As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We may also earn commissions if you purchase products from other retailers after clicking on a link from our site.
Having a boat costs a lot of money, even when you are not using it, marina fees, etc. And once it is in the water most sailors never go very far from their “home marina” and sailing will be somewhat restricted. However, what if you could fold your trimaran and put it on a trailer, store it at your house, and go to a new sailing spot the next time?
Here are 6 of the best trailerable trimaran:
Choosing the best trailerable trimaran (a multi-hull with three “hulls”) will depend on crucial factors like speed, durability, design, and ease of transportation. This article is here to help you get started with your research and hopefully help you on the way towards your dream boat!
Table of Contents
Cruising boats are made for multiday sailing either on the coast of your favorite sailing area or full-out blue-water ocean crossings. Extended living should be a priority in these designs.
Dragonfly is in the business of making the “best foldable trimarans on the planet” many would agree with this statement. Dragonfly is known for its commitment to easy trailering and ease of use, shown in designs for the Dragonfly 25 and Dragonfly 28.
The “Swing Wing” system on the linchpins is one of the key features of the dragonfly series. The system’s application makes it possible for the trimaran to narrow its beam as much as 50%.
Attesting to its Scandinavian manufacturing, most parts of the trimaran are made in-house. This guarantees quality and ensures that all used parts are above standard.
You don’t need to look further than the Dragonfly 25. Its centerboard slightly offset to port. Extra space is created in the main hull’s interior with a trunk buried under a settee. Performance-wise, the low drag and narrow hull shape allow the boat to reach blistering speeds.
New Zealand enters the trimaran manufacturing race with this premium sea goer. The vessel comes in two different versions: a performance variation with more horsepower and a full cabin cruising version.
Compared to the dragon series the F-22 has the biggest allowance for space.
The F-22 is known for being one of the easiest trimarans to fold and load.
The sports version of the F-22 has some really good performance to offer. It has an aggressive spirit: you can mount a sail while leaving plenty of space for the boat’s fine entry and flared forward sections. The build quality is also topnotch—a lasting memorial to a principle that Ian Farrier always worked by: excellence.
This boat series has an exciting history. Farrier created it to promote his trailerable tri concept. However, the series is now independent with a top-class vehicle to its name.
The Corsair 760 is listed as providing some of the best performance and safety benefits to sailors.
Building off the spirit of excellence of the founder, the Corsair 760 has created a boat with comfort and racing potential. The boat can be tricky to handle at first, but it will be a breeze once you get the hang of it.
It is also worth noting that the corsair 37 is the largest trailerable trimaran on the market today.
Boats that are made for dayssailing are usually smaller, cheaper and more easily handled. They are perfect for those looking to enjoy a full day on the water in calm weather, but are usually less suitable for multiday events or rough sea sailing.
If you’re looking for something small but still capable of doing day sailing, 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.
The Astus brand specializes in transportable trimarans, worth noting is that some models need a specific trailer whilst the smaller boats use a standard trailer.
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.
The small size makes it more suitable for daysailing in good weather rather than multiday cruising, although more experienced sailors will of course push the limits of this boat.
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.
The largest trailerable trimaran is the Corsair 37 , this multihull is built for single-handed cruising while still maintaining the ability to comfortably seat 6 people.
The Corsair 37 provides comfort, speed, and safety. It also contains just enough space to accommodate amenities like a propane stove, a sink, and other equipment.
The vessel is designed to be a performance cruiser. It features an aluminum rotating wing mast, carbon fiber bowsprit, and premium deck hardware. The corsair can still cut through the water with ease despite its size, putting the wind in your sails.
A catamaran is a boat with two hulls (a trimaran has three) connected by a bridge deck. Catamarans usually offer more space than both monohulls and trimarans of the same length. The catamaran is usually somewhat slower than a trimaran but faster than a monohull. They are usually made of fiberglass or carbon fiber.
Catamarans come in all shapes and sizes. You can find straightforward sailing catamarans, perfect for those who are only starting their sailing journey. Larger sailing catamarans have become extremely popular for long-distance sailing.
There are also power catamarans, they have huge diesel-powered engines (sometimes electric) and no sails. Also called “power cats”, these boats can reach 30+kts.
As discussed above, some trimarans are possible to put on a trailer and move to another sailing area or to be stored at home. This is usually not possible with catamarans but is sometimes possible with the trimarans that are fitted with foldable amas (the two outer “floats” or “hulls”).
Some trimarans can be trailerable, this is mainly due to the ability to drastically decrease the vessels beam, sometimes as much as 50%. This allows the trailer plus trimaran to be below the legal requirements of the road.
It has proven difficult to beat the trimaran in terms of speed. Through the ages, this type of vessel has proven to be immensely enjoyable in all kinds of sailing activities. These can range from sea adventures to waterborne relaxation in your free time.
Trimarans come in various types, foldable, for cruising or racing, etc. However, there is a common factor: many of the small ones are trailerable. This makes them easier to move than most other types of boats.
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!
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment.
Must-Have Boat Gear for Catamaran Sailors!
Sailing is probably the most gear-intensive activity I've ever done; there are so many decisions to be made about what gear to buy now, for tomorrow, and what to definitely never buy. The gear on...
What Kind of Boat Is The Best Liveaboard? Trawler, Monohull, or ...?
Living in a boat can be a thrilling, once-in-a-lifetime experience; however, knowing how to choose the right vessel to sustain the lifestyle you want to achieve can be crucial in making the most out...
The new "Mini Trimaran" as it is being called (for now) is an evolution of our work in small multihulls over the years. It combines elements of the successful Expedition Sailing Canoe and the " kayak trimaran " named 'Spongebob' into a new vessel. Hull #1 was cut out as a CNC kit in July 2020 and is now in the process of going through sea trials. Click here for Construction Photos of hull #1 You can get a sneak peak of the builders guide here .
Features of hull #1 included a roller furling mainsail and headsail for easy reefing and a boom for superior sail control. For Hull #2 we went back to a non rotating mast with slab reefing and single line reefing instead. The amas retract into the center crossbeams to reduce the overall beam for trailering without having to demount the amas. A stern cockpit with a large kayak style cockpit coaming can be used with a spray skirt. Steering is accomplished with foot pedal controls or a tiller. The boat can also be sailed from the center cockpit and there is optional space to install a hobie mirage drive in the center cockpit. Ample storage for a full expedition load. The center cockpit is flanked by a pair of "wing decks" which are large enough for sleeping aboard with a bivy or cockpit tent. A leeboard is controlled with lines running to the aft cockpit. The hull incorporates an integral spray chine above the water line to increase cockpit comfort while maintaining a narrow waterline beam of 19 1/2"
Length: 18’ 6” Sailing Beam: 11’ Trailering Beam: 6’ 8-3/4” Working Sail: 100 sqft Optional Spinnaker: 80 sqft Empty weight: ~290lbs Gear/water capacity: 150lbs Full Load Displacement: 620lbs (solo) PPI: 117lbs (pounds per 1” immersion Ama buoyancy: 275lbs
Above: Hull #1 freshly painted. April 2021
Latest News: Plans and a CNC kit for this design are coming soon. Hull #1 and 2 are currently in testing and prototyping phases and we look forward to improving the design of the rigging and kit for future builders.
Video from first Sea Trials in Jan. 2021. We were very pleased with the performance and look forward to further testing the rigging and design in preparation for releasing plans and kits for this design. You can note in the video that the boat is being sailed totally empty so the bow rides a bit high.
Hull #1 made the trip to the 2021 B&B Messabout and we had a chance to test here out.
Hull #2 was completed and launched in January 2022. Changes to the design include adding some legroom to the aft cabin, and including space for a hobie mirage drive well in the center cockpit. Hull #2 does not have a roller furling mainsail but instead more traditional slab reefing. A Core Sound 17 mainsail is now the primary working sail and a furling code zero is again used for light air and an off the wind boost.
There are no products listed under this category.
“Classy.” That was the first word that came to mind for Boat of the Year judge Mike Ingham when he stepped aboard the formidable 40-foot trimaran from Dragonfly, an unexpected and welcome late entry to the competition in Annapolis. “It almost feels as if the boat is intentionally understated but overdelivered because once you start looking closer at the details and craftsmanship, it just keeps getting more impressive.”
Builder and company owner Jens Quorning, whose family has been building trimarans in southern Denmark since 1967, says the Dragonfly 40 is the biggest boat they now build and a worthy holder of the flagship title. “Building a boat of this scale is complicated,” he says of the folding trimaran. “It takes three years to develop a new design, and this is for owners looking for a bigger boat, with better performance, capable of more long-distance sailing.”
The result is a powerful trimaran aimed at experienced owners who appreciate the sheer pleasure of racing and cruising on three hulls. This is not your average production multihull. It is a powerful and luxurious sailing machine capable of knocking off fast miles in comfort. Slip down below and you’re immediately immersed in a master class of woodwork and joinery. There are berths for four, including a giant master under the cockpit, plenty of standing headroom, and a comfortable salon and galley arrangement that’s monohull-cozy. “We do not offer a big house on the water,” Quorning tells the judges. “But if you really want a fine and elegant yacht with double-digit sailing, this is what we do.”
For our tests, Dragonfly presented its Ultimate edition, the midrange version. An upscaled Performance model is an all-carbon version with a taller mast. And in the lightest wind of the week, sub-10 knots, the trimaran teased the judges with its potential. Still, in the light stuff, the boat delivered a winning experience.
“It was a dream to sail upwind and downwind, almost effortlessly,” Ingham says. “With the gennaker up, at about 100 degrees true, we were going faster than the wind, and with winch pods on each side of the steering wheel, everything was as ergonomic as you could possibly imagine. The electric winches made it a cinch to furl and unfurl the headsails through the tacks and jibes, and the sails trimmed in perfectly every time.”
The feather-light feel of the helm, Ingham adds, was as smooth as a balanced dinghy. “With tiny movements on the wheel, the boat would immediately respond, but I could also walk away from the helm for a few minutes and the boat would stay right on track. Crazy—I think it steered itself better than I did.”
That’s the trait of a good trimaran, Greg Stewart says. The Dragonfly 40 has a lot of buoyancy in the bows, and while the center hull is substantial, the tall trussed rig and square top mainsail provide plenty of power. “The biggest thing that struck me is how easily accessible everything is,” Stewart says. “Clearly, every detail is painstakingly thought out, and I can’t believe how beautifully built the interior is. It’s top-notch, from the glasswork to the paintwork inside and out. Down below, we were all blown away by the finish.”
There’s no denying the boat is expensive at upward of $1 million, but the test boat had quality race sails, a full electric-winch package, and a long list of high-spec extras. At nearly 15,000 pounds light, it’s a substantial boat—not trailerable, but foldable with Dragonfly’s trademark technique that Corning describes as mimicking parallel rules. The floats are 2 feet longer than the center hull, with buoyancy pushed well forward into the reversed bows, and the center hull is narrow at the waterline before sweeping upward to a high and hard chine. This pronounced hull shape allows for the generous amount of headroom, and high bench seats that flank a long centerline table, which can, of course, drop down to create a double-size berth.
Allen noted that the center hull’s wide side decks provide a secure pathway to the bow, rather than across the trampolines. He was also impressed with the ease of sailing the boat and the comfort belowdecks. “When we were doing 9 knots, I went below and there was silence. It’s comfortable and beautiful. It would be a blast to do some long point-to-point racing on it, doublehanded or with like a crew of four, max.”
Stewart agreed, adding that beyond its noteworthy gunkholing attributes, the engine is well aft on the center hull, allowing it to be motored safely into shallow anchorages. The daggerboard is mechanically raised into the trunk, and the rudder kicks up. “I also think it would be great for a distance race or rally type of event,” Stewart says. “Its performance and versatility are what appeal to me, but the build quality is what really sets it apart.”
Write a review.
Additional information.
About Woods Downloadable Plans
Click HERE to download Free Study Plans
The 10ft Tryst trimaran is a variation of the Duo dinghy
The main hull is a sailing Duo and it is fitted with two Vee shaped outriggers that bolt onto the Duo wings. The wings are then lashed to the main hull gunwales, as they are on Duo, see below. The outriggers add masses of stability for little extra weight, especially as all the panels for the outriggers are made from one sheet of 3 or 4mm ply. So the whole boat is very light and cheap to build, basically made from just three sheets of plywood
The Tryst outriggers are long, narrow and deep. That is because they are not "training wheels" but hulls in their own right. If they were too short and fat they would generate a lot of drag, even if they had the same buoyancy as the longer ones. The prototype was first sailed in August 2014 in Canada and has since sailed in the USA and Mexico and has travelled over 10,000 miles in the back of our pickup truck - which has a 6ft long bed. I have had a great time sailing it, very easy and fun and, despite the small mainsail, Tryst sails surprisingly well even in light winds. Tacks very easily, with absoulutely no hesitation.
As a keen dinghy sailor I try to keep both outriggers out of the water, but when I'm feeling lazy I let them do the work and just sit back and relax, welcoming the extra security of the buoyancy "out there doing it". One reason for making the outriggers a Vee shape is to reduce slamming and spray. Another reason is that, when heeled, the outriggers give grip to the water. this allows easy sailing on or off a shallow beach.
Tryst would be an extremely difficult boat to capsize. But, if it did, then it is small and light enough to pull up again without help. Simply stand on one outrigger, which will sink and the boat then rotates round the main hull.
When sailing is over for the day the complete Tryst, including rig and outriggers can fit inside a pickup or van with a 6ft bed, (assuming a nesting Duo is built) as shown above. We have a three piece mast, the outriggers fit in diagonally. In any event, once the three hulls are separated, it is easy to cartop - even singlehanded.
6 weeks after receiving the building plans a builder in the Philippines reported:
"Trific launched on Friday 13th in perfect weather conditions. At this location the sea is very shallow, 200+ meters out I attempted to use the dagger board & came to a full stop! No damage done.
Launching off the lee shore beach into the head wind without the daggerboard proved suprisingly easy, I'm guessing my 100kg weight immersed the floats sufficiently to provide adequate resistance to leeway!
Richard Woods notes: In the video of my second Tryst sail you can see me coming into a shallow beach to windward without the daggerboard. By heeling the boat to lee the deep V outrigger digs in enough to prevent excessive leeway (it is still more than a daggerboard though )
The little boat moved surprisingly quickly through the water, despite its heavy crew, and was extremely stable. The 63 sq ft balanced lug sail (by Hydes) seemed well suited to the boat. The loose foot sail was easy to adjust with the outhaul, downhaul & 'snotter' to give, to my eyes, a perfect shape. I seemed to be able to point to around 45deg. A super little boat, I'm well pleased."
email for Plans
"People sail for fun and no one has yet convinced me that it's more fun to go slow than it is to go fast."
All Designs
"For this, his third attempt at the OSTAR, Weld had Dick Newick design him the trimaran Moxie. In design, construction and in every piece of equipment Moxie was built to win. Phil Weld knew what it took to race across the Atlantic - the boat and the man were made for each other."
"By breaking the barriers of both performance and acceptance, Dick Newick can be called the Chuck Yeager of multihulls" -- Jim Brown, Wooden Boat magazine, May 2008
Martini 6.0
Servo Yachts - 45 metre Stabilised Catamaran
Superyacht Adastra
The World's Most Fuel Efficient Superyacht
The Muilti-Award Winning Adastra is for Sale. Read more .....
Adastra Trimaran - "On Board with Anto Marden"
COMMENTS
The ultimate multihull design and building resource - catamarans and trimarans to 150 feet. Visit Multihullblog.com for latest work, updates, and techniques. Home New Designs ... KHSD boat Videos. Tel: 206.719.4893 Email: Kurt Hughes. [email protected] Slater's Landing ...
Trimaran Plans. Ed Horstman designed TRIMARAN and CATAMARAN plans are drawn for the first time builder. ... Plans are leased to build ONE boat, NO time limit. Tri-Star designs are proven designs, sailing the seven seas since 1964. Free consultation is provided to the original non-professional builder till he or she is sailing the seven seas ...
Design, construction, and material information about small trimarans: Design Criteria, Construction Methods, Comparisons of Designs, Speed, Stability, ... Well, this boat seems the same. It's really a joy to sail, and I sense an exciting journey with her is just beginning —Jonathan, Michigan.
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.
Catamaran & Trimaran Boat Plans from Hartley Boats make it a reality to build your own multihull at home. Build with Plywood or Fibre Glass. 12-35 ft plans. ... Hartley boat plans make the build process straight forward for even amateur builders. However with all things considered, building a multi can be an amazing journey. Select options ...
Warren Lightcraft trimarans, another example of a convertible kayak-to-sailboat option, are known for their aesthetically pleasing designs that are also, as the name implies, very light for simple transportation and ease of use. Convert the kayak into a fast, high performance sailboat in just minutes, fly around on the waves all day long, then ...
Ed Horstman designs started in 1960 with the TRI-STAR 40. TRI-STAR 40 was the first Trimaran to race in the Multihull Transpack race to Hawaii in 1966; taking second place. TORTUGA TOO, a TRI-STAR 39 similar to the design pictured above was the first Trimaran (Sept 1979) to sail from east to west around Cape Horn, experiencing 100 mph winds.
Chris White Designs . Chris White Designs specializes in the design of high performance cruising catamarans and trimarans. Each boat is designed and engineered to exacting standards of performance capability, structural integrity, ease of handling for a small crew, and comfort underway.
The Cross 18 was designed by the famous trimaran designer Norman Cross about 30 years ago. Not surprisingly, like many other designs of this multihull pioneer, this design still has merit today. It uses a simple hinge system for the amas, so that they fold up through 180 degrees to lay side-by-side upside-down over the open cockpit.
Nightmare MK VIII - Mini40 Class Trimaran. The Nightmare MK VIII is the latest design from Austrian designer Ernst Zemann who has been designing multihull models for years. The Nightmare is designed to be able to sail on one float, it is a stable design which is not pitch poling easily. Look the pictures and the video clips of our boats.
We design modern high performance sailing catamarans, trimarans and power cats. Contact us to find the right professionals and resources for your project, or to create a custom design to empower your vision for time on the water.
Home Boat Design Forums > Design >. Discuss multi-hull sailboat design, production and custom sailing catamarans and trimarans.
Owen Clarke Design began as sailing multihull designers, sailors and project managers. Our first multihull was Fiery Cross a racing trimaran design by Merfyn Owen in 1987. Their first custom cruising yacht was Syn Y Mor, a 30' fast cruising catamaran and the first collaboration with Allen Clarke. In recent years they worked with clients on a Multi50 trimaran project and most recently 20m racer ...
Ed Horstman designed TRIMARAN and CATAMARAN plans are drawn for the first time builder. Plans are concise and clearly drawn so the builder can easily follow each building step. ... Plans are leased to build ONE boat, NO time limit. Tri-Star designs are proven designs, sailing the seven seas since 1964. Free consultation is provided to the ...
About Woods Downloadable Plans The Strike 2 trimaran is akin to a scaled up Strike 15, rather than a longer Strike 18. So is designed for those who want to sail fast or race, rather than those who want a day cruiser. Launch Day! A quote from a builder...
Here are 6 of the best trailerable trimaran: The Dragonfly series. F-22. Corsair Series. Astus. Weta 14.5. Windrider 17. Choosing the best trailerable trimaran (a multi-hull with three "hulls") will depend on crucial factors like speed, durability, design, and ease of transportation.
The new "Mini Trimaran" as it is being called (for now) is an evolution of our work in small multihulls over the years. It combines elements of the successful Expedition Sailing Canoe and the "kayak trimaran" named 'Spongebob' into a new vessel.Hull #1 was cut out as a CNC kit in July 2020 and is now in the process of going through sea trials.
The Dragonfly 40 Ultimate is a work of art inside and out, and when the sails are up, this tri flies. By Dave Reed. December 20, 2023. The craftsmanship and performance of Dragonfly's flagship ...
The Threefold 6 is designed to be a safe and lively boat to sail singlehanded or with a crew, ideal for comfortable gunkhole cruising in relatively protected waters. Follow these links to print a material list or a drawing list for this design. with the aluminium folding system. Oleg's boat with new colour scheme.
Tryst 10 Trimaran Plans Download. About Woods Downloadable Plans. Click HERE to download Free Study Plans. The 10ft Tryst trimaran is a variation of the Duo dinghy. The main hull is a sailing Duo and it is fitted with two Vee shaped outriggers that bolt onto the Duo wings. The wings are then lashed to the main hull gunwales, as they are on Duo ...
"For this, his third attempt at the OSTAR, Weld had Dick Newick design him the trimaran Moxie. In design, construction and in every piece of equipment Moxie was built to win. ... Phil Weld knew what it took to race across the Atlantic - the boat and the man were made for each other." See Race History: Singlehanded Trans-Atlantic Race 1960-2000+
The ultimate multihull design and building resource - catamarans and trimarans to 150 feet Visit Multihullblog.com for latest work, updates, and techniques. Home New Designs ... but it was also among the fastest sailboats in Seattle for many years. This design has all the features that make up a great tri; wide amas way out there, a deep board ...
Yacht Designs. Multihulls, Monohulls, Superyachts, Catamarans, Trimarans. Power, Sail. Racing, Cruising. Boat plans. John Shuttleworth, Orion Shuttleworth, Shuttleworth Design is a multi-award winning design consultancy that has been working with an international client base at the forefront of yacht design, engineering and naval architecture for more than 35 years.
The Xquisite 30 Sportcat is an expensive daysailer to be sure, but Hamor hopes to build a fleet for one-design racing at some point and entice an entirely new audience. In the meantime, you can sail one of these head-turning boats for free if you sign a contract for one of Xquisite's large cruising cats. ... For more multihull reviews and ...