Scarab 650 Building Blog in France
Writes Jerome R. from France, regarding his construction of a Scarab 650 trimaran: (more…)
Norm Cross Trimaran Designs – Building Plans
Just received an email from Bruce – a sailor who owns a Cross 46 trimaran. He said he found contact info for Jeff Turner, who is the authorized seller of the building plans for the Norm Cross Trimaran designs. (more…)
Kayak Trimaran at Sunset
We received the following a few weeks ago from one sailor who has recently discovered the joy of small tri sailing. He supplies lots of info and some good links below.
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I am an amatuer boat builder / designer, and have built a CLC Sail Rig for my home built cedar kayak. I have gotten the taste of sailing small trimarans and now I am addicted like a junkie on heroin.
So my current boat has its obvious limits since the amas only have 100 pounds of buoyancy, and the vaka was designed as a kayak to start with. The kayak ended up having a center of gravity that was way too high for a kayak, so I made a trimaran out of it. Go here if you want to read about my journey: https://forum.woodenboat.com/showthread.php?268647-Newbie-needs-help-with-small-DIY-sail-plan-trimaran-setup. (more…)
Waterlust Canoe Sailing in Norway
This post features a Waterlust canoe (designed by CLC boats), which we’ve previously seen here. The following info comes to us via email this week from British sailor Guy Hall.
The below videos are featured on his YouTube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnTpCVehNBciIFungb42USA/videos
And be sure to check out the YT channel for more vids too.
Additionally, Guy provides a blog link below that chronicles the building process. He’s got a great looking boat. Many thanks to him for reaching out and letting us see this small tri configuration under sail. (more…)
Restored Aquadyne Sailbird for Sale
At the time of this post, sailor Jack Young currently has a completely restored Aquadyne Sailbird for sale. It’s listed within the Facebook Sailbird group with pics.
He emailed me the following pics / info. Anyone interested should contact him via his email address (see below).
Jack writes:
“I originally purchased the boat with the idea to restore it and use it in some Challenge races-the NC Challenge, the Blackbeard Challenge, and the Everglades Challenge. Towards that end, I incorporated ideas that I felt would enhance its purpose in those situations-plywood trampolines to be able to rest and sleep while underway, a fiberglass rudder from a Hobie cat for the high-speed profile and kick-up ability, adjustable forestay for mast rack, & loonnng tiller extension for positioning anywhere on the boat. (more…)
Kulik Trimaran Videos (Another Look)
We previously featured the Kulik inflatable trimarans here. The following videos (shown below) are just a couple featured on the Kulik YouTube Channel.
I think the design of these boats, especially with regards to the use of modern materials, is fascinating. Check out the videos to see some rigging adjustments featuring Kulik’s sailor/designer.
Be sure to visit the main Kulik website for more information here. (more…)
Kairos4Two in the R2AK
Sailor Ian McGehee shared the following article with us. It features the background story of the trimaran named Kairos4Two, which was sailed in this year’s Race to Alaska (R2AK).
SoundingsOnline published a fun short piece here on the adventure as experienced by a couple that worked together in order to overcome the many challenges inherent in this particular race. Of particular interest were some of the mods made to the boat.
It begins…
“There’s the emotional side—moments of terror, tedium, anxiety,” says New-York based artist and casual sailor Zoë Sheehan-Saldaña, 49, about her first taste of the Race to Alaska, a 750-mile mad dash from Port Townsend, Washington, to Ketchikan, Alaska. The race is designed for boats propelled by wind and muscle power only; no outside assistance allowed. “Then there were moments that were so beautiful, you can’t believe you are in this. But being so close to the water, I felt vulnerable by the intensity. If anything happens, whether it’s a challenge or a scare, you are in it. There’s no boundary, really.” (more…)
Drifter 17 Trimaran Under Sail
We first saw the small trimaran named Gypsy Wind in this post here: http://smalltrimaran.co.uk/drifter-17-trimaran-building-plans-now-available-in-pdf/
Sailor Rusin Van Dyke now owns this boat and he created several videos of the boat and posted them on his YouTube Channel, which can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/user/RusinVanDyke/videos
Among them are the ones below. May you find their presentation of the craft interesting. (more…)
DIY ‘Bird of Prey’ Canoe Stabilizers
Below is a short video featuring DIY canoe outriggers / stabilizers.
Good info here. I saw this exact setup on a motorized canoe in my town this summer. It was awesomely set up for fishing.
Check it out: (more…)
2 Free Courses on Sailing Theory
I saw these advertised in a recent promotion. It’s not the same as getting out on the water, for sure. But perhaps a nice bit of knowledge to fill one’s soul with during winter months, while waiting for the next season out on the water. (more…)
Mix and Match Ulua (Double Outrigger)
Here is a beautiful double outrigger sailing canoe featured on Gary Dierking’s website. The boat is essentially a composite of several of his designs.
Writes Gary D. – “Gary Gunder has completed a 24′ (8.1M) stretched Ulua double outrigger matched with Va’a Motu amas and rudder, and a Wa’apa rig.” (more…)
More Info On the Pedayak
We first featured something referred to as a Pedayak on smalltrimarans in this post. The video posted there, however, has disappeared. I was recently reminded of this craft via this interesting article on the DesignBoom site.
What we currently see at the Pedayak website is a commercial craft that utilizes foot pedals, electric propulsion and even sail power. (See the YT video below). (more…)
DC-3 Trimaran KAIMANA Sailing in CA
Sailor Rob Wyman shared the following pics with me about his newly purchased DC-3 Trimaran (named KAIMANA) back in May. My apologies to him for taking so long to post.
His boat is one we got a glimpse of being built by Chuck Fenoglio and readied for sail here and here and here.
It appears the boat was beautifully built by Chuck and will no doubt be a wonderful mini-cruising trimaran for its new owner. John Marples is the designer of this craft, by the way. (more…)
Double Outrigger Canoe in Sarasota
In this post, sailor Rick Meyer shares info, pics and video of his double outrigger sailing canoe. I asked him a few questions about this boat and he kindly replied with some great details.
Great stuff here … many thanks to Rick for sharing it with us!
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Passenger-Transport Trimaran Under Development
In this post we hear from boat designer Steve Mitrovich, who is designing / building what I refer to here as a sort of passenger-transport trimaran in Port Townsend. As you can see from the image, it’s a unique-looking boat.
Fascinating design here … be sure to visit his webpage (listed below) for updates and more info. We wish him much success with this project and many thanks for sharing it with us.
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Blast from a TriFoiler Past
In this post, Manfred (one of our readers) shares an old MULTIHULL INTERNATIONAL magazine article with us – as a follow up to comments/info he shared on a smalltrimarans post here: http://smalltrimaran.co.uk/12-tanzanian-ngalawa-style-outrigger-canoe/
Manfred writes…
“Maybe you are interested in the old design of Eric J. Manners. I´ve found some stuff after a long search in my older Laps.
There was an article in MULTIHULL INTERNATIONAL with some pictures and long time ago I bought two plans of Mr. Manners. (more…)
Paraw 16 Building Plans
Following is a link to a WordPress site advertising building plans for a 16-foot Paraw. I’ve no background knowledge regarding any aspect of this project, and am simply sharing it with readers who might want to inquire more about it.
The introductory ad copy reads as follows:
“I am drawing plans for this 5 meter long Paraw with a total sail area of 8 sq. meters. Intended for intermediate level boatbuilder, the method of construction is plywood on frames. I skipped the dug-out keel and substituted a laminated keel instead, since it is the only part of the Paraw that requires intimidating carving skill and time. (more…)
KISS – An Open-Source Paddle & Sailing Canoe
Below is the link to an interesting article about a small trimaran currently under development. The idea is to create open source building plans of this boat for use by high schools (and others).
Article snip:
“After some trial and error, the Kiss project took the shape of a 6.60 meter long and 3.20 meter wide canoe. A sort of trimaran with enough volume in the hull and floats for fun under sail, and light enough to reduce drag when paddling. The target weight is less than 200 kg.
The Kiss dugout can accommodate 3 people and can be easily dismantled. The 4 arms are fixed by interlocking systems with pins and dowels.” (more…)
The Holopuni Sailing Canoe Story
Fascinating video below currently displayed at https://www.holopunicanoes.com/
The origin (story) behind these boats is discussed. The following comes from their website, and serves as a warm-up to the video.
“Holopuni- which in Hawaiian means “to sail everywhere” is the original name Nick Beck gave to the 3 man outrigger canoe in which he set out to explore the coastal areas of each of the Hawaiian Islands.” (more…)
Red Beard Sailing is a USA Rep for Astus Trimarans
Just saw the following press release about the Astus trimaran models. Went to the Red Beard website but couldn’t see a listing for the Astus Boats… and there is a contact page but didn’t see where they are physically based (just curious).
Here is the first part of the PR:
“Rosedale, July 19, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Red Beard Sailing is an independently owned, one-stop-shop for portable sailboats, inflatable kayaks, inflatable canoes, inflatable dinghies and sailing accessories. They are the premier distributor for XCAT, MiniCat, ROWonAIR, Happy Cat, Grabner, and Takacat.
The boat manufacturer Astus, who has recently partnered with renowned naval architect firm VPLP to redesign their latest line of boats, has now announced that Red Beard Sailing is the official US dealer for their brand new range of Astus Boats. (more…)
Outrigger Canoes of Bali and Madura, Indonesia (Book)
Here is the link to an informative blog post based upon a book entitled, “Outrigger Canoes of Bali and Madura, Indonesia.”
The blogger writes:
“The outriggers of Indonesian double-outrigger canoes (jukungs) are as sophisticated in their design as they are rudimentary in the technology of their construction. (more…)
Squirt Does the Texas 200 – (Pt 2)
In this post, sailor Eric Dahlkamp shares his experience of day 5 and 6 in this year’s Texas 200. These videos and write ups offer a nice summary overview of Eric’s perspectives during this event.
Thanks again to him for sharing so much info covering the entire journey!
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Squirt Trimaran, 2022 Texas 200 – Day 5 and 6
by Eric Dahlkamp
Day 5 was the most challenging and memorable day of all. I believe 87 boats registered this year. And here I am on day 5 sailing all alone sighting only one boat nearby and a few others briefly on the horizon. Interesting how that happens.
Sailed from Quarantine Shore to Hidden Pass, about 10 miles shy of Army Hole, the designated camp for the night. Every day leaves its unique imprint on the soul. (more…)
Squirt Does the Texas 200
Sailor Eric Dahlkamp shares a great write-up AND video regarding his adventure in the Texas 200 this year. And Eric says his [mostly] self-built boat – Squirt – handled this recent boating affair without a hitch.
There are lots of takeaways from the info posted here. Newer readers should also be aware he has also shared about previous Texas 200 events on this page, and this page, and this page.
Many thanks to him for yet again compiling a terrific on-the-water small trimaran chronicle.
Now, take it away Eric… (more…)
Trimaran 5m50 Sardine Run
The Sardine Run 19 and 23 models are already featured on this blog. Here is yet another model – the 5m50.
Here is a (translated from French) snip from its advertising page:
“What if we created a nice original boat and went everywhere to discover the coast? Having a minimum of comfort, having the practical sense, and not dragging too much…
It is from these few criteria that the Sardine Boats shipyard and the naval architect Éric HENSEVAL collaborated to develop this boat. (more…)
Proa with Fully Decked Main Hull
A proa here, but very interesting DIY build twist. The main hull is completely decked.
Some readers of this blog may find this vaka hull interesting. Lots of interesting things going on here. (more…)
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