Small Trimaran Design
Are you seriously considering buying or building a small trimaran?
If so, you'd do well to read a new book put out recently by the Small-Tri-Guy at SmallTrimarans.com
[READ ON for how to get my TECHNICAL REPORT!!]
It's called Introduction to Small Trimarans and it includes 15 very fascinating interviews with some well known and reputable designers (such as Chris White, Kurt Hughes, Ray Kendrick etc etc). But first, let me introduce myself. I am Mike Waters, author of this website and I need to say that I certainly have MY copy!
It's really a great read, but for me as somewhat of a technical guy, there was just one thing missing and that was some technical data, critical review and comparisons between the small trimarans under discussion. So when Joe Farinaccio of 'smalltrimarans.com' suggested I might just be the most independent person qualified to do this, I decided to take on the task.
The result is a 22-page Technical Report that not only compares many of the tris in Joe's book, but looks at the data for many more. a total of 20 in fact, all between 19' and 25' in length. Of these, 12 of them are reported on with a critical look at what they might offer YOU the potential buyer—all in numerous pages of text c/w color photos.
I also included two useful charts showing average building times and cost for tris of different lengths as well as a 2-page spreadsheet with LOADS of data about each boat—things that will keep you busy for hours!
Although this had to be a somewhat personal look, I do bring nearly 60 years of sailing experience to it, as well as a lot of past boat building and designing as a qualified naval architect and engineer. I invite you to check some of the articles on this site to get a feel for whether you think I can help you or not. But just to make SURE I was on the right track with this, I first sent it out to five of the most reputable small multihull designers in the world who with just one exception, were not directly involved with the Small Trimaran boats—so could say what they wanted, quite independently.
So here below, also with a sample of the report, is what they wrote back to me, and I hope this will remove any doubt in your mind that the report is indeed worth reading. So now, how do you get the report?
My report is available at $7.00, complete with graphs and spreadsheets. On payment, you will receive the report by email, usually within 24 hours. It comes in PDF format, so that you can print out at home in full color. As one reviewer already remarked, this is about as close as one is likely to get to an independent consumer report on small tris!!
The 20 Small Trimarans included in this Report are the A21, Cardiff 21, Corsair Sprint, Day Tri 20, Discovery 20, Farrier F22, K24T, Hughes KH-23 & KH-24, Kolibri 23, Leneman L7, Magnum 21 & 21S, Scarab 22 & 670, Spitfire 20, Trinado, Tremolino, Warren 23 and the Ostlind Z65.
Here is what some very well known designers had to say about this report:
This is a must read for everyone interested in this topic—and there's a lot there in one location, with unbiased comment and valuable comparisons. It adds some real data to the newsy interviews in Joe's book."
—Derek Kelsall, NZ, (Note: Derek was designer/builder of the first foam-composite trimaran in 1966 and still very active in the design and building of multihulls worldwide.)
"Interesting, entertaining reading. Mike seems to know what he is talking about and in reviewing these designs, does not hide from you what he thinks makes sense or not."
—Paolo Bisol — of Paolo Bisol Yacht Design, (Designer of the prize-winning Tritium 720)
"These design reviews are very informative and will be useful to anyone interested in building or owning a small trimaran. They will help readers see beyond the information supplied by the designers themselves and enable a more informed comparison when selecting a design."
—Dudley Dix of DixDesign.com
(Dudley is one of the most prolific small boat designers ever.)
"This looks like a very interesting and helpful booklet for the enthusiast and prospective builder alike. It covers the issues well and is informative, sharing the benefit of the writers years of experience and thinking".
—John Shuttleworth, John-Shuttleworth.com
"Wow, I never knew there were so many small trimaran designs now available! Including some designs of historical, as well as build interest, this report represents a very comprehensive overview of available designs with lots of interesting photos and data. Nice job - worth reading."
—Chris White, ChrisWhiteDesigns.com
To first READ MORE about the Small Trimaran book itself, you can CLICK HERE to learn the details and also read all the great recommendations that Joe has received to date from his knowledgeable readers. Once you've read these, you'll be able to click on RETURN to Order Mike Waters' Report to get back to this page.
The report will be e-mailed to you.
So, please remember to give your e-mail address.
ENJOY !!!