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Corsair F-31

Ian farrier's latest fold-up trimaran is bigger and fasterthan the popular f-27. construction is generally good, though there havebeen some problems, and the wiring could be neater..

Like the blips on a heart monitor, Corsair Marine has experienced several peaks and valleys since our review of the Corsair F-27 (September, 1990), including the sale of the company by its founder, and the introduction of two new boats, the F-24 and F-31. With that in mind, and considering the increasing interest of sailors in multihulls, we’ve taken another look at the company, its designs, construction methods, and its most recent entry in the marketplace.

The company was founded in 1983 by John Walton (of the Wal-Mart family), who recruited naval architect Ian Farrier to abandon a thriving practice in Australia and move to California to design boats and oversee production.

Farrier conceptualized the development of a foldable, trailerable, performance-cruising boat that would attract new sailors to the sport, and would appeal to those seeking a user-friendly yacht. By 1985, the F-27 trimaran was coming off the line at a steady pace; more than 450 F-27’s have been produced to date.

In 1991, Farrier designed the F-24, a scaled-down version of the 27, which went into production that year. Walton left his management role at Corsair to return to the family business. He also bought into TPI of Warren, Rhode Island, the plan being that at least some Corsairs would be built on the East Coast. Farrier and the new Corsair management disagreed about changes to his design, which ultimately led to his unplanned, though amicable, departure from the company. The conflict over design issues eventually resulted in his disavowing design responsibility for the boat, with the exception of the hull lines and beam structure.

After he left Corsair, Farrier designed the F-31, a stretch version of the F-27 with more headroom, and oversaw its initial production by OSTAC, Ltd., a boat building company in Australia. In 1992, the boat won the Multihull Offshore Championship, and was named Australian Sailboat of the Year.

In 1994, Corsair purchased American production rights to the new boat, then produced six of them under a construction agreement with TPI.

Farrier, however, says he was chagrined that the prototype weighed 5,600 pounds, compared to the 3,800-pound standard, and the next five produced also were heavyweights. In a somewhat surprising turn of events, Paul Koch, the managing director of OSTAC, purchased Walton’s interest in Corsair. He subsequently moved the F-31 molds to the company’s Chula Vista, California, production facility, where 50 F-31s have since been built and where a backlog of orders exists.

Farrier rejoined the firm in a part-time design consulting capacity in 1994.

Despite its internal turmoil, the company has produced more than 750 boats in its first 10 years, so we must conclude they are doing something right, especially considering that the F-series is priced at the high end of the new boat marketplace.

In his multihull designs, Farrier seeks to develop boats that are stable, sailed flat, and are comfortable, having lots of deck space and a shallow draft.

However, every conversation with the designer centers around the issue of sinkability.

“The ultimate point of stability for a monohull is sitting on its bottom, even if that is an ocean bottom,” he begins. “The F-31, by comparison, is unsinkable. It has nine watertight compartments so even if it pitchpoles or turtles, the crew can crawl inside the capsized hull and have air to breathe and protection from the elements while awaiting rescue of both crew and boat.” In a monohull, he says, the crew will more likely be adrift in a life raft. Though his argument provides interesting fireside chatter, it doesn’t end the debate. In a sense, it isn’t all that relevant, considering the small percentage of sailors who make ocean passages.

In any case, his designs meet the objectives set forth: the F-31 presents an aesthetically pleasing design with its fine entry; low, 27-inch freeboard; and fine lines. A flat aft section prevents the stern from burying when the bow rises in heavier breezes. Even when sailed on a broad reach with the windward ama out of the water, Farrier believes that his multis are more comfortable than a monohull sailed at a comparable angle of heel.

Owners agree that being able to launch from a beach, or sail into a shallow anchorage, adds to the boat’s overall utility and their enjoyment of the sport. These all are positions long put forth by multihull advocates.

The usual trimaran compromise is in the gbujnt of interior volume in the main hull, which serves as the boat’s only indoor living quarters. Though headroom is 6’ 1″, the beam of the boat is 8′ 6″ when folded. However, interior space in the main cabin is just 7 feet, narrow when compared to a typical 32- foot monohull.

The company initially produced two aft-cabin versions of the boat, then added an aft-cockpit model that became so popular that aft-cabin models were discontinued. A redesigned aft-cabin version with the same cabin area as the aft cockpit model is scheduled to resume production.

The main cabin is sort of a multi-purpose area that serves as sitting area, galley and sleeping quarters. Dimensions are 7′ 10″ wide at the hull-deck joint by 6′ 10″ long. On a cruise, it will feel tight. A 6′ 3″ settee to port converts to a double berth when a platform stored beneath the cockpit slides forward to create the second half of the berth. Alternately, the same platform rests on a mount and provides a dining or chart table.

To starboard, a 24″-wide settee aft of the galley provides a second berth for a slender 6-footer. The forepeak has similar dimensions: 6′ long, 4′ 7″ narrow. All cushions are covered with Sunbrella in patterns selected by owners. Interior surfaces are covered with Frontrunner fabric, as are chainplates and beam connectors, so the area is tidy. Fortunately, spaces are well lit and ventilated. Gray polycarbonate windows run the length of the cabin, and a 16″ square hatch is located in the forepeak, as are 8″ square hatches over the galley and in the head. Bomar and Lewmar hatches are factory specs, but the boat we tested was outfitted with a Weaver hatch manufactured in New Zealand.

The galley is a rather utilitarian affair, being equipped only with an Origo two-burner alcohol stove, small single stainless sink, and hand pump.

Stowage is beneath the forepeak and settees, behind the stove, and on narrow shelves situated along the hull. Additional stowage beneath the cockpit is wide open and not particularly well finished, and will best be utilized with the addition of bins and hanging nets.

The enclosed head is located to port. It is furnished with a small stainless sink and toilet, and handheld shower that drains into a sump equipped with a pump. The head is equipped with a 22-gallon holding tank and Y-valve for overboard disposal.

An electric panel is unobtrusively located in the companionway to starboard; it houses eight switches and a voltmeter and battery tester. Wiring runs from the mast aft are exposed along the overhead, a poor arrangement that could have been concealed, we think. Wiring for running lights runs along the hull and under the galley, so is accessible, but does not have drip loops. Wiring from the panel aft for a loran antenna was loosely installed. In general, we think the entire wiring scheme could stand improvement.

Deck Layout

Standard rigging for the F-31 is a 40-foot tall, fractionally rigged Sparcraft mast with sweptback double spreaders, 1 x 19 stainless steel standing rigging, three shrouds and two cap shrouds. In the absence of a permanent backstay, the cap shrouds are led outboard to the amas. However, except in heavy conditions, they will seldom be adjusted with the attached tackle. In this configuration, the boat carries 599 square feet of sail in a fully-battened, large-roach mainsail and jib. A racing rig is offered.

Running rigging includes a main halyard, two jib halyards, and a spinnaker halyard, all of which are internal and led aft through Harken turning blocks to Lewmar sheet stoppers. In our opinion, halyards exit the mast too close to the deck to facilitate easy hoisting of sails, especially in racing conditions.

Though a pricey option, we suspect that most owners will develop a fond appreciation for the Harken roller furler.

The cockpit is equipped with two Harken B40.2A winches for jib sheets, and a Harken B 32.2STA for the main halyard. The boat we tested had three additional winches in the cockpit for spinnaker handling—more than necessary and poorly located, we think. For more efficient spinnaker trimming, the deck layout would benefit from a careful analysis of winch location to facilitate more efficient cross sheeting when trimming from the weather ama.

Standard equipment includes a stern pulpit that intrudes into the cockpit, which will be adequate for casual sailors. However, the pulpit on the boat we tested had been shortened 24″, so the cockpit was less cluttered and with reduced opportunities to bang elbows.

The traveler system is a Harken.

Moving about the boat is easy once one adjusts to walking on the unstable mesh (or tramps) that fills spaces between the main hull and amas. The primary mesh amidships is sturdy; the mesh used forward of the beams will deflect spray but will not support the weight of an average sized crew person. Corsair says it is looking at alternative materials.

An optional 42′ tall rig increases working sail area by five percent, but increases the size of the bowsprit- mounted asymmetrical spinnaker from 1,004 to 1,112 square feet. In our experience, the additional rig height is unnecessary unless sailors find themselves sailing almost always in winds of less than 5 knots.

Compared to monohulls, the F-31 has a paucity of stowage above decks. Space for fenders and spare lines is available in the amas, though an excess of cargo may affect performance. Aside from that, there are two small stowage areas in the cockpit, one designated for a 5-gallon fuel tank, so cruisers must adjust to traveling light.

Construction

Corsair boasts of a low turnover rate among its production workers, which they feel contributes to a high quality product. For the most part, we agree, though the company has suffered from its share of gremlins.

Initially, Corsair was producing its own water tanks, but after experiencing leaks it now purchases roto-molded plastic tanks from Ronco Manufacturing. Some of the aka (connecting) beams of F-27 hull numbers 225-300 had oil-canning voids caused by foam failure; under the company’s five-year warranty program, many that cracked or fractured were replaced.

The F-31 has suffered from minor problems. For example, trailing edges on the rudder, which are purchased from Foss Foam, have required fairing because they were too wide.

The tiller is mounted in a pivot box in the cockpit. Because bearing failures have been experienced by several owners, and water spouts tend to appear in the cockpit at high speeds, the company is considering mounting the tiller on the transom.

At least one owner has experienced fore and aft movement of his daggerboard at speed, a problem of too much play in the trunk. Farrier agrees that the close tolerances required for a snug fit are not always achieved so individual fixes are occasionally required.

Most importantly, Farrier says, none of the owners have reported a failure of the folding system.

The aka beams are carbon fiber filled with foam, supported by aluminum struts with fiberglass-reinforced acetal bushings and stainless steel alloy pivot points.

All hull-deck joints use a method Farrier refers to as a “top hat,” rather than a conventional shoe box. Decks are precisely fitted to the main hull, and ama tops to bottoms, then bonded with a putty slurry that includes a combination of vinylester resins, chop fiber and Cabosil filler. The company reports no leaks, nor have the owners with whom we talked. However, some report that water enters amas through hatches or fittings following extended heavy air sailing at speeds in excess of 15 knots. Because the amas have a hatch and three inspection ports, examination of the areas is simplified, though wet gear in a storage area will present a problem.

Hulls are hand laid in a foam sandwich. We managed to secure a copy of the lay-up schedule and would conclude that the boats should be strong and seaworthy. The lamination schedule calls for a layer of NPG gelcoat, over which is laid a skin of .75-ounce chop strand mat bonded with vinylester resin to prevent blistering; the company warrants the hull against blisters for five years. Next, five to eight layers of uni- and bi-directional fiberglass with Kevlar reinforcement are laid in stress areas on the bottom, at the daggerboard trunk, and at bulkheads, all bonded with polyester isophthalic resin. Last are layers of .75-ounce chop strand mat and 18-ounce mat sandwiching a .75″ Divinycell foam core. Vacuum bagging is employed to assure a proper mix of resins and catalysts, eliminate residual chemicals, eliminate voids and to enhance the curing process.

Special foam inserts are glassed throughout the hull where shrouds, bulkheads and hardware are installed. Though winches and hardware are all backed with aluminum plates, we noticed deck movement under a jib winch under normal loads in15-knots of wind, so would recommend a double check of those areas.

The amas follow a similar construction scheme, though 5″ PVC tapered stringers run a distance of 11′ 6″ along both sides to add strength. Bulkheads inside the amas are constructed of marine plywood, and are tabbed to the hull in as many as seven places; in addition, there are gussets taped to stringers and bulkheads. The final product of the construction process is a smooth, nicely finished surface.

Performance

Having tested Corsairs since 1990, we believe that the F-31 measures up to earlier models in terms of performance, price, construction, accommodations and comfort, and is noticeably faster than smaller models.

As with the F-24 and F-27, we were surprised at the ease with which the boat is trailered, rigged and sailed within its performance predictions, even by casual day sailors.

We sailed in steady 10-15 knot winds during a five-day regatta, so had an excellent opportunity to put the boat through its paces. We were impressed by its acceleration and overall speed, hitting 18 knots on a tight reach in only 12 knots of wind. Sailing is simplified by a Harken roller furling unit that allowed changes in sail size as we beat to weather. Changing from a jib to a ‘screacher’ (a 180-percent genoa) increased speeds on a tight reach by 30 percent.

With only a quick introduction to sail handling, we quickly launched the asymmetrical spinnaker and had it drawing. Jibing is a simple matter as long as the skipper and trimmer coordinate efforts, and the trimmer quickly releases the sheet and the grinder brings the sail across the boat

We raced in a fleet that started each race five minutes behind the J/35 fleet and typically rounded the first leeward mark in the middle of that fleet, so overcame the time we owed them under PHRF handicapping. Though we were unable to point as high to windward as the J-boats, Farrier says that with training the F-31 will point as high as a good monohull. In our situation, we footed off, took an extra tack, and still rounded the next mark ahead of the others.

Of equal importance is the fact that everyday sailors, who are more focused on having fun than on getting the last one-tenth knot of potential speed, are taking advantage of the ease with which the boat is sailed. Even the most casual Corsair owner, after learning how easy it is to get an extra knot, seems to have developed an affinity for speed.

Conclusions

Perhaps the greatest obstacle for many boat buyers will be the high entry price of the F-31—$97,500 base. That’s before sails, trailer and motor. The construction of a fold-up trimaran is extremely labor intensive, which drives up the cost. And, of course, there are many moldings that make up the akas and amas

From an investment standpoint, the flip side of that coin has been an equally high resale value, resulting in a moderate long-term cost. Compared to similar new multihulls, it is very competitive. (For the adventurous, Farrier offers a kit version of the boat, the F9A, which he estimates can save you 50 percent. Be warned, however, that the job can take a lot of time.)

As a consequence, a buyer must consider the boat within the context of Corsair and Farrier’s objectives: It is fast and easy to sail. The boat will reach its performance potential, even by sailors who concentrate on casual sailing rather than on technical sailing. At the launch ramp, rigging is easily achieved within 15 minutes by two moderately experienced persons.

Perhaps more importantly, the trailerability of the boat opens new horizons. After all, the F-27 caught on big on the West Coast, where ports are limited, because you could trailer it down to Baja.

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Corsair 880 Trimaran | 2022 Boat Review by Multihulls World

Corsair 880 – a brilliant toy for gliding across the water.

Corsair 880, a modern and ambitious trimaran that has a reputation to uphold: it is the new variation of the mythical Corsair F27, one of the most popular cruising trimarans in the world. Highly anticipated in 2020, the 880’s original launch schedule was hampered by Covid. However, connoisseurs quickly understood that this little steed would not disappoint…

The Corsair 880 trimaran sailing at 10 – 15 knots in Follonica, Italy. Photo by Multihulls World

The Corsair 880 is without doubt the multihull that we’ve had the hardest time testing. Back in the spring of 2020, an appointment was made on Lake Garda to discover the first model delivered in Europe. Our plan seemed very attractive until Covid got involved. Discussions with the Seawind/Corsair team included options in Switzerland, Germany, and Italy again. And then nothing more. A long period of watching began in Australia and the United States thanks to our correspondents. The first 880 delivered in France at the beginning of the summer of 2021 just escaped us… but finally, the first Italian model – hull #16 in the series – welcomed us with open arms… – Emmanuel van Deth, Multihull World

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Corsair 36: A big folding trimaran from the ‘global village’

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Corsair was created by a New Zealand architect in California, and has built more than 1,200 folding trimarans between 1984 and 2008, which makes it the leader in this segment, along with the Danish Dragonfly. We have just tested the biggest of these trimarans, the Corsair 36...

The 36’ has now been replaced by the Corsair 37, a re-styled version of the same boat. Taking into account the small number of examples present in Europe, we leapt at the chance to test one, whilst waiting to present the 37’ carbon (RS) development.

Aluminium rotating mast, carbon bowsprit and nice Pentex sails by Calvert Sails: the Corsair 36 offers simple but high-performance choices!

The split with the founding architect

In 2000, Ian Farrier left the Chula Vista company that he had created and of which he was the vice-president and the emblematic architect. The disagreement with Paul Koch, the new strong man at Corsair (an Australian who built the Farrier Ostac), led the designer to return to his New Zealand offices, from where he re-launched his own range (F82, 32’, 36’ and 39’), intended for individual (up-market) construction, and Australian and Phillipine (Melvest Yard) production.

A really liveable trimaran which allows you to envisage offshore cruising...

The 36’- 37’: the flagship of a turbulent range

The 36’s characteristics show clearly that it belongs to the Farrier line, and it is obvious that despite the difficulties, the Corsair research and...

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Corsair Trimarans are the world’s most popular and versatile trailer trimarans. With their rich 30 year history as a world leader in high quality multihull manufacturing, Corsair Marine has more than 2000 trimarans sailing in all parts of the world. From one design racing to family cruising; day trailer sailing to longer explorations of the arctic and tropics, our Corsair Trimarans fleet will help you to achieve your sailing dreams at twice the pace.

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Introducing Corsair Marine’s newest pocket cruiser, the Corsair 760. This new trailerable trimaran is destined to bring trailer sailing to the next ...

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A great all-round family boat the Corsair Pulse 600 is perfect for exploring and picnics on the water.  She also offers exhilarating sailing and ...

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The combination of performance from the award-winning Corsair C31 and the spacious comfort of the Corsair 37! The new Cruze 970 is an exciting new ...

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The Corsair C37 has the speed, responsiveness and stability of a trimaran with the comfort and livability of a large mono-hull. A comfortable cruising...

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They’re fast, they’re safe, they’re exciting, there’s lots of space for family & crew on the large trampolines, the wide beams provide a flat stable platform under sail, versatile, fun and stable, they deliver speed on a puff of wind, their shallow draft allows you to coast directly up onto any beach, it’s a great base for family fun when at anchor, it’s quick and easy from trailer to sailor, corsair trimarans gallery.

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Loyalty around the globe—and for good reason.

Corsair trimarans are famously dependable, fast, and responsive—with a folding system that makes transport a breeze. It’s no wonder they’ve earned a devoted community the world over from sailors of all stripes.

The Corsair 37’s all-out design is known the world over for everything from winning big races to exploring shallow lagoons.

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Farrier International

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About Farrier

This site is currently under construction. we appreciate your patience as we update..

If thinking of buying or building any multihull then the designer’s background and experience is very important. Has he built or sailed any of his own designs? Do they actually have a race or sailing record to match the claims? Is the designer readily accessible and responsive?

If considering building yourself, are the plans fully detailed with photos, instructions, and easy to follow three dimensional views with step by step instructions? Do they include extensive Full Size Patterns, and a comprehensive materials list?

If considering a production multihull, is the manufacturer experienced, and do they respond to customer questions or concerns? Do they have skilled, knowledgeable staff, with good technical expertise and quality controls? Do they back their product, and, very importantly, who designed or engineered that product, and is that someone prepared to put their name on it ?

There is no university or school that teaches multihull design or construction, nor are there scantling rules, as exist for monohulls. The only teacher has been years of practical building and sailing experience. Only experience will tell the loadings and correct safety factors for the many critical areas of a multihull. A competent engineer may have the skills to design beams that will not break for a given load, but if he doesn’t know what that load is, or in what directions it can act, then even the best engineering skills are of little help.

There are a number of excellent multihull designers and builders, but choose carefully, as this is very important to the safety and security of your family, the ease and cost of construction, and the final resale value.

Multihulls are now one of the fastest growing segments of the sailboat market. They have circumnavigated the globe at record speeds, and are rapidly becoming the family cruising boat of choice as more is learned about their many other advantages. These include level sailing, unmatched stability, deck space, unsinkability, shallow draft, comfort, and just the sheer fun of sailing a fast and responsive cruising boat.

Farrier trimaran and catamaran designs combine all of these advantages, to be the perfect sport cruisers. They are a unique and practical combination of easily handled fun cruisers for families, and exciting performance for racers.

The unique Farrier Folding System™ also provides ‘take-it-anywhere’ trailerability, and the ability to use any marina dock. It has forever eliminated the old problem of what to do with a super wide trimaram

Farrier multihulls are now well proven, having evolved from over 30 years of constant development, hands on building, and sailing. With well over 3000 production and home built versions currently sailing world wide, performance and reliability has been demonstrated beyond doubt.

The basic design philosophy has always been to provide safe, roomy, well engineered multihull cruisers with performance provided by design efficiency and good engineering, not at the expense of accommodation, structure, or safety.

All designs are thus light to medium displacement multihulls, with conservative rigs, while scantlings and safety factors are on the rugged side, for strong, durable, and safe boats. They are also unsinkable, due to construction materials, and NO LEAD or other heavy metals being present.

The roomy interiors have been designed with the cruising sailor in mind, and with heel rarely exceeding 12 degrees, all facilities can be easily used while underway – stoves not even needing gimbals.

On deck, there’s a huge amount of deck space, and this combined with low heel angles make Farrier multihulls one of the safest boats afloat for children. The comfortable wing or bow nets make an ideal spot to relax and sunbathe while the water zips by below.

EASY TRAILERING

With no heavy keel needed, Farrier trimarans sit low on the trailer and are light and easy to tow. This will allow you to discover and explore many previously out of reach cruising grounds, or race in exotic venues far from home. Trailering offers significant savings in slip fees and maintenance that can even cover most of the ownership costs.

Rigging and launching can all be done single-handed in around 30 minutes or just 15 minutes with two – no difficult assembly or heavy lifting is required.

Launching is always done folded, using no more space than a conventional boat. Stability afloat is excellent and the floats are normally extended while motoring away.

Marina docking while folded is as easy as any other craft, and the minor problem with long term docking of growth on the folded float sides has now been eliminated by new ‘HydroHoist’ or dock liner systems. However, the high expense and maintenance involved with keeping a boat in the water can be avoided by the ease of trailering.

EASY AND FUN TO SAIL

Took my first sail last weekend in my new (used) 1990 F-27 “Serafin”. My crew consisted of my wife and 9 month old son. Needless to say I did not have a lot of help. Awesome boat!!! It sets up and launches easier than my Tornado cat, is nearly as quick and handles like a fast dingy and the family was dry and comfortable the whole time. Truly a magnificent craft, Ian has really covered all the bases. After 35 years of sailing I feel like a kid again!!! Steve, Kim, Zachary and Sandy Schulz, F-27 Serafin, S. California, USA

All Farrier multihulls are designed as easily handled, roomy and safe family cruisers, that are fun to sail. They also just happen to be fast, which comes as a no cost extra. It’s even possible to tow a waterskier under sail on some models!

Actually these boats sail back wards really well. We were on a charity race with a couple of mono cruisers, we would get ahead and turn back to meet them when my step son asked if the boat would sail backwards – so I pushed out the main, backwinded the genoa and had him steer and we passed the mono cruisers going backwards. Not much wind but it was fun Rod Tharp, F-9A and now building F-32AX, Olympia, WA, USA

The ‘ease of performance’ is most notable, this being the option to go fast effortlessly, while still maintaining comfort and a feeling of security for the crew. Cruising range is greatly increased making many previously out of reach anchorages a reality.

High averages can be effortlessly maintained, and this was well demonstrated by two F-27s averaging an incredible 17.9 and 18.2 knots for the 44 mile course in the 1993 Miami – Key Largo race, while blitzing the fleet. Not everyone wants to go this fast, but it is easier to slow a fast boat down, for ultra-safe effortless cruising, than trying to make a slow boat go fast.

Helm is always light and responsive at any speed, while tacking is dinghy-like. Even continuous 360 degree turns are possible with trimarans, helm hard over, without touching the sails.

The lack of sailing vices makes any Farrier multihull very suitable for shorthanded sailing with just one or two. There is never a need for a large crew just to keep things upright and under control. They are thus a great practical cruising boat for the family, perfect for the idyllic sail, with a visit to that distant secluded beach for lunch, and trailerables can be safely back on the trailer before nightfall, all with minimal effort.

FARRIER FOLDING SYSTEM™

One key to the success of Farrier trimarans is the easy trailerability made possible by the unique Farrier Folding System ™.

The Farrier system is the most structurally sound trimaran folding system available, with no hinges in the beams or the critical beam to float join, while corrosion prone wires are never used in structurally critical areas. Overall beam can be varied in seconds, by just one person, anywhere.

After 33 years of use world wide the Farrier System is well proven, the most successful folding system, and used by more trimarans than anything else. So to be safe, be sure to insist on the genuine twin strut ‘Farrier Folding System’™. It is significantly different from all the rest, and the many advantages can be summarized as follows:

• Folds for road legal trailering in minutes without any heavy assembly being required.
• The twin strut folding system gives absolute control over movement
• No need for water to support floats while folding – the twin struts make it easy to fold anywhere
• The correct folding strut geometry means folding can be done by one person, anywhere.
• Twin struts mean the float will not fall on the ground if folding out of the water on a trailer
• Absolutely no weak hinge points in the actual beams, with the highly stressed beam to float join being solid
• Absolutely no sliding parts that can bind or jam
• Corrosion prone wires are not used in structurally critical areas where sudden failure could threaten the boat
• The structurally critical lower struts are solid Aluminum 6061 T6 bar, with absolutely no butt welds.
• Custom made reinforced acetal (plastic) bushes insulate aluminum struts from stainless steel pivot pins
• There is no reliance on the rig for structural support should float reverse loading occur
• Beams are structurally sound no matter how loaded, including even after a capsize
• Proven track record, with 33 years development, six Atlantic crossings and race records/wins world wide.
• Now used by over 3000 boats world wide

Ian Farrier

Ian Farrier first started sailing multihulls virtually by accident, being a twenty year old New Zealand engineering student and monohull sailor, looking for a keelboat to do some offshore cruising.

Nothing suitable was available, but then an unfinished 30’ trimaran was advertised, and was purchased after some research. After two years of hard work and rebuilding, his first multihull was launched in 1969.

It was not a perfect multihull, but it was reasonably fast and forgiving. It was also good enough to sail single-handed from his home town Christchurch to Auckland, surviving two mid-winter ‘roaring-forties’ storms on the way. However, some design limitations were apparent, and confidence was lacking for a long ocean voyage, so he jumped ship to a 38’ keelboat bound for Tonga. The contrast in comfort, handling and safety aspects observed during this trip convinced him that a well designed multihull was the way to go.

In 1972 he arrived in Brisbane, Australia, where the growing popularity of the monohull trailer sailer was noted while crewing on a local trimaran. A trailerable trimaran appeared to have many advantages over trailerable monohulls, so he decided to look at what could be done. The Farrier Folding System™ was then invented, patented, and the prototype Trailertri 18 was built and launched in 1974. It worked beautifully and he then built five more Trailertris of various sizes, while trying out many different configurations. Over this period the folding trailerable trimaran slowly began to establish itself as a practical and exciting option, to eventually become one of the fastest growing segments of sailing.

In 1984 Ian and his family moved to Chula Vista (San Diego), where financial backing had been found to set up Corsair Marine. He then designed the F-27, built the prototype, and developed and established Corsair’s full production system and quality controls. With 100 boats being produced every year, and an excellent reputation established, it was time to concentrate on new designs, so he resigned from Corsair in 1991, and moved to Bellevue (Seattle). Corsair was subsequently licensed to build the F-24, F-28 and F-31 designs, in a productive ongoing relationship, though rocky at times, with varying ownership/management at Corsair.

Ian ended all relationship with Corsair in December 2000, finding himself once again working on his own as Farrier Marine, Inc., and concentrating on new projects via other avenues. In 2017, he sold Farrier to Daedalus International.

Sadly, Ian Farrier passed away suddenly in early December 2017. He is survived by wife Alicia and sons Michael and Steven. The multihull world is reeling from Ian’s loss and we are grateful for the hundreds of kind messages of support we have received. The Farrier brand continues as Ian would have wanted in our Christchurch factory. A small team of F-Boat enthusiasts will work to ensure the F-Boat sails well into the future.