mast length: ....36’ 6” (11.1m) Mast length: ....51’ 2” (15.6m) Weight: ......3,100lbs (1400kgs) Weight: ......6,300lbs (2850kgs) Max. recommended auxiliary: 15 hp Max. recommended auxiliary: 20 hp Copyright © 2014 by Corsair Marine International...

Page 57: Corsair Sail Plans

• Page 58 56 | Page Sprint 750 MKII sail plan Copyright © 2014 by Corsair Marine International...
• Page 59 57 | Page Dash 750 MKII sail plan Copyright © 2014 by Corsair Marine International...
• Page 60 58 | Page C28 RS/C28 CR/C28 CE sail plan Copyright © 2014 by Corsair Marine International...
• Page 61 59 | Page C31RS/C31 CR/C31 UC sail plan Copyright © 2014 by Corsair Marine International...
• Page 62 60 | Page Cruze 970 sail plan Copyright © 2014 by Corsair Marine International...
• Page 63 61 | Page C37 CR/RS sail plan Copyright © 2014 by Corsair Marine International...

Page 64: Corsair Accomodation Plans

• Page 65 63 | Page Dash 750 MKII accommodation plan C28 RS accommodation plan Copyright © 2014 by Corsair Marine International...
• Page 66 64 | Page C28 CR accommodation plan C28 CE accommodation plan Copyright © 2014 by Corsair Marine International...
• Page 67 65 | Page C31 RS accommodation plan C31 CR accommodation plan Copyright © 2014 by Corsair Marine International...
• Page 68 66 | Page C31 UC accommodation plan Cruze 970 accommodation plan Copyright © 2014 by Corsair Marine International...
• Page 69 67 | Page C37 CR/RS accommodation plan Copyright © 2014 by Corsair Marine International...

Page 70: Corsair Deck Layouts

• Page 71 Chain (pin retaining) 10. Bow chock 4-1/2” Chain ends with eye 11. Bow roller mount Split rings Sheave bow roller 4. Wing net rope retaining white 5. Hinge deck 90° Pin detent 1/4” x 1-1/2” Copyright © 2014 by Corsair Marine International...
• Page 72 11. Hatch 30 low profile 24. Hatch 30 low profile 12. Chain plate 25. Chain plate Cover chain plate Cover chain plate 13. Non-skid strip 26. Non-skid strip Deck layout Sprint 750 MKII Copyright © 2014 by Corsair Marine International...
• Page 73 21. Cover 750 spin pole sleeve Traveler car Harken H1628 22. Light navigation 34. Stern light 23. Hook spring clip w/base for mast 35. Gudgeon aft mast support Raising line off trailer Copyright © 2014 by Corsair Marine International...
• Page 74 22. Hatch 4” 10. Non-skid strip 23. Non-skid 11. Hatch 30 low profile 24. Hatch 30 low profile 12. Chain plate 25. Chain plate Cover chain plate Cover chain plate 13. Non-skid 26. Non-skid strip Copyright © 2014 by Corsair Marine International...
• Page 75 Backing plate pad eye folding Spacer cabin wing net rail 14. Mast raising wire anchor loop 36. Poptop back lock plate Backing plate raising loops 37. Sealing cover small Eye strap w/ferrule rig Tubular key Copyright © 2014 by Corsair Marine International...
• Page 76 22. Hatch 4” 10. Non-skid 23. Non-skid 11. Hatch 30 low profile 24. Hatch 30 low profile 12. Chain plate 25. Chain plate Cover chain plate Cover chain plate 13. Non-skid 26. Non-skid Copyright © 2014 by Corsair Marine International...
• Page 77 Nut #10 barrel Beckson chrome Hatch main companionway lower 11. Rope clutch single spinlock Hatch main companionway top Plate backup rope clutch 28. Hasp Perko 12. Trimloc 3/16” poptop black w/seal Packing block lock UHHMS poly Copyright © 2014 by Corsair Marine International...
• Page 78 13. Bracket folding upper strut Rod polyurethane cast Pad bolt S/S 5. Bow toe rail 14. Rope 8mm blue 6. Eye strap Rf134 15. Light LED stern 7. U-bolt (inside anchor well) 16. Pads outboard bracket Copyright © 2014 by Corsair Marine International...
• Page 79 6. Hatch 60 low profile 26. Hasp Perko Hatch trim 60 white 27. Camcleat plastic 7. Hatch 6” white Plate backup winch 8. Winch handle pocket Seadog 28. Winch B32.2 STD self tailing Copyright © 2014 by Corsair Marine International...
• Page 80 Pad backup deck organizer 36. Window aft Plate backup triple organizer 37. Hatch W/screen & trim 17. Hatch 44 fwd w/stay arm 38. Bracket outboard Hatch trim 44 white 39. Gudgeon transom 18. Pulpit Copyright © 2014 by Corsair Marine International...
• Page 81 2. Eye strap 7. Hatch 6” Viking/Becson 3. Rail 28 wing net 8. Eye saddle RF134 4. Chain plate 9. Eye strap RF528 Cover chain plate 10. Non-skid 5. Hatch 30 low profile Copyright © 2014 by Corsair Marine International...
• Page 82 Pin S/S quick 3/16” x 1-1/2” Bracket deck plastic white Chain S/S Track slide Chain end with eye Track S/S poptop Sleeve brass retainer (for bead Track end chain) Track stop Nut 1/4” barrel Beckson chrome Copyright © 2014 by Corsair Marine International...
• Page 83 10. Mast base Split rings 11. Window side large Pin rigging 12. Hinge deck 90° Beam retaining bracket Pin detent 1/4”x1-1/2” Rod polyurethane cast 13. Rope 8mm 5. Bow toe rail 14. Pads outboard bracket Copyright © 2014 by Corsair Marine International...
• Page 84 25. Hinge module cover 6. Lifting eye (U-bolt) 26. Fairlead nylon Plate backup lifting eye Plate backup fairlead 7. Winch handle pocket Seadog 27. U-bolt w/base pad 8. Block stand-up Plate backup U-bolt Copyright © 2014 by Corsair Marine International...
• Page 85 39. Gudgeon aft mast support 18. Cleat 8 chrome (bow and stern) 40. Gudgeon transom Plate backup cleat mooring 41. Bracket outboard 19. Light navigation port/stb white led 20. Latch flush pull black Copyright © 2014 by Corsair Marine International...
• Page 86 4. Rail wing net 11. Hatch 6” 5. U-bolt 12. U-bolt 6. Hatch 6” 13. Net wing 7. Chain plate 14. Eye strap Cover chain plate 15. Rail bow net 16. Bow net Copyright © 2014 by Corsair Marine International...
• Page 87 34. Rail wing net (hull side) Stop end t-track Harken Spacer cabin wing net rail Car genoa lead aluminum Eye saddle Stop t-track Harken 35. Hasp Perko 14. Organizer Quad spinlock Backing block lock UHMW poly Copyright © 2014 by Corsair Marine International...
• Page 88 6. Deck fill waste Seadog Pad spacer beam retaining 7. Bow roller assembly 12. Trim edging 1/4” white pebble Sheave bow roller 13. Traveler line 8. Block stand-up 14. Pad outboard bracket HDPE Rope 6mm black Copyright © 2014 by Corsair Marine International...
• Page 89 3. Collar aft mast support 31. Hinge anchor locker Pipe PVC 1-1/4” aft mast support 32. Fitting forestay socket 33. Latch flush pull black Cap PVC aft mast support tubes 34. Fail lead 2 holes alum. black Copyright © 2014 by Corsair Marine International...
• Page 90 28. Mast step pivot ball 59. Support pad beam well flap Cotter pin 1/8” 60. Vent gas tank chrome Mast base plate 61. Deck fill water Seadog Cheek block medium 62. Deck fill waste Copyright © 2014 by Corsair Marine International...
• Page 91 4. Cleat 8” chrome 28. Backing block for cheek block 5. Cleat cam w/ swivel base Block cheek 6. Pad beam bolt Eye strap 7. Winch B42.2A Nut barrel flange & knurled #10 Copyright © 2014 by Corsair Marine International...
• Page 92 19. Hinge module cover 39. Hatch alum. medium 20. Hatch 60 low profile 40. Light LED stern 21. Hinge anchor locker Bracket stern light 22. Cleat 8” chrome Deck layout C37 CR/RS (part2) Copyright © 2014 by Corsair Marine International...
• Page 93 4. Rail wing net 14. Hatch 6” 5. U-bolt 15. U-bolt 6. Cover chain plate 16. Eye-bolt 7. Chain plate 17. U-bolt 8. U-bolt 18. Net wing 9. Hatch 19. Rail bow net 10. Eye-bolt Copyright © 2014 by Corsair Marine International...

Page 94: Typical Trailer Setup

Page 95: maintenance & safety checklist, page 96: standing rigging, page 97: folding system, page 98: corsair dealers worldwide, page 99: europe, page 100: asia, page 101: south america, rename the bookmark, delete bookmark, delete from my manuals, upload manual.

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3 Small, Sporty Trimarans

• By Herb McCormick
• Updated: March 5, 2009

When it comes to cruising multihulls, the trimaran often plays second fiddle. The main reason is the sheer popularity and growth of cruising catamarans, thanks in no small part to the charter trade. But trimaran sailors have come up with a rather amusing handle for their beloved vessels: a cat-and-a-half. There’s some truth to the name.

If part of the reason one goes cruising is for a quality sailing experience, it’s hard to beat a well-executed tri. With shallow draft, they can easily poke into the shallows or up on a beach away from the madding crowd. And many midsize trimarans can be folded up and trailered for a cruise to Maine or the Florida Keys. As one tri sailor put it, “It’s sweet to go to windward at 65 miles per hour.”

I had the opportunity to sail a trio of cruising trimarans over a variety of waters and with an array of avid sailors and builders. Interestingly, the respective boats and venues-the Telstar 28 on Chesapeake Bay, the Corsair 31 on Massachusetts’ Buzzards Bay, and the Dragonfly 35 in the U.S. Virgin Islands-seemed especially well suited for one another. All boats are compromises, and trimarans are no different: Unlike cruising cats, which can handle those hefty payloads and multiple staterooms, tris are limited in space and accommodations by the parameters of their layout. But when all was said and done, I came away with a fresh appreciation for the viability of a relatively compact tri as a terrific, even exhilarating, coastal cruiser. Here’s what I discovered.

Telstar 28: Bred on Chesapeake Bay

The result of an exacting evolutionary process, the Telstar 28 is the proud creation of expatriate British multihull designer Tony Smith, who’s been testing and refining his notion of what makes an appealing triple-hulled pocket cruiser for almost four decades. His Chesapeake Bay-based business, Performance Cruising Inc., is very much a family affair, with his wife, kids, and son-in-law all prominently involved.

Smith launched the first incarnation of the Telstar, a 26-footer, in England in the early 1970s, eventually building 300 of them before relocating to this side of the Atlantic. A 1981 fire put the Telstar on hold while Smith shifted his emphasis to producing the Gemini line of cruising cats. But earlier this decade, he brought the trimaran out of mothballs and began to fine-tune his original vision, going through more than half a dozen prototypes before he was satisfied that he had a boat worthy of the marketplace.

For Smith, a hard-core multihull racer in his youth, the tug toward performance has always been strong. But with the Telstar 28, he wanted a boat that would be fun and fast under both sail and power but that could also serve for weeks at a time as a floating home, possessing features and systems that are foolproof and strongly engineered but dead simple to apply. A foldable, trailerable cruising boat sounds good, but it’s much less so if operating it is a chore for the owner.

And so Smith and his son, Neil, went to work, experimenting with rig size, outrigger shapes, and engine horsepower. They fussed with float deployment, steering systems, construction techniques, and numerous ways to raise and lower the mast. The goal was straightforward: a boat that sailed simply and well and that a couple or small family could enjoy. When he had everything just so, Smith made a couple of trips to Florida, by himself, trailering a Telstar. He launched and retrieved the boat, put the mast up and took it down, and went sailing, all alone. Only then was the reincarnated boat ready for prime time.

The revamped Telstar, now 28 feet long, has been in production for several years, and nearly 70 new boats have been built. On a visit last August to the boatyard on the Chesapeake’s Back Creek, Will Hershfeld, Smith’s son-in-law, gave me the tour.

Smith is especially proud of the arrangements for folding and deploying the outriggers and for stepping and striking the deck-stepped spar, both of which a lone sailor can do almost effortlessly in no time flat. The outriggers can be deployed or retracted on the trailer or in the water utilizing an ingenious rotary-pivot joint that reduces the maxed-out 18-foot beam to a mere 8 feet 6 inches in collapsed mode. The mast can be winched up (or lowered) from the cockpit via a set of four A-frames that work in tandem to support the stick during the evolution. Neither the sails nor the boom need to be removed for the mast’s raising or lowering, which maximizes the efficiency of the task.

Somewhat less heralded but also extremely clever is the tiller/outboard connection. With a single pin in place, the tiller and engine operate in tandem for optimum steering control under power. Under sail, the pin can be removed and the engine raised, thus linking the tiller directly to the rudder. The standard engine, incidentally, is a 20-horsepower Honda that scoots the boat along at a tidy 7 to 8 knots. A 50-horsepower Honda that will reportedly deliver 15 knots of boat speed is an option to form a sail/power version of the boat.

Belowdecks, the immediate and biggest surprise is the spaciousness of the central hull, particularly the 6-foot standing headroom. A large head compartment is forward of the saloon, which includes a pair of 6-foot-long settees flanking a folding dinette. With a series of slats in place down the main thoroughfare, one of the settees can be converted to a generous double berth. On either side of the companionway, a small galley with a two-burner stove and a simple navigation area addresses the essentials for dining and piloting.

Thanks to vacuum-bagged infusion for the outrigger assembly and a foam-core laminate in the main hull, the Telstar 28 weighs in at an almost unbelievable 3,000 pounds. The working sail area, augmented by the mainsail’s generous roach, measures 524 square feet. The power-to-weight ratio seemed promising, and I was eager to see how it translated to speed under sail.

The Chesapeake was in a cooperative mood as we powered out of Back Creek and set the main and 150-percent genoa in 12 to 15 knots of true wind. Sailing closehauled at about 30 degrees apparent, the boat slid along respectably at 6 to 7 knots with a well-balanced, fingertip touch to the tiller. We threw in a few tacks, and a couple of things were quickly apparent. First, the combination of formidable side decks along the main hull and fabric trampolines (not nets) between the outriggers made for an extremely dry ride, something I wasn’t expecting. But the 50-horsepower outboard on our test boat was a slight burden, dragging a bit, even when raised, on starboard tack. Our performance spiked when we flipped over to port and the propeller completely cleared the water.

The Telstar really came alive when we set the 400-square-foot screacher off the sprit. At 50 degrees apparent, we bettered 10 knots, and when we fell off to a beam reach, we topped off at a very lively 13.2 knots. A small chop was building on the bay, however, and it definitely slowed us down slightly, as the light boat just didn’t have the inertia to muscle through the wavelets. It’s a small quibble: I was already impressed. This child of the Chesapeake-an ideal cruising ground for this quick, shallow-draft trimaran-had displayed plenty of gumption on its home waters.

Dragonfly 35: A Trade-Wind Rocket

The marvelous Danish-built Dragonfly 35 stands apart from the other pair of trimarans in this roundup on multiple fronts, the most notable of which are size, cost, and accommodations.

In the protected harbor of Great Cruz Bay, in the U.S. Virgin Islands, I met Dr. James Clayton, the proud owner of hull number 11 in the Dragonfly 35 run. Looking for a bit faster ride, with roomier accommodations and better sun protection, Clayton had moved up to the 35-footer from the 33-foot Dragonfly 1000, a boat that he loved and which is no longer in production. The 35 comes in two versions, Touring and Ultimate, the latter, which Clayton owns, boasting a slightly taller carbon-fiber mast with exotic, high-tech Vectran/Technora sails and strong, lightweight standing and running rigging.

Clayton obviously enjoys a boat that performs well, but he also likes creature comforts, and he’s loaded the boat with a variety of options, including an Andersen 46ST electric winch for mainsail hoisting, a watermaker, a three-bladed folding prop (instead of the standard two-bladed version), a diesel heater, and even a bow thruster, which is employed via a “garage door” that lies flush to the hull when not in use.

It seemed odd to choose the high-tech version of the boat and then load it up (and weigh it down) with such a long list of amenities. But Clayton had good reasons for his choices. The bow thruster proves very handy in controlling the fine, light bow in close quarters on windy days, and the heater was welcome during a cruise through Nova Scotia.

The Dragonfly 35 employs the builder’s Swing Wing system to fold the amas, but with a 12-foot-10-inch beam when the outriggers are retracted (down from a graceful, sweeping 26 feet 11 inches in sailing mode), trailering isn’t an option. Still, the folded boat will fit into a standard marina slip.

The accommodation plan doesn’t enjoy the interior volume of a contemporary 35-foot monohull, but it’s a clean, modern design that makes excellent use of the space. There are generous double berths on either end: a V-berth in a dedicated cabin forward, and another double beneath the cockpit. An enclosed head is situated forward of the main cabin, which has 6-foot-4-inch headroom and features a long settee to port, a cozy but handy navigation station at the foot of the companionway, and a lengthwise galley to starboard, with an abundance of counter space and good storage. The Volvo diesel, with saildrive, is located in a dedicated aft compartment.

The deck layout and corresponding sailhandling systems are also extremely well executed. A retractable carbon sprit in a sealed, dedicated tube is just forward of the recessed Facnor headsail-furling gear. Four flexible 9.5-amp Sunware solar panels do a fine job of topping off the house batteries. The single-line reefing system is led aft to the cockpit, an extremely comfortable space with a large bimini overhead and a rounded helmsman’s backrest aft. The traveler is mounted on a central beam just forward of the helmsman, while the double-ended mainsheet is close at hand.

There’s good visibility for the wind and speed instruments mounted over the companionway, and clear sight lines exist to the Raymarine chart plotter mounted on the rear of the coachroof. A portable beam can be removed to provide walk-through access to the transom and the aft deck shower. Finally, each of the amas is equipped with a rear hatch, through which can be stashed a pair of 17-foot sea kayaks. The Dragonfly 35 can most definitely be classified as a sport utility vehicle.

We sailed the boat on a day of moderate easterlies blowing at 12 to 14 knots. Upwind, at roughly 30 degrees apparent, the boat made anywhere from 7.9 to 8.4 knots, and as we eased sheets and bore off, the speed ratcheted up accordingly, to 8.5 to 9 knots. Frankly, I was somewhat disappointed in the sheer speed (Clayton has made more than 18 knots in breeze ranging in the 20s), but as I mentioned, we were carrying a boatload of extras. It was a choppy day, but the Dragonfly was in no way hampered by the seaway. The V-sectioned central hull cleaved nicely through the waves without hobbyhorsing, providing a smooth, purposeful motion and leaving the smallest of wakes. And steering the boat was a real joy, with the Jefa rack-and-pinion steering system offering true fingertip control. I’d love to sail a 35 in big breeze.

Corsair 31CC: Island Cruiser

The final stop on my Magical Trimaran Mystery Tour was Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts, the site of last summer’s annual Corsair Trimaran Nationals. That event was a fun, lively occasion with lots of action on the water and fun off it. No sailors, it seemed, were more excited about their boat than Charles and Hilary Badoian, who were spending the New England summer living aboard and cruising their Corsair 31, Ship o’ Fools.

The Corsair 31, originally designed by Ian Farrier and updated in recent times by Corsair Marine, has been in production now for well over a decade, with nearly 300 of them built. Originally produced in Australia, today they’re built in Vietnam. The 31 has been tweaked considerably from its inception, and it’s now available in four different models: the 31UC (Ultimate Cruiser), the 31AC (Aft Cockpit), the 31CC (Center Cockpit), and the 31-1D (One Design).

The One Design version comes with streamlined accommodations and a carbon-fiber rig with a retractable bowsprit as well as racing sails and modified foils, but it should be noted that every new Corsair 31-all of which now feature rotating masts-can be ordered with carbon rigs and retractable sprits.

The Badoians had been wandering through the Elizabeth Islands, southeastern Massachusetts, and Cape Cod for several months, and while they enjoyed the liveaboard lifestyle, they were also conducting, from their compact underway home, their full-time business as event planners. They’d come to the rendezvous to meet like-minded sailors, compare notes, and enjoy watching the racing from the deck of their own 31CC. Former owners of a Catalina 30, they’d made the switch to multihulls and were certain of one thing: After the easy speed and shoal draft of their trimaran, they weren’t going back.

Their 31-footer was actually an older model, built in 1996, but there are many similarities that have carried on through time. The most important was the basic layout of the center-cockpit version, which still features a V-berth forward, an enclosed head in the central cabin-along with a settee, a small dinette, and a surprisingly workable galley-and a second separate cabin aft, which is ideal for guests or storage.

The deck layout is also conducive to efficient shorthanded sailing, with the traveler and mainsheet well aft, easily within reach of the helmsman yet behind the tiller, making tacking and jibing a hassle-free maneuver. (In the Aft Cockpit version, the traveler is forward of the tiller.) The Badoians also were enamored of the roller-furling boom, another item that’s been passed down the line. Reefing, they said, was a snap.

The couple said they regularly enjoyed boat speeds ranging from 9 to 12 knots on Ship o’ Fools, which isn’t equipped with a bowsprit or a screacher. Unfortunately, on the day I sailed with them, the wind hovered between 5 to 8 knots, with only an occasional puff of around 10 knots. Still, under main and genoa, when it blew 5 knots, we made 5 knots. And when it topped 10 or so, we eased along at an effortless 7.5. In the flat water, steering from well outboard to get a clear view of the telltales, the sensation was almost more akin to flying than to sailing.

Corsair dealer Bob Gleason, whose Massachusetts brokerage firm, The Multihull Source, was hosting the Corsair Nationals, said that newer models far exceed the performance potential of older boats, thanks to a slightly taller rig, the aforementioned standard rotating mast, and the addition of a screacher mounted on a pole that retracts into a tube mounted in the forward cabin.

Gleason said the rotating masts also aid in raising and lowering the spar, as the outboard shrouds aren’t connected to the main hull; a pair of temporary shrouds are used to facilitate the operation. The amas of the Corsair 31 are also easily retracted and deployed via the longstanding Farrier Folding System, which hinges on just four bolts. The boat can be set up or put away by an experienced sailor in about half an hour.

The Badoians at some point may upgrade to a larger trimaran, but for now, they couldn’t be happier with their Corsair 31.

One of my fondest sailing dreams is to someday hop aboard a fast, zippy multihull, skip across the Gulf Stream from Florida to the Bahamas, and spend a long winter poking into every nook and cranny I can find. Without reservation, I’d happily take the Telstar, Dragonfly, or Corsair on such an adventure. That said, my time aboard left me with several observations about each boat.

The Telstar 28 is an extremely well-reasoned boat, but it was also first conceived in the 1970s, and unless you find beauty in utility, the profile is a bit boxy and certainly not as sexy as the other boats in this roundup. But with a price tag well under $100K, especially considering its portability in these days when moorage is at a premium, it’s also a good bargain.

The Dragonfly 35 is the gold standard in this collection, and given its $370K cost, it certainly should be. It’s foldable, yes, but not trailerable, and for some sailors in well-populated locales, finding a place to permanently moor it may be an issue. However, it’s also a solid, superbly crafted vessel that with its systems and potential for extended sailing, will take one anywhere in high style.

The Corsair 31 tilts toward the high-performance end of the spectrum, and for some sailors, it may be a handful. But there are options galore in the four respective versions, and other sailors will relish the competitive opportunities with a vessel that also provides more than reasonable accommodations for coastal forays. It may be the most versatile boat of the three.

In short, when buying any boat, it’s ideal to have choices. And if you’re in the market for a small multihull-no matter what your budget or intended plans-with this segment of midsize trimarans, there’s an excellent selection.

Herb McCormick is a Cruising World editor at large.

LOA 27′ 6″ (8.38 m.) LWL 26′ 3″ (8.00 m.) Beam (amas out/in) 18′ 0″/8′ 6″ (5.49/2.59 m.) Draft (board up/down) 1′ 0″/4′ 3″ (0.30/1.30 m.) Sail Area (100%) 524 sq. ft. (48.7 sq. m.) Displacement 3,000 lb. (1,361 kg.) Water 30 gal. (113.5 l.) Fuel 12 gal. (45.4 l.) Engine Honda 20-hp. outboard (Honda 50-hp. optional) Designer Tony Smith Price $89,500 Performance Cruising (410) 626-2720 www.performancecruising.com

Dragonfly 35 Touring

LOA 35′ 0″ (10.68 m.) LWL 34′ 5″ (10.50 m.) Beam (amas out/in) 26′ 11″/12′ 10″ (8.20/3.90 m.) Draft (board up/down) 1′ 10″/6′ 3″ (0.55/1.90 m.) Sail Area 904 sq. ft. (84 sq. m.) Displacement 8,598 lb. (3,900 kg.) Water 37 gal. (140 l.) Fuel 21.1 gal. (80 l.) Engine Volvo 30-hp. diesel Designers Borge and Jens Quorning Price $370,600/$404,700 Dragonfly Sailboats USA (908) 232-7890 www.trimarans.com

LOA 30′ 10″ (9.40 m.) LWL 30′ 0″ (9.15 m) Beam (amas out/in) 22′ 5″/8′ 2″ (6.84/2.5 m.) Draft (board up/down) 1′ 4″/5′ 6″ (0.41/1.68 m.) Sail Area (100%) 647 sq. ft. (59.9 sq. m.) Displacement 3,850 lb. (1,747 kg.) Water 25 gal. (94 l.) Engine 9.9-hp. outboard Designer Ian Farrier/Corsair Marine Price $151,000

Corsair Marine (619) 585-3005 www.corsairmarine.com

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CORSAIR 880

This is the legitimate heir to the trimaran revolution started by the hall-of-fame f-27 way back in 1986. the pinnacle of trimaran design, this all-new built from the ground up corsair has full boat systems, an aft cabin to sleep 5 in total, enclosed heads and standing headroom., effortless performance sailing, through detailed design.

The new 880 is much more than a feature packed Corsair.  Careful attention has been paid to the fine detail.  Hugely significant is the aft cabin area which gives the boat the ability to sleep 5.  The manual or dry-bowl electric toilet is housed in an enclosed heads with overhead hatch ventilation – no smells in this new generation 28-footer.  The galley area, like the main saloon has full standing headroom, making cooking and moving about while underway a breeze.

WITH VERSATILITY AND QUALITY

The pinnacle of trimaran design, this revolutionary 29 foot trimaran offers all the possibilities of much larger boats in an easy to trailer lightweight package. Serious attention to detail was paid to the deck and spars, where you will find carbon fibre spars as standard – making these powerful rigs light and easier to handle in the marina. The combination of performance, comfort and trailerability on the new Corsair 880 provides unlimited options for cruisers and racers alike.

WHILE SAFE AND COMFORTABLE

The Corsair 880 is designed to be completely safe and comfortable, for people of all skill levels. It features creature comforts such as air conditioning, heating, refrigerators and more.  In true Corsair fashion, the generator and air conditioner are removable to reduce excess weight when racing, or reduce trailer weight when on the road. And this is where the 880 trimaran is the revolutionary boat it promises – all of that comes in a folding, trailerable package well below the trailering weight limit of most passenger cars.

A real racing boat, a real cruising boat, yet trailerable across continents

A boat for all skill levels, venerable folding system, beachability and versatility.

Marvelous sailing experience

A real racing boat, a real cruising boat, yet trailerable across continents The Corsair 880 sleeps up to 5 people, offers a galley and enclosed head with shower, a saloon with full standing headroom. It's everything you need and nothing you don't.

A boat for all skill levels The mission of the Corsair 880 is simple: To provide sailors of all skill levels the opportunity to trailer a boat across continents, be comfortable, and sail at effortlessly fast speeds.

Venerable folding system After decades of refinement, this is the newest version. It delivers incredible stiffness and performance, in a trailerable package well below the trailering weight limit of most passenger cars.

Beachability and versatility Sail or motor up to the beach, step off and drop anchor on land, where you can see if it is properly set! When it's time to go, the 880 is light enough to push off the beach.

SPECIFICATIONS

Overall length, 28' 8" ft / 8.8 m, 22' 3" / 6.8 m, beam folded, 8' 2" / 2.5 m, upwind sail area sq.m, 554.3 sq ft / 51.5 m2, draft d/b up, 1' 5" / 0.45 m, draft d/b down, 5' 3" / 1.6 m, mast length, 39' 4" / 12 m, unladen weight, 3,659 lbs / 1,660 kg, upwind sail area, 677 sq ft / 62.9 m2, 13.8m carbon, sailing the 880 trimaran with tula's endless summer.

The Corsair 880 is on-tour with the amazing couple, Billy and Sierra, of the sailing channel Tulas Endless Summer, who are into everything water and anything to do with the ocean – including surfing, paddling, swimming, kiting, spearfishing and especially SAILING! Needless to say that the versatile Corsair 880 is the perfect fit for them. In November 2020, the Corsair 880 started her journey along the US Coast from New England to Florida.

RECOMMENDED OPTIONS

C880-OPTO49

This collapsible bimini / sun shade  provides sun protection over the cockpit and  if optioned with the dodger can be connected together providing protection from wind waves and rain.

C880-OPT041

Yamaha outboard control.

This option provides pre installed wiring and cables for your outboard throttle control and engine start system – suit Yamaha 9.9 – 15hp (does not include engine, fuel tank or fuel hose)

C880-OPT038

Advanced navigation package.

The advanced navigation kit for your Corsair provides all of the sailing and navigation essentials including 7” plotter, 4.5” multifunction display, wind, speed and depth transducers.

C880-OPT001

Bowsprit & downwind hardware package.

If you are planning to install a screecher, Code-0 headsail or assymetric spinnaker you will first need to have a bowsprit and assosciated deck hardware installed. Many people are opting for bowsprits as the ease and light air performance offered by a furling headsail is extremly attractive for both cruising and performance boats.

C880-OPT006

The asymmetric spinnaker is a specialty sail used on racing boats, bridging the performance gap between a genoa, which develops maximum driving force when the apparent wind angle is between 35 and 60 degrees, and a spinnaker, which has maximum power when the apparent wind is between 100 and 140 degrees. Due to its geometry, the sail is less prone to collapsing than a spinnaker and flies from a bowsprit rather than a spinnaker pole.

C880-OPT042

Dual axle aluminium trailer.

Purpose-built, lightweight aluminium trailer with dual axle, hydraulic brakes, lights and spare wheel. Built by Spitfire trailers and incorporating lightweight composite components by Corsair this trailer is the lightest option for the Corsair 880.

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Corsair F-28

Un petit trimaran

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C’est à St MALO que nous a conduit l’essai du F.28. Nous avons rencontré Guy ALBARET, directeur du chantier “La Landriais Marines Services” importateur de la gamme de trimaran Corsair pour la France. Les F.24, F.31 et maintenant le F.28 sont fabriqués près de San Diego en Californie, et sont dessinés par l’architecte Ian Farrier. Il peut nous arriver, sur les côtes Françaises, de croiser, ou plutôt se faire doubler, par une des 35 unités y naviguant régulièrement…

Un vrai transportable

En réalité, la vraie vocation du F.28 est de remplacer le F.27 qui a été construit à 450 exemplaires. Au premier coup d’œil, vous ne ferez pas forcément la différence avec un autre multicoque de croisière sportive. En effet, extérieurement, rien, dans l’allure générale du bateau ne laisse supposer qu’il s’agit d’un multicoque pliable et transportable au gabarit routier. En se penchant de plus près et démonstration à l’appui, une seule personne ne passera pas plus de 2 minutes pour plier les deux bras de liaison et en plus pratiquement sans efforts. Explications en trois phases : 1° détendre les haubans grâce à un système de levier sur le ridoir de hauban. 2° déconnecter les 4 boulons de fixations des bras. 3° soulever les bras pour replier très facilement grâce à un système breveté de bielles de rotations. Les filets latéraux suivent le mouvement et les coques viennent se ranger le long du flotteur central. Opération vraiment surprenante sauf pour un marin connaissant déjà les trimarans Corsairs. Les F.24, F.27 et F.31 utilisent déjà ce principe depuis une dizaine d’années. Autant dire que la fiabilité, la robustesse et la fonctionnalité du pliage ne sont ...

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Elin Rambaud

Bonjour Hervé, Nous publions régulièrement dans Multicoque Mag la liste complète de nos essais : celui du Corsair F28 date d’octobre 1999. Ce modèle a connu de nombreuses évolutions avant de passer la main l’année dernière au tout nouveau Corsair 880 – que nous essaierons très prochainement en Suisse ou en Allemagne. Le chantier Corsair a été basé en Californie, en Australie et désormais en Vietnam depuis 2014. Tous les modèles Seawind et Corsair à bord desquels j’ai pu naviguer m’ont inspiré confiance quant à la qualité de construction. A très bientôt,

Hervé Le Bris

Un regret : cet essai n'est pas daté. Seul le prix en FF, sans son équivalent en Euros, laisse penser qu'il date de bien avant l'an 2001... Le Corsair 28 est paraît-il désormais fabriqué au Viet-Nam... Mais depuis quand ? La qualité de la stratification, surtout en fond de coque pour posées sur vase/sable deux fois par jour en Bretagne nord, mérite un sérieux examen !

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16 Best Trimarans For Sailing Around The World (And a Few For Daysailing)

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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: 

• The Neel 43 
• The Neel 47 
• Dragonfly 28 
• The Pulse 600 
• Corsair 37 

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

What Is a Trimaran?

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.

Best Trimarans For Cruising, Liveaboard and Sailing Around The World

The Neel 43 is a French trimaran best suited for cruising. Its key features include: 

• Easy maneuverability on the open sea by only a small number of crew members 

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. 

2.Neel 47 Possibly The Best

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. 

3. Rapido 60 The Fast and Comfortable Circumnavigator

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 . 

4. Rapido 40

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. 

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. 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 . 

6. Dragonfly 32

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 . 

7. Corsair 37

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 .

Best Trimarans For Day/Weekend Sailing

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: 

• Touring version: This version is ideal for families.  
• Performance version: This is built to provide optimal performance for the sports enthusiast within you. 

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. 

9. Dragonfly 25

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 . 

10. Pulse 600

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: 

12. 2019 Weta Trimaran

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. 

13. WindRider 17

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. 

14. Astus 22.5

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. 

15. Multi 23 Trimaran 

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. 

16. Challenger Class Trimaran

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. 

Final Thoughts 

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. 

• Basco Boating: A Comprehensive Guide & Introduction to Trimaran Yachts
• TheBoatAPP: New Trumarans: Which are the Best Ones
• Corsair Marine: Corsair 37
• Dragonfly: Dragonfly 28
• Rapido Trimarans: Rapido 60
• Neel Trimarans: Neel 43
• Yachting World: World’s Collect Yachts: Maxi Trimaran MACIF
• Yachting Monthly: Dragonfly 28 Performance
• Rapido Trimarans: Rapido 40
• Dragonfly: Dragon 32
• Dragonfly: Dragonfly 40
• Yachting World: Dragonfly 40 yacht tour: This cruising trimaran can do 24 knots
• Dragonfly: Dragonfly 25
• NauticExpo: Dragonfly 25
• Yachtworld: Corsair 37 boats for sale
• Cruising World: Neel 47 Trimaran: Best Full-Size Multihull0
• Neel Trimaran: Neel 47
• Multihull Solutions: NEEL 47 Boat Review | Cruising World
• Yacht World: 2022 Neel 47 for sale
• Farrier International: F-22
• Weta Marine: The Boat
• WindRider: WindRider 17 Trimaran Sailboat 
• Astus Boats: Astus 22.5
• Boat-specs: Multi 23
• National Maritime Museum Cornwall: Challenger Trimaran #1 – BC26

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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