| Why own a small trimaran instead of another kind of | | | | market will easily reach speeds of 10 knots, and many |
| small sailboat out there? This is an easy question to | | | | will regularly hit 13-14 knots in the right conditions. |
| answer. Small trimarans are simply more fun to sail | | | | As one small tri lover said it, "Once you sail a boat that |
| than other kinds of sailboats. | | | | regularly leaves a powerboat-looking wake behind it ... |
| Yes, I know this is a pretty bold statement. But let's | | | | you're hooked." |
| look at the main reason why most trimaran sailors | | | | While more speed doesn't always mean more fun, I'm |
| would probably agree with me and say this is true. | | | | willing to bet most sailors would rather put their sails up |
| Virtually all trimarans, including small ones, are faster | | | | and go faster more often than not. There are a bunch |
| than most monohull sailboats. This is undisputed fact. | | | | of reasons why smaller tris are among a fast growing |
| With the exception of boats such as small dinghies, | | | | segment of the sailboat community. One of them |
| monohull sailboats carry heavy ballast. The ballast is an | | | | surely has to be that they're fun to sail because they |
| essential ingredient for added weight so the boat | | | | consistently offer so much speed. |
| doesn't tip over, and is a natural part of a monohull's | | | | Sailing a boat that is fast also offers other benefits. |
| design configuration. So by default, most typical | | | | You get to sail farther, and in much shorter time, if |
| sailboats have to drag this extra weight through the | | | | you're trying to reach a certain destination. And this |
| water. | | | | means you'll get to see more coastal areas, wildlife, |
| Trimarans don't carry ballast because their stability is | | | | and waves along the way. So not only is your sailing |
| derived from the outriggers on both sides of the main | | | | more exhilarating, you cover more ground, and enjoy |
| hull. This means trimaran designs permit lightweight, fast | | | | more scenic natural wonders every time you're on the |
| and highly responsive boats to be constructed. | | | | water outdoors. |
| Monohulls just don't compare to multihulls in this regard, | | | | While you may recognize the proverbial truth that |
| especially trimarans. | | | | "pride goes before a fall," it's still going to be hard |
| Small trimarans offer a sailing experience that is much | | | | restraining your lips from bearing a huge smile |
| speedier than other types of boats can offer. And | | | | whenever you blow past virtually every other sailboat |
| depending upon the particular trimaran model, you may | | | | on the water during your day sail. |
| even be able to get one that is faster than some of | | | | There is something wonderfully satisfying about flying |
| those high-performance beach catamarans out there. | | | | by other sailing craft when all parties are going for the |
| A monohull hitting 10 knots (especially a small monohull | | | | gusto ... especially boats that are much larger than |
| sailboat) is considered exceptional performance. In a | | | | yours. Be prepared to battle the pride in your human |
| typical trimaran, shredding along at 10 knots is more or | | | | nature on a regular basis when you own a small |
| less taken for granted. Most small trimarans on the | | | | trimaran. |