Trailerable Trimarans

[Ocean Girl]

Thanks for the insight!

[DaveOnCudjoe]

This is another plug for the F-31 but in my case the aft cockpit model is preferable having a more usable cabin for cruising, a more useable V berth and a more functional head. Access to the outboard is direct as is a tillerpilot. Dave

[nautical62]

I owned a Telstar 26 for a while. I loved it in protected waters, but felt it was not suitable for even Bahamas trips. Three foot waves caused so much under deck slamming that it was nearly impossible to make any progress to windward. I sold it after one Bahamas cruise.

[Ofer]

Cat2fold.com

additional info for you to consider.

[Ocean Girl]

Originally Posted by DaveOnCudjoe

This is another plug for the F-31 but in my case the aft cockpit model is preferable having a more usable cabin for cruising, a more useable V berth and a more functional head. Access to the outboard is direct as is a tillerpilot. Dave

Dave, can you tell me the length of the v-berth in the F-31 aft cockpit, my husband is 6'2.

Thanks for all the great info, it is amazing what a huge community of trimarans enthusiast there is.

Cheers,
Helga

Ps

Ocean girl ( aka erika, aka Helga ) is a monohull girl, if she were seen checking out the multis! Well, her fenders might get slashed just kidding. But I DID get quite a beating when I sold my pacific seacraft 25 and bought a 40ft trawler, you'd of thought I sold my soul. I redeemed myself when I bought a cape dory 30. Sigh, sailors, we are a funny lot.

[zeta]

Minimalist=Wharram...tiki 30 comes to mind.

[shipofools]

Corsair 31 uc is a lot of wasted space for a head/shower.

Most cruisable in my opinion is the 31 center cockpit. Lived on one for 3 years.

Ps mine is for sale :-)

[zeta]

Originally Posted by zeta

Minimalist=Wharram...tiki 30 comes to mind.

oops--trimaran it ain't!

[SailFastTri]

Been a Dragonfly owner for 10 years. If trailerable vacation cruising is your agenda you can't beat the Farrier/Corsair boats. I chose Dragonfly boats because they're more fully and richly finished, and folding/trailering isn't something I want to do (got that out of my system when I was younger).

Trimarans (if kept light) are the ultimate sailing experience. Go for it. (Edit: You will also find the total cost of ownership is lower on tris than with other boats, because they hold their value better on resale -- so don't let the higher initial price put you off. They're really cheaper in the end).

PS - When budgeting don't forget that you'll need a jumbo-sized SUV or pickup to pull a boat of that size/windage.

[tamicatana]

Originally Posted by SailFastTri

PS - When budgeting don't forget that you'll need a jumbo-sized SUV or pickup to pull a boat of that size/windage.

FWIW, I'm towing my F-27 with a long wheelbase F250 DIESEL pickup. Truck gets around 12 highway with the boat in tow, 17 without. Not too bad mileage, if you ask me.

[Ocean Girl]

Thanks SailFastTri, we love the dragonfly but not a lot of those around here in the states. The F-31 seems to be the one we are zeroing in on, though we like the contour too.

Nautical62, I love the Telstar but was also concerned about the pounding of the sidewalks.

The only drawback to the f boats seem to be the amas waterline change while in folded position, but we plan on anchoring out 90% of the time so it may be ok for us.

Cheers,
Mrs. Rain Dog

[Sand crab]

I'm just throwing this out there although it doesn't fit your criteria. The Contour 50 is capable of being dismantled and it all fits on one semi trailer. Yes it's alot more money and you need a lift to do this but it is a liveabord and a blue water boat. I always thought this aspect was kinda cool especially for a big tri.
Good Luck

[tamicatana]

Originally Posted by Ocean Girl

The only drawback to the f boats seem to be the amas waterline change while in folded position

If I take your meaning, you refer to the necessity to fold if going into a single-width dock?

You'll lose lateral stability, but I don't believe the boat pitches more fore and aft. You can motor about in folded mode, but it's not something you want to do for any distance.

Please elaborate as to your concern? BTW, Ian Farrier's pages contain a wealth of information
Trimaran and Catamaran Designs By Farrier Marine, Inc.

[HapaPops]

Speculating, is it a concern regarding marine growth on the amas when folded? If so, many use white bottom paint.

I encourage you to get onboard a boat, get a feel for size, etc. There's an amazing difference between a F27/8 and a F31, and then a similar difference yet again to the Contour 34. That 1 meter difference is quite striking. Really makes for quite different boats, both sailing and at anchor. Very different qualities in each.

[Sand crab]

The old MacGregor 36 cat is trailerable. And super fast. And way below your budget.
http://www.thebeachcats.com/pictures/?g2_itemId=62295