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