18' Trimaran built for camping. Cutter rigged.

[trip the light fandango]

It would have to be a very custom built aluminum boat, as the torque applied from the amas, lever effect, and the mast tension is going to destroy a factory hull. The hull twist before I foam cored and added glass bulkheads was scary in 3 foot rough chop.

Yep, otherwise I suppose you would need trusses to take the load which don't transport as neatly as they only fold laterally, quite a different path, they would increase roof span but often be in the way. Anyway, I like your concept and you have already set your approach. Maybe there is room for a little mizzen sail. they normally help control/balance , a small wind surfer sail maybe.

 

[markstrimaran]

I considered a mizzen, but the keel balance point is too far back.

Then I typically only have about a mile of open water before the hills, and the trees, create some very dynamic wind conditions.

A while back I cought a 20 knot breeze with only the main up. The windward ama lifted up and for about 400 yards. It was all I could do to not to peel off to Lee ward, and hit the rocks. I added a swing keel since, and blow out a dagger board cassette.

 

[trip the light fandango]

I considered a mizzen, but the keel balance point is too far back.

Then I typically only have about a mile of open water before the hills, and the trees, create some very dynamic wind conditions.

A while back I cought a 20 knot breeze with only the main up. The windward ama lifted up and for about 400 yards. It was all I could do to not to peel off to Lee ward, and hit the rocks. I added a swing keel since, and blow out a dagger board cassette.

I get the feeling that one of your main design concepts was about being able to lift the canopy off the truck with the mast. I also have made a rod for my own back,but my criteria are about sailing and camping on a budget, customising design, not speed of getting the craft into the water. It is interesting that your compromises dwarf just about everyone else's on this forum. being able to get to the water then get in quick relax and camp, on the water quickly, cheap. like you I also like to actually use my boat, cheers.

 

[markstrimaran]

5 to 1 halyard tensioner, Aft masted rugged, with two stay sails. Hopefully this will flatten the sheets enough to pull through the airfoil curve enough to maybe fly a hull.

The other options is a very pricey carbon fiber spar.

Maybe a custom cut main sail.

 

[markstrimaran]

I get the feeling that one of your main design concepts was about being able to lift the canopy off the truck with the mast. I also have made a rod for my own back,but my criteria are about sailing and camping on a budget, customising design, not speed of getting the craft into the water. It is interesting that your compromises dwarf just about everyone else's on this forum. being able to get to the water then get in quick relax and camp, on the water quickly, cheap. like you I also like to actually use my boat, cheers.

Ha I work 50 hours a week, I have about 8 hours of good sailing time, with 1 hour of rigging. Mostly unrigging in the dark. Singlehanded.

 

[trip the light fandango]

Yep, that explains it, a single shorter battened sail seems like it would help, bracing the forestay by swapping it for a hinged stainless rod with its own hounds and spreaders that folds up to the mast when travelling might work. Small spinnakers are quite fun on tris because they're pretty easy to control using the bows of the maricat for the blocks, more ropes/sheets to fiddle around with though. Sounds like not much open water to utilize though.

 

[markstrimaran]

Just to busy, to this summer. Went out twice, and worked about 50 times.

 

[markstrimaran]

Then some hinge maintenance.

 

[markstrimaran]

Almost March and waiting for the lake to thaw. Have a few thing to do, relace trampolines.
Replace the upper polyester standing mast stays hopefully with some kevlar.

 

[markstrimaran]

Cutting out the old dagger board cassette. They are too far back anyways. Lots more room for camping gear.

 

[markstrimaran]

6 gallon fuel tank. Fits

 

[Newickspark]

See my new post on a camping tri’ for a unique idea.

Don’t need to double post it.

 

[markstrimaran]

Main stay mast tie in. It is adjustable allowing the reuse of any length of suitable jib sails. The original set up sometimes jamed the halyard into the pulley. It's a mix of custom welded stainless steel and hobie cat mast slide cars.
Yes my mast is on backyards. As it allows an infinite number of cheap second hand sails combinations. Aerodynamics is not very critical at a 5 knot hull speed.

 

[markstrimaran]

New aka 40" x 10" openings. I am undecided on using hinges or a simple bunge cord laced thru small cleats. Definitely need to be secured for highway speed trailering, and life lined to the trimaran. Any ideas?

 

[markstrimaran]

The weakest link. When flying the 200% Genoa. In 20 knot suprise pop up thunder storm. The idea is that the the jib stay bridle will break before the hobie cat mast.
The regular jib sail ties in about 30" higher than the 200% Genoa.
I normally only use the big sail on 5mph calm days in late summer.