16 to 26 footers - Trailable multihulls: we’re off camping on the water!
Here, we’ve selected here a few models that are easy to transport by road and/or foldable, even dismantlable, but that are still livable. Admittedly, the double berths are sometimes (very) narrow, the galley might be limited to a bucket and the head to a chemical toilet... In this category, the majority are trimarans, even though there are some small catamarans for selfbuild on offer from Australia, that are quite attractive...
DOUBLE SHUFFLE 5,6 - A good deal, on sale!
Team Scarab Multihulls, led by Australians Ray Kendrick and Fran Sneesby, are offering no less than 15 plans of small transportable multihulls for amateur construction. Among them, the complete plan file for the Double Shuffle 5.6 catamaran is offered for only AUS$ 100! The construction in epoxy plywood is accessible to amateur woodworkers. Light and limited in beam to 2.48 m (8’2”), the Double Shuffle is easily transportable on the road and easy to step the mast - air draft is limited to 5.7 m (18’8”). Inside, the architects have managed to accommodate a saloon convertible into a double berth.
Architects: Team Scarab Multihulls
Construction: Epoxy plywood
Length: 5.6 m (18’5”)
Beam: 2.48 m (8’2”)
Draft: 0.25/0.90 m (10”/35”)
Displacement: 570 kg (1,260 lbs)
Mainsail: 9 m² (97 sq ft) Jib: 5 m² (54 sq ft)
Air draft: 5.7 m (18’8”)
www.teamscarab.com.au
ASTUS 20.5 - Signed by VPLP!
This mini-racer is as fun to helm as it is practical and easy to set up. These qualities have already earned it a good reputation - 28 units built. Designed by VPLP (like the 16.5), the Astus 20.5 is particularly exciting in the Sport version, since it offers 24 m² (260 sq ft) of sail area upwind with a weight of only 400 kg (880 lbs). Something to have fun with, especially when you’ve got the gennaker out! Like the other models in the range, it adopts a system of telescopic link arms. The interior is compact, but still offers a mini saloon and a double berth. The highlights of the 20.5 for limited cruising: pivoting appendages and a large 16 m² (172 sq ft) sailing platform.
 |
 |
Test in MW171
Builder: Astus Boats
Length: 5.95 m (19’6”)
Beam: 2.48 / 4.50 m (8’2” / 14’9”)
Light weight: 390 kg (860 lbs)
Draft: 0.25 m / 1.25 m (10” / 4’1”)
Upwind sail area: 21 m² / 24 m² (226 / 258 sq ft)
Total sail area downwind: 34 m² / 42 m² (365 / 452 sq ft)
Gennaker: 20 m² / 26 m² (215 / 280 sq ft)
E category: C5/D7
Motor: 2 to 6 HP
Price: € 22,417 ex-tax (Leisure version) and € 25,642 ex-tax (Sport version)
www.astusboats.com
CORSAIR PULSE 600 - Radical and efficient
The Pulse 600 is the smallest of the Corsair trimarans, but is no less attractive! As the name suggests, this little rocket weighing less than 500 kilos (1,000 lbs) is above all, made for racing - a One Design class is being considered. 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. If you want to sleep aboard? Foam cushions or a tent.. The Pulse 600 is of course transportable and foldable.
Test in MW148
Builder: Corsair Marine International
Length: 6 m (19’9”)
Beam: 2.45/4.50 m (8’/14’9”)
Weight: 450 kg (992 lbs)
Draft: 0.22/1.20 m (9”/48”)
Mainsail: 19.1 m² (205 sq ft)
Jib: 7.1 m² (76 sq ft)
Spinnaker: 32 m² (345 sq ft)
Price: US$ 35,900 ex-tax
www.corsairmarine.com
TRICAT 20 - Easy, with good performance
Introduced in 2018, the Tricat 20 is the smallest model in the range. Though designed primarily for day-sailing, it also excels on coastal trips, where its compact size, maneuverability and performance are outstanding. The Tricat 20, with over 30 examples already built, naturally reflects the success of its predecessors, including the 25 Evolution’s intelligent folding system, with the advantage of offering a nice living space and irreproachable seaworthiness for its size. Inside, there is a double berth for the parents and two bunks for the kids. Enough to get out with the whole family and enjoy some cruising while having fun at the helm!
Test in MW163
Manufacturer: Tricat
Length: 5.99 m (19’8”)
Beam: 4.50 m (14’9”)
Displacement: 580 kg (1275 lbs)
Draft: 0.3/1.20 m (12”/47”)
Mainsail area: 16.5 m² / 18.7 m² (178 / 201 sq ft)
Jib: 9 m² / 10.2 m² (97 / 110 sq ft)
Gennaker: 23 m² (247 sq ft)
Spinnaker: 28 m² (301 sq ft)
Motor: 3.5 HP
Price: € 31,667 ex-tax
www.trimaran-tricat.com
ECO 6 - A catamaran for a self-builder
The ECO 6 fits into the ECOnomy range of catamarans offered by K-designs. These models are proposed in the form of plans, to be self-built in plywood/glass/ epoxy. The stated objective is to have a proper cruising boat at a low price - the cost of materials for the hull shouldn’t exceed €4,000, then count on another 3,500 for deck fittings, interior and installing a full rig, and buying yourself a small outboard. The extra 50 cm (18”) compared to the ECO 5.5 provides more living space - thanks to the raised deck, something surprising for a catamaran only 2.84 m (9’4”) in beam. There is a saloon that can be converted into a double berth – positioned athwartships -, a galley in the starboard hull and a single berth - accompanied by a heads compartment (with a door!). The maximum headroom is 1.64 m (5’5”) at the entrance into the nacelle. The architect is proposing two different sail plans: traditional sloop or gunter-rigged.
 |
 |
Architects: K-designs
Length: 6 m (19’8”)
Beam: 2.84 m (9’4”)
Displacement: 360 kg
Mainsail: 15 m² (161 sq ft)
Genoa: 5.8 m² (62 sq ft)
Code 0: 18 m² (194 sq ft)
Engine: 6 HP outboard
Cost of the plans: € 180
www.ikarus342000.com
F22 - A very successful touring boat
Ian Farrier was the inventor of the folding arm system - he is responsible for more than 3,000 trimarans equipped with it worldwide. The naval architect / boatbuilder passed away in 2017 but his favorite trimaran, the F22, is now offered by Daedalus Yachts. This model is undoubtedly one of the most successful multihulls of this size. The interior is basic, but it’s sufficient for spending a few nights on board. The F22, which has seen nearly 250 units built since 2013, is available in standard version, R version (more canvas) and even a foiling F version for thrill-seekers…
 |
 |
Builder: Farrier Marine/Daedalus Yachts
Length: 7 m (23’)
Beam: 5.52 m (18’1”)
Light displacement: 680 kg (1,500 lbs)
Draft: 0.31 / 1.50 m (12”/4’11”)
Mainsail: 23.14 m² (250 sq ft)
Jib 13.40 m² (144 sq ft)
Motor: 4-8 HP outboard
Price: US$ 80,000 ex-tax, with mainsail, jib and gennaker
www.f-boat.com
DRAGONFLY 25 - Coastal wandering and more besides
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 not cheap, but it is probably the best one in this format of under 8 meters (26 feet). Inside, despite the marked chines, the volume remains a bit on the small side. But you’ve got the option to order various comfort elements such as toilets, additional hatches, etc. There’s an ambiance of camping about it too, with two bench seats which double-up as bunks, but the finish is particularly good.
 |
 |
Test in MW142
Builder: Quorning Boats
Length: 7.65 m (25’1”)
Beam: 2.30/5.80 m (7’7”/19’)
Light displacement: 1.05 t (2315 lbs)
Draft: 0.35/1.50 m (14”/4’11”)
Mainsail: 24/29 m² (258/312 sq ft)
Genoa: 10/12 m² (108/130 sq ft)
Motor: 6 HP outboard
Price: € 75,00v0 ex-tax
www.dragonfly.dk
