Trimarans for Sale

Trimaran

Trimarans belong to the multihull family (see also catamarans). As the prefix "tri" suggests, these boats and yachts have three hulls, which are firmly connected to one another by cross beams. The centrally positioned main hull is flanked by two considerably less voluminous side hulls. These are also called floats or outriggers.

What is a trimaran?

Trimarans belong to the multihull boats (see also catamarans). As the prefix "tri" already suggests, trimarans have three hulls: the centrally positioned main hull is flanked by two significantly less voluminous side hulls, which are also called floats or amas.

In principle, trimarans convince for the same reason as catamarans: hulls that are as narrow as possible have to displace comparatively little water, so that the performance potential of a multihull is considerably higher than that of a monohull. In addition, trimarans – much like catamarans – are sailed in such a way that ideally one or even two hulls hover above the water, further reducing resistance. The disproportionately large beam of the trimaran provides the necessary stability under sail – leeway is reduced by comparatively short keels or sometimes elaborate leeboard constructions.

Trimarans are the fastest

Trimarans hold the most important speed records on the oceans. On a single-handed (solo) Atlantic crossing, Francois Gabart pushed his Ultim trimaran "Macif" (length 30 meters, sail area on reaching courses: 650 sq m) to an average of 35.45 knots over 24 hours, covering a distance of 850.68 nautical miles. In 2018, Francois Gabart sailed the same trimaran around the world solo and nonstop in record time (42 days). The "Jules Verne Trophy", the record for a nonstop circumnavigation with a crew, was claimed back in 2017 by the Frenchman Francis Joyon and his crew – likewise on an Ultim trimaran, the "IDEC". The famous "Hydroptère" too, a sailboat built exclusively for speed records that "takes off" on hydrofoils, is a trimaran.
Almost all current speed records on trimarans have been achieved with foils that can lift the leeward and windward floats as well as the main hull completely out of the water. The huge trimarans thus hover above the surface of the water as if on stilts.

The well-known "Tour de France a la Voile" is also currently sailed on 24-foot Diam trimarans.

Trimarans for cruising sailors

Trimarans are writing a success story in the sport boat and leisure sector as well. Cruising sailors value these multihulls for their comparatively high speed and their rather calm behavior in the water. The relatively large beam, on the other hand, used to be a problem, especially when calling at marinas on a cruise. In the meantime, several shipyards have countered this with smart designs. Each of these technically elaborate concepts claims "non plus ultra" status for itself – ultimately, however, when buying a used boat what counts above all is practical experience with the respective folding or swing-wing systems.

Trimarans with folding mechanisms

On some trimarans, the side hulls fold in on hinges built into the cross beams, pulling them tight against the central main hull or even partly underneath it. Another popular "narrowing technique" for harbor berths and/or trailering is a mechanism that swings the side hulls, or amas, backward so they sit parallel to the main hull.
These mechanisms are now considered well proven, but when you buy a used boat they are critical points that deserve special attention.