Trimaran Sailing Tips

A trimaran sailboat is type of multihaul sailboat that is designed with three (tri) hauls: an inhabitable center haul stabilized by two outrigger hauls. Trimaran sailboats may have a comparable amount of living and stowing space as their monohaul and catamaran counterparts. Plus, because of their two outriggers, they may have more outdoor relaxation space, faster speeds, and more stability.

  1. Prepare for faster speeds

    • Trimaran sailboats are likely to be fast boats. Their three-haul design not only provides increased stability and maneuverability, but it also increases the boat's speed. Trimaran boats do not have to have the same depth as monohaul boats in order to be stable. The shallower haul reduces the weight of the boat, enabling the trimaran to move faster across the water, with less resistance and drag.

      Because of the dual outriggers, the trimaran boat can also track and maneuver with more agility than a monohaul or catamaran. Trimaran boats, have a smaller width-to-length ratio than monohaul and catamaran boats, which results in a smaller turning ratio and greater response.

      Plus, because of the stability provided by the outrigger hauls, sailors in a trimaran can let out their sails (or even use their spinnakers) with greater confidence, knowing the outriggers will help to keep the boat floating upright, even at high speeds and against high winds.

    Determine your living space requirements

    • When choosing a trimaran sailboat over a monohaul or catamaran boat, many people sacrifice living space for faster speeds and better maneuverability. While many trimaran boats do, indeed, have smaller center hauls and less living space than their monohaul and catamaran counterparts, there is a wide variety of options when it comes to trimaran designs. Therefore, sailors should weigh their living space needs against their desire for speed when determining which trimaran to buy or rent.

      In addition to living space size, the amenities within the living space may also impact the potential speed of the boat. Sailors looking to increase their speed may wish to sacrifice some living amenities to reduce the weight of the boat, such as mattresses, chairs or sofas, kitchen cabinets, and other heavier living space comfort features.

    Prepare for more time outside

    • While the indoor living space in a trimaran boat may be relatively limited, trimaran sailboats do have ample outdoor living space. The main center haul of a trimaran boat is generally connected to the outriggers on either side of the center haul by trampolines. Sailboat trampolines are not bouncy and difficult to walk on, like gymnastic trampolines. Instead, sailboat trampolines are sturdy nylon tarps on which you sit, relax, or step on when moving about the boat.

      Because of the increased outdoor living space and reduced indoor living space on a trimaran, it is important for sailors and their guests to prepare for being outdoor--especially on long cruises. When relaxing on a trampoline, it is highly likely that people and their accessories will get we--either from unexpected rain storms, splashes from waves, or as people jump in and out of the water.

      Therefore, trimaran sailors and their guests may wish to invest in waterproof cell phones and electronics and pack extra sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats. Also, warn guests that they may not be able to stay indoors and out-of-the sun as much as they might on a monohaul or catamaran.