2025 Sail Buyer's Guide

20 to 30 Feet

The long-dormant, under-30-foot multihull category seems to be stirring, with the arrival of two new models this year - the Astus 26.5 and the Tricat 8.50. On the other hand, there has been no involvement from the major manufacturers - much to our regret. And yet, the sharp rise in prices observed after the Covid crisis and persistently high interest rates are motivating many buyers to think smaller. Here, in the 20- to 30-foot sector, it’s the trimarans that are in charge. Most of the models on offer feature a folding or telescopic float system. These units can fit into a standard marina slip and can even be transported by road. And this is what makes them ideal for coastal sailing and for discovering waters far from your home port. Or why not a bit of racing?

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Publié le 28/11/2024

Par Mark Bernie, Julie Echelle, Dick Sawyer, Emmanuel van Deth and Kim Wellington

Numéro : 199

Parution : Jan. / Mar. 2025

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Astus 20.5

Designed for Cruising, it Makes a Great Racer!

This trimaran has seen remarkable success, with more than 80 units built since its launch in 2018. Our test revealed that this VPLP designed multihull is as fun to sail as it is practical and easy to operate. The most active owners have been working together with Astus Boats to establish a one-design class. The 20.5 is particularly exciting in the Sport version, as it offers 260 sq ft (24 m²) upwind for a weight of under 500 kg (1,100 lbs). Like the other models in the range, it adopts a telescopic link system for the arms. The interior layout is compact, but still offers a mini saloon and a double berth.

Builder: Astus Boats
Architect: VPLP
Length: 19’6” (5.95 m)
Beam: 8’2”/14’9” (2.48/4.5 m)
Light displacement: 1,036/1,080 lbs (470/490 kg)
Draft: 10”/4’1” (0.25/1.25 m)
Upwind sail area: 226/260 sq ft (21/24 m²)
Downwind sail area: 366/452 sq ft (34/42 m²)
Gennaker: 215/280 sq ft (20/26 m²)
CE category: C5/D7
Drivetrain: 2 to 6 HP outboard
Price: € 29,833 ex-tax
www.astusboats.com

Corsair Pulse 600

Radical and Incredibly Efficient…

As its name suggests, this sub-500-kilogram (1,000 lb) machine is designed for racing, and small fleets have appeared - notably in Australia. Though the Pulse 600 is the smallest of Corsair’s trimarans, it is still very attractive! Its three sharp and inverted bows give it a great look... a design as radical as it is efficient because on the water, you’re immediately won over by the potential of this machine. The cockpit is large enough to accommodate three people – and you can quickly hike out onto the floats to give the Pulse even more power. The removable coachroof houses a large watertight locker. No fitting-out or berths: it’s simply a shelter that can be used at anchor. The Pulse 600 is of course transportable and foldable.

Builder: Corsair Marine International
Architect: Yacht Design Collective
Length: 19’8” (6 m)
Beam: 8’/14’9” (2.45/4.5 m)
Displacement: 992 lbs (450 kg)
Draft: 9”/4’ (0.22/1.20 m)
Mainsail: 205 sq ft (19.1 m²)
Jib: 76 sq ft (7.1 m²)
Spinnaker: 345 sq ft (32 m²)
corsairmarine.com

Astus 22.5

Three Hulls for Skimming Across the Water

Astusboat has focused on this rigid, high-off-the-water trimaran to establish itself in the United States. The Astus 22.5, with 20 or so examples built, will continue to be the flagship of the range until the 26.5 is launched. This particularly lively multihull is simply waiting to make long runs, propelled by its gennaker. With less than 23 feet (7 meters) of central hull, this small trimaran built in infusion is of course foldable - and easily transportable. The interior volume is sufficient to accommodate four proper berths.

Builder: Astus Boats
Architects: VPLP
Length: 22’8” (6.9 m)
Beam: 8’2”/9’10”/15’5” (2.5/3/4.7 m)
Mast height: 29’6” (9 m)
Draft: 13”/4’7” (0.34/1.4 m)
Displacement: 1,590 lbs (720 kg)
Headroom: 5’3” (1.6 m)
Mainsail: 226sq ft (21 m²)
Jib: 97 sq ft (9 m²)
Gennaker: 345 sq ft (32 m²)
Price: € 49,083 ex-tax
www.astusboats.com

Tricat 6.90

Small but Strong!

Specialists in folding trimarans since 2003, and with more than 200 examples built, Tricat launched a new model at the end of 2020 that sat between the Tricat 20 and the 25, both of which have recently retired from the catalog. We got to test this 6.90 - now known by a metric name - in particularly heavy conditions: at just 7 meters (22’8”) long, it showed itself to be as safe as it is fast. The main innovation of this new model is the removal of the traditional aft beam, freeing up circulation around the cockpit, especially for the helmsman. For the interior, some well thought-out packages and options allow you to increase the level of comfort.

Builder: Tricat
Architects: BE Tricat / Jack Michal
Material: polyester-infused GRP
Length: 22’8”/24’11” (6.9/7.6 m)
Beam: 15’1”/8’1“ (4.6/2.45 m)
Draft: 11”/3’11” (0.28/1.2 m)
Light displacement: 1,590 lbs (720 kg)
Mainsail: 205/237 sq ft (19/22 m²)
Jib: 104/117 sq ft (9.7/10.9 m²)
Gennaker: 258 sq ft (24 m²)
Spinnaker: 366 sq ft (34 m²)
Drivetrain: 3.5 to 6 HP outboard
Price: from € 53,153 ex-tax
.www.trimaran-tricat.com

Libertist 703

Mini-foils and Folding Floats

Forever Green

This little sistership to the 853 was splashed for the first time at the 2021 La Rochelle boat show. The small size of this trimaran prompted the yard to develop a quick-folding system to facilitate road transport. In addition to the centerboard and the two rudders, each float is equipped with a semi-foiling system. The aim is therefore not to fly, but to provide lift. The marked chine of the central hull reconciles the finesse of the underwater hull and habitable volume – 5’ (1.5 m) headroom. The builder also proposes an electric motor rather than a combustion one. The (for now) limited range under electric power is more than compensated for by the boat’s speed under sail.

Builder: Libertist
Length: 22’11” (6.99 m)
Beam: 8’/19’6” (2.44/5.95 m)
Light displacement: 1,875 lbs (850 kg)
Draft: 15”/3’10” (0.38/1.16 m)
Mainsail: 290 sq ft (27 m²)
Jib: 130 sq ft (12 m²)
Asymmetric Spi: 270 sq ft (25 m²)
Drivetrain: 4 kW outboard
www.libertist.eu

Corsair 760

For Cruising and/or Racing

Like all Corsairs, the 760 is a folding trimaran, yet it remains easily transportable given that its displacement is just under a ton. The hull offers significantly more comfort than its predecessors in the range; the 760’s cabin makes a great shelter if you go rallying or on a coastal camping trip thanks to its marked steps above the waterline. We also love the hinged roof: in fine weather, it offers good headroom. When under way, the Corsair 760 shows great potential, especially in the Sport version (carbon mast and specific deck hardware). Its performance earned this trimaran the title of Multihull of the Year 2018 in its category and great commercial success.

Builder: Corsair Marine
Architect: Yacht Design Collective
Length: 24’3” (7.39 m)
Beam: 8’2”/17’11” (2.5/5.46 m)
Draft: 12”/5’3” (0.3/1.6 m)
Light displacement: 2,095 lbs (950 kg)
Mainsail: 268 sq ft (24.87 m²)
Jib: 143 sq ft (13.30 m²)
Asymmetric Spi: 540 sq ft (50 m2)
Drivetrain: 8 HP outboard
corsairmarine.com

Dragonfly 25

100 Miles a Day is Perfectly Achievable

The smallest of the Dragonflys has seen great commercial success, with over 100 examples built. Thanks to its excellent performance, this is a boat easily capable of 100-mile days. Reliable and pleasant to helm, the 25 is positioned as a very high-end unit compared to its direct competitors. This folding trimaran - the arms swivel backwards – is available in Touring or Sport versions. Inside, despite the marked chines, the volume remains a bit on the small side, with headroom limited to 4’10” (1.47 m) and narrow bunks. But you’ve got the option to order various comfort elements such as toilets or additional hatches.

Builder: Quorning Boats
Length: 25’1” (7.65 m)
Beam: 7’7”/19’ (2.3/5.8 m)
Light displacement: 2,535 lbs (1.15 t)
Draft: 14”/4’11” (0.35/1.5 m)
Mainsail: 258/312 sq ft (24/29 m²)
Genoa: 108/130 sq ft (10/12 m²)
Asymmetric spi: 495/645 sq ft (46/60 m²)
Drivetrain: 6 HP outboard
Price (Touring version): € 105,900 ex-tax
www.dragonfly.dk

Astus 26.5

A New Flagship to Discover in 2025!

NEW

Interest in small liveaboard multihulls is growing, and yards capable of positioning themselves well in terms of price clearly have a card to play. Astus Boats specialize in liveaboard trimarans and have made no mistake with their forthcoming 26.5. For the Breton boatbuilder, this is the largest model they’ve ever offered... but this trimaran clearly remains accessible, both in terms of handling and budget. This, their fifth collaboration with renowned naval architects VPLP, results in a rather sober design, but a taller rig and longer appendages augur well for excellent performance. The Astus 26.5 will be available in three versions: Leisure, Cruising and Sport.

Builder: Astus Boats
Naval Architects: VPLP
Hull length: 26’ (7.9 m)
Beam: 19’/9’10” folded when afloat (5.8/2.99 m)
Width folded on trailer: 8’3” (2.52 m)
Light displacement: 2,425 lbs (1,100 kg)
Mainsail: 269/301 sq ft (25/28 m²)
Solent: 118/140 sq ft (11/13 m²)
Gennaker: 323/366 sq ft (30/34 m²)
Max power: 10 HP outboard
CE Category: D7/C5
Price: from € 82,417 ex-tax
www.astusboats.com

Smart Cat S280

A Livable Platform Transportable by Shipping Container

NEW

This compact unit, presented at the last Miami Internation Boat Show, uses (in its basic version) the open cockpit/nacelle principle popularized on Edel Cat, Corneel 26 and Kat 28 of the 1980s - but also on the small Aventura from the 2000s. The galley is located in the starboard passageway. There are 3 berths and one bathroom, or 2 berths and 2 bathrooms. As the disclaimer preceding this presentation suggests, the S280 has no pretensions to performance under sail: it is relatively heavy, moderately canvassed and its hulls are reasonably beamy at the waterline. But this little catamaran has the advantage of being dismountable to fit into two 40-foot shipping containers. The S280 can be fitted with a variety of engines (inboard, outboard or electric), and can even do without a rig.

Builder: S Com Tech
Length: 28’ (8.50 m)
Beam: 17’5” (5.29 m)
Draft: 2’10” (0.89 m)
Displacement: 10,000 lbs (4.5 t)
Mainsail: 417 sq ft (38.8 m²)
Genoa: 344 sq ft (32.2 m²)
Drivetrain: 2 x 10 or 2 x 25 HP outboards or 2 x 21 HP inboards
Fuel: 27 US gal (102 l)
Water: 36 US gal (135 l)
www.smartcatamarans.com

Tricat 8.50

The Multihull for Everyone (or almost)

NEW

Founded in 2002, the Brittany-based shipyard Tricat is committed to the democratization of boating, having never offered craft over 30 feet. That’s not going to change any time soon, as the builder has just announced the Tricat 8.50. Still folding, of course, this new trimaran is logically much more modern than the Tricat 25 it will replace, with an added touch of comfort and agility. The lifting daggerboards are found on the floats, freeing up the central hull. As for the companionway hatch, this has 3 positions and can be fitted with a sprayhood and sun awning.
Inside, thanks to double chines, the 8.50 manages to offer rather decent headroom of 6 feet (1.82 m). There are proper berths, a fixed galley, heads and plenty of clever storage space.

Builder: Tricat
Architect: BE Tricat/Jack Michal
Length: 27’11”/32’8” (8.5/9.95 m)
Beam: 21’4”/9’8” (6.5/2.95 m)
Light displacement: 4,300 lbs (1.95 t)
Draft: 18”/4’11” (0.45/1.5 m)
Mainsail: 365 sq ft (34 m²)
Genoa: 194 sq ft (18 m²)
Code 0: 388 sq ft (36 m²)
Asymmetric spinnaker: 721 sq ft (67 m²)
Drivetrain: 6 to 15 HP outboard
CE Category: B4/C6
Price: from € 124,083 ex-tax
www.tricat.com

Libertist 853

With Fixed or Folding Arms

Forever Green

On the trimaran market, fixed arm models are generally to be found only aboard offshore racing boats and NEELs, but these boats aren’t in the sub-thirty-foot sector… From the outset, the Libertist’s ambition is to establish a fixed structure in the 23-40’ (7-12 m) category. Bearing the signature of Erik Lerouge, the Polish shipyard - Boat Project - does however offer its 853 in a folding version (8’4”/2.55m width dismantled). A formula that allows them to join a small but active market, mainly occupied by Dragonfly, Corsair, Astus and Tricat. The 853 is elegant, extremely fast and manages to offer an amazing volume in a central hull of only 28’ (8.5 m). Note that the brand also offers a bigger model, the Libertist 1103.

Builder: Libertist
Architect: Erik Lerouge
Construction: Glass/epoxy foam sandwich (infusion), carbon arms
Length: 28’ (8.53 m)
Beam: 23’4” (7.1 m) or 22’9”/13’7” (6.94/4.15 m)
Draft: 18”/6’5” (0.45 m/1.95 m)
Light displacement: 3,085 lbs (1,400 kg)
Height and surface area of the rotating mast: 44’8”/43 sq ft (13.6 m/4 m²)
Mainsail: 430 sq ft (40 m²)
Self-tacking jib: 194 sq ft (18 m²) Asymmetric spinnaker: 840 sq ft (78 m²)
Drivetrain: 6kW v
www.libertist.eu

Corsair 880

Worthy Successor to the F-27

An easy-to-transport trimaran that’s comfortable for both cruising and racing. This is how the 880 comes across, a worthy heir to the famous F-27, an iconic model launched back in 1986. This time, the yard started from a blank canvas and integrated elements of comfort previously unknown on board a trimaran of less than 30’ (9 m): complete lighting system, refrigerator, manual or electric toilets, and even reversible air conditioning are available! Performance enthusiasts can rest assured: the air conditioning and generator are removable... And the Sport version with its carbon mast promises great things in view of the flattering performances already offered by the standard version. A top-of-the-range and very complete trimaran that will satisfy the most demanding of sailors.

Builder: Corsair Marine
Length: 28’11” (8.8 m)
Beam: 22’4”/8’3” (6.8 / 2.5 m)
Mast height: 39’4” (12 m)
Draft: 18”/5’3” (0.45 / 1.60 m)
Light displacement: 3,660 lbs (1,660 kg)
Sail area: 554 sq ft (51.5 m²)
Max power: 15 HP outboard
www.corsairmarine.com

Dragonfly 28

The Undisputed Best-seller under 30 Feet

With close to 300 units now delivered, this is a model that’s delighted cruisers and racers alike since 2008. Foldable, it can be slipped into any harbor and can be easily transported on the road. The 28 offers great accommodation thanks to its large central hull - at deck-level because the hull remains narrow at the waterline, the 28 offers surprising comfort for its size. Two versions are available: Touring and Performance. The floats of this latter version have inverted bows (20” / 50 cm longer and 20% more volume, i.e. 18 cu ft / 500 L, giving more lift) and an extended and reinforced rudder.

Builder: Quorning Boats
Length: 29’6” (9 m)
Beam: 8’4”/21’4” (2.54/6.5 m)
Light displacement: 4,630 lbs (2,100 kg)
Draft: 16”/5’7” (0.4/1.7 m)
Mainsail: 398/463 sq ft (37/43 m²)
Genoa: 199/231 sq ft (19/21.5 m²)
Asymmetric spi: 645/895 sq ft (60/83 m²)
Drivetrain: 6 HP outboard
CE category: B5/C7
Price (Touring version): from € 183,500 ex-tax
www.dragonfly.dk

Tags : 2025 sail buyer guide , Sail

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Astus 20.5

Designed for Cruising, it Makes a Great Racer!