tri hull sailboat

Folding System

Legendary ability, unbeatable reliability.

Folding and unfolding a Corsair trimaran takes only a minute. With just 4 bolts to remove, it is easily managed by one person, and is normally done while afloat. Simply raise (to fold) or press down (to unfold) the inboard end of one cross beam. It can be done from the safety of the cockpit and only a little force is needed due to the folding system’s carefully balanced geometry, and the movement of the floats being mostly horizontal.

The solid aluminium folding struts have absolute control over the folding motion and prevent flexing or racking. A stainless steel bolt on the inboard end of each beam secures the floats for sailing. Crucially, wingnets remain attached during the folding process – their frictionless fixing allows them to tension themselves appropriately through the folding process. The system is so simple and balanced that Corsair trimarans can even be folded while motoring.

TRAILERING ACROSS CONTINENTS

Corsair Marine trimarans are especially weight-conscious, and sit low on their trailers meaning they have excellent trailering characteristics. They are equally easy to launch, giving you more time on the water, and the ability to expore many more remote cruising grounds or participate in regattas far from home. Some Corsair trimaran models go from trailer to water in 25 minutes, and with practice even the largest boat models can be done in 40 minutes.

Corsair 880 Trimaran | 2022 Boat Review by Multihulls World

Corsair 880 – Drive Out, Fold Out, Thrill Out, Chill Out

Australian Debut of the Corsair 880 at the Sydney International Boat Show

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The complete list of trimarans.

There is no single trimaran that is best for everyone. Where some prefer luxury cruisers for long trips with family and friends, others might opt for a high performance racing tri for thrilling rides at breakneck speeds. With the recent spike in trimaran popularity, these days there is a perfect tri for every sailor. So to help prospective trimaran owners decide which boat is just right for them, we here at WindRider have put together a comprehensive list of the best trimarans on the market today! Read through for simple at-a-glance trimaran comparisons of boats both big and small, exhilarating and relaxing, and for all price points.

Jump to a specific sailing trimaran: Neel Weta Corsair WindRider Dragonfly Catri Astus Hobie Sea Pearl Farrier Sea Cart Multi 23 Triak SeaRail Warren Lightcraft Diam Radikal Challenger

Known for their award-winning luxury trimarans,   NEEL   is based in La Rochelle, the capital city of sailing in France. NEEL trimarans are built for fast cruising with an average cruising speed of about 10 knots, and are even configured to facilitate that sustained speed under motor propulsion. The NEEL 45 was notably named Cruising World’s Most Innovative Vessel in 2013, and by all accounts is an easy-to-sail, high performance boat that is just plain fun.

At a glance:

Models: NEEL 45, 65

Length: 45’ – 65’

Cost:   $$$$$

Use: Luxury cruiser

A fan favorite,   Weta trimarans   are fast, stable, and remarkably easy to rig. This single-sailor tri has a capacity of up to three, and the ease with which it can be transported and stored makes this a great, versatile boat for beginners. The Weta was named Sailing World’s 2010 Boat of the Year, and one ride is enough to know why: simply put, the Weta is an absolute ton of fun to sail regardless of skill level.

Models: Weta

Length: 14’5”

Cost:   $$ $$$

The high-end   Corsair trimaran   definitely holds its own in the categories of versatility, performance, and convenience. Boasting a rigging time of 30 minutes from trailer to sailor ,   the Corsair 42 – whose convenient folding amas makes trailering possible – is a simple option even for single sailors, though cabin space is suitable for two adults. These boats are wicked fast, capable of reaching speeds of 20+ knots, and were made for skilled sailors seeking solid construction and high performance vessels, not for beginners.

Models: Pulse 600, Sprint 750 MKII, Dash 750 MKII, Corsair 28, Cruze 970, Corsair 37, Corsair 42

Length: 19’8” – 37’

Cost:   $$$$ $

Use: Sports cruisers

Built for the sailor who wants to maximize the joys of sailing while minimizing any hassle, WindRider trimarans are notoriously fast, very safe, and a blast to sail from start to finish. With several models that can hold between 1 and 6 riders, including adaptive designs to allow participation from sailors of all levels of mobility, there’s something to suit every sailor’s needs. The WindRider 17, an exhilarating ride perfect for families or camper sailors, has been known to reach speeds of up to 20mph. This easy day sailor goes from trailer to sailing in under 30 minutes and is sure to fit in perfectly with whatever adventures you have planned.

Models: WR 16, 17, Tango, Rave V

Length: 10’11” – 18’3”

Cost:   $ $$$$

Use: Day sailor

The Danish-built   Dragonfly   trimarans come in a variety of models ranging from 25’ – 35’, all known for their spry performance, comfortable ride, and ease of use. Every model comes equipped with the unique “SwingWing” feature, a motorized system that can unfold the amas even while the boat is already underway – making it accessible to marinas and slips, and even makes trailering possible. Perfect for those who don’t want to sacrifice their comfort for high performance, the Dragonfly can breeze along at 13 knots while remaining one of the quietest compact cruisers out there.

Models: Dragonfly 25, 28, 32, 35, 1200

Length: 25’ – 39’

Designed for both safe cruising as well as for high speed racing,   Catri trimarans   will make your day. Especially noteworthy is the Catri 25, a stable yet wildly fast foiling trimaran with accommodations for up to 6 people. With profiles optimized for speeds of 25+ knots when foiling, this is no beginner’s sailboat. The special attention paid to stability in the foil design allows the Catri to be a single sailor vessel, even at foiling speed, with no special physical abilities. Whether you’re taking a small crew for longer rides at shuddering speeds or bringing the whole family along for a shorter, but still thrilling sail, the Catri is truly one of a kind.

Models: Catri 25

Length: 25’

Use: Cruiser/racer

A popular brand of trimaran in Europe,   Astus   has recently made its way to the US market to the delight of sailors on this side of the pond. Designed to offer maximum pleasure with minimum hassle, all models of Astus trimarans are fast to set up, quick on the water, inherently stable, and always a joy to sail. Their outriggers are mounted on telescopic tubes for easy stowage and towing, and can even be extended and retracted on the water for access to narrow passageways and monohull slips in marinas. With models in all sizes and price points, Astus trimarans are a great option for any sailor.

Models: Astus 16.5, 18.2, 20.2, 22, 24

Cabin: Some models

Length: 16’ – 24’

Use: Sport cruisers

HOBIE ADVENTURE ISLAND

Great for beginners and adventurers alike, the   Hobie Mirage Adventure Island   series is nothing if not just plain fun. With the option to use as a kayak or as a very basic trimaran, the Hobie is transportable, versatile, unintimidating, lightweight, and wonderfully affordable. The pedal system known as “Mirage Drive” allows a person to pedal the kayak using their legs for an extra kick of movement in slow winds. Amas tuck close to the main hull for docking or car-topping, adding serious ease and convenience to the exhilarating experience of the Hobie.

Models: Hobie Mirage Adventure Island, Mirage Tandem Island

Length: 16’7” – 18’6”

Use: Convertible kayak/trimarans

Best known for its use in camp cruising excursions, the   Sea Pearl   offers a roomy main hull and particular ability to sail in very shallow waters, making beaching and launching a breeze. The lightweight Sea Pearl trimaran is easy to tow, and the larger-than-expected cabin opens this vessel up for overnight adventures with plenty of storage space. The simple design makes the Sea Pearl notoriously low maintenance, and the ease it takes to rig and sail it add to the overall delight of owning this boat.

Models: Sea Pearl

Length: 21’

Use: Camper cruiser

Quick, lightweight, roomy, and trailerable,   Farrier trimarans   are made for versatility to fit every sailor’s needs. Different Farrier models are available in plan or kit boat form for those who appreciate building their boat themselves, but of course, also as the full production sail-away boat for the rest of us. Single-handed rigging and launching takes under 10 minutes from start to finish, minimizing hassle and getting you on the water fast. All non-racing Farrier designs use a minimum wind capsize speed of 30 knots or more to ensure safety for all those aboard. Add the roomy cabin and high speed capabilities to the equation and you’ve got a boat that is great fun for everyone.

Models:   F-22, 24, 25, 82, 27, 28, 31, 9A, 9AX, 9R, 32, 33, 33R, 33ST, 36, 39, 41, 44R

Length: 23’ – 39’4”

Cost:   $$$ $$

Use: Sport cruisers/racers

One of the biggest names in the game,   SeaCart   is internationally noted for its high performance trimarans that far exceed expectations for a production boat of its size. The SeaCart trimaran performs as brilliantly off the water as it does on with its super-light and efficient harbor folding system, making light work of trailering. Notoriously easy to manage and maintain, the SeaCart 26 One Design is the ultimate day racing trimaran, designed for both course and inshore/coastal distance racing. Absolutely worth the international buzz it has garnered, the SeaCart is a thrill from beginning to end.

Models:   SeaCart 26

Length: 26’

A high performance racer class, the   Multi 23   is a lightweight, powerful trimaran known for its wicked speed of up to 25 knots. Multi trimarans of both available configurations were designed to give beach cat thrills and speed without any of the stability or seaworthy concerns. Open ocean sailing is no issue for the Multi’s big bows, which do their job to keep her stable. Built for sailors with a need for speed, the Multi makes a perfect weekend boat for racers, especially those with a taste for boat camping.

Models:   Multi 23

Length: 23’

Another dual outrigger sailing kayak/canoe design,   the Triak trimaran   was designed to be effortless and fun, especially for beginners. Paddle the kayak with sails furled, use the foot pedals for an extra kick of momentum, or sail with just the mainsail – the only boat in its class to feature an asymmetrical spinnaker – for exhilarating speeds and a blast on the water. Car-top the Triak anywhere for a quick sail or plan for a week long expedition, but always count on having a great time on this easy little boat.

Models:   Triak

Length: 18’

Use: Convertible kayak/trimaran

SeaRail trimarans   are known for being affordable, light weight, trailerable trimarans that offer the perfect combination of exciting and relaxing experiences to a wide range of sailors. Whether it’s day sailing with your family, resort or camper sailing, SeaRail trimarans are ideal leisure vessels. Leave the hassle to the other boats – the SeaRail takes you from trailer to sailor in 15 minutes. But don’t let its reputation as a leisure tri fool you: if speed is what you want, rest assured that the SeaRail can deliver that as well.

Models:   SeaRail 19

WARREN LIGHTCRAFT

Warren Lightcraft trimarans , another example of a convertible kayak-to-sailboat option, are known for their aesthetically pleasing designs that are also, as the name implies, very light for simple transportation and ease of use. Convert the kayak into a fast, high performance sailboat in just minutes, fly around on the waves all day long, then simply car-top the 68lb Warren for a maximum enjoyment, low-hassle day on the water. Perfect for sailors and paddlers of all skill levels, the Warren Lightcraft is the best of both worlds and an absolute joy to sail.

Models:   Warren Lightcraft

Length: 15’6”

Built strictly with racing in mind,   the Diam 24   is a light, powerful one-design class trimaran and a notoriously exceptional performer. Boasting blistering speeds of up to 30 knots, Diam trimarans are not intended for beginners. For racers who crave the very best in terms of intense speeds, smooth handling and impeccable performance, the Diam is the red-hot one-design racing tri for you.

Models:   Diam 24

Length: 24’

For the sailor who prefers the finer things in life, the   Radikal 26   delivers. Perfect for bringing the whole family out for a day on the water, this high performance, trailerable sailing trimaran strikes the most luxurious balance between quicksilver speeds and a smooth, comfortable ride. The Radikal 26 trimaran is as convenient to transport and set up as it is pleasant to sail, with a folding system that minimizes rigging hassle and also makes this a trailerable tri. Built for a fast and comfortable sail rather than a hold-onto-your-seats thrill, one-the-water safety and overall pleasure makes the Radikal 26 what it is.

Models:   Radikal 26

Use: Sport cruiser

A solidly-built, single-handed trimaran, the Challenger also doubles as an adaptive design – meaning it is made to accommodate sailors of all levels of physical mobility. Best suited to lakes, the Challenger is a very safe, seaworthy boat for sailors of all ages and experience levels. Add to this the ease of owning, transporting and maintaining the Challenger trimaran and what you get is a simple, fun sailboat perfect both for beginners and those seeking a cheap thrill alike.

Models:   Challenger

At a glance comparison:

Did we miss one? Let us know. Tell us what you sail and what you like about each boat in the comments below.

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What is a Tri-Hull Boat?

Table of Contents

Boats have three basic hull types; monohull, catamaran, and trimaran. Tri-hull boats are really a hybridization of a trimaran and a monohull boat. The design uses sponsons on either side of the main hull to add buoyancy and width at the bow , which adds interior volume. 

In essence, a tri-hull boat is a deep V hull with sponsons that are part of the main hull that go all the way to the bow in older designs. This gives them the appearance of having three separate hulls, but they don’t. Instead, the front of the boat has three individual bow sections, and the stern is one solid hull from port to starboard .

Even though the hulls are not entirely separate, as they are on many sailing trimarans, tri-hull powerboats have some of their qualities. The hull form offers more buoyancy and space; however, the triple bows tend to pound when driving into a chop on powered tri-hulls.

Popular in the 1970s and 1980s, the only tri-hulls in production today are small fishing boats of less than 18 feet and deck boats. The tri-hull design makes them stable platforms to fish or party. 

What is a Tri-hull?

Richard Cole, a Naval Architect, first designed the tri-hull boat in 1958 while employed with  Thunderbird Boats in Miami.  Also known as a cathedral hull. It was revolutionary. The early design had three distinctive hull forms and a bow as wide as the stern. This hull shape offered more buoyancy and stability than monohull boats . 

It is a single hull boat with sponsons that protrude from the hull. However, a tri-hull does not have three separate hulls. Instead, it has a deep V center hull with three distinct bow sponsons, which blend into one hull as they go aft, providing added buoyancy. 

Today, Tri hulls are used predominately for deck boats. Their wider bows offer added buoyancy and space for extra seating, giving you a large platform that can accommodate many guests. Tri hulls are also stable while anchored and underway, making them comfortable for the non-boating type.

Deck boats still use a tri-hull because they are stable and have a wide bow that offers extra seating space and buoyancy. However, the bow form of many bass boats is a modified tri-hull design. Over the years, boat builders have taken Mr. Coles’s original design and used modern fabrication techniques to perfect what he started. 

What are Tri hulls good for?

Tri-hulls make an excellent platform for deck boats because they are wider in the bow. In addition, the sponsons offer stability, so the boats are stable when sitting still and when underway. In addition, many people use their deck boats as social centers, and a tri-hull offers a very stable platform for your family and friends. 

The tri-hull has also found its way into the hearts of small boat owners. The stability of the hull form makes a great casting platform for anglers. In addition, a few small tri-hulls on the market are less than 18 feet long and economical to get on the water. 

Although most manufacturers have gone to deep V hulls, you can still see the relics of the tri-hull form in the bow of many boats. They have been highly modified since Mr. Cole designed the first tri-hulls. However, boat designers have improved the initial design since it does add buoyancy instead of doing away with it entirely. 

Most boats were still being built from wood in the late 1950s, but construction of boats from fiberglass began in earnest in the 1960s. Mr. Cole created his tri-hull boat designs from this new material, and his tri-hull plans came from a drawing board, not a CAD/CAM program. Imagine what he might have done with a computer and carbon fiber.

Who made tri-hull boats?

The original design of tri hulls tended to pound when driven into the waves, offering a rough, wet ride. In 1970, Richard Cole went to work for  Wellcraft Boats  in Sarasota, Florida, and took his tri-hull design to the next level. When the Wellcraft Airslot went to market, it was an instant success.

With the Airslot concept, Mr. Cole took the outward sponsons of his original design, shortened them, and gave them a more hydrodynamic shape. The result was a line of boats that Wellcraft sold for over two decades.

Skeeter Boats is another company that invested in tri-hull boat design and production in the 1960s. They still produce bass boats, bay boats , and deep V boats built for offshore ventures. If you look at the lines of their current fleet, you will see vestiges of the tri-hull form in the shape of their bows. 

In the 1980s, boat manufacturers found that composites allowed their imaginations to run freely, and hull shapes of today attest to those imaginings. 

What is a Tritoon boat?

Tritoon  is the brand name of a three-hulled pontoon boat. Boats with three distinctive hulls are also called tri hulls or trimarans. The third hull gives the boat the ability to carry more weight and offers more stability. The Tritoon is not the only three-hulled pontoon boat in production. However, it is the original, and has three distinctive hulls (pontoons), is very stable, and can carry quite a load.

Pontoon boats have a reputation as being rather sluggish. However, the Tritoon is the first pontoon boat with the performance of a deck boat. In addition, the third hull and the unique shape of its pontoons allow for the addition of more power than can be used by comparable tri-hull pontoon boats. The added power can get you home quicker when storm clouds gather on the horizon.

What is your boat type?

Whatever your desire to get on the water, a boat is made for you, and finding the right one may take a while. However, if you want to take a group of friends boating with you, a deck boat or Tritoon can carry a crew and enough gear to make a day of it.

Whether you want to buy a new boat and need a way to help pay for maintenance, or you would like to try different types of boats, Boatsetter has you covered . Boat owners list their boats and rent them by the hour and day, bareboat, or with you as the captain at the helm .

If you don’t want the responsibility of boat ownership yet have a desire to get on the water, you can  rent a boat from a boat owner near you . Whatever your choice, getting out on the water makes an ordinary day special.

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Tri-Hull Boat – What Is It and Its Pros and Cons

Lots of people like to spend time beside the water and many like to spend time in, or on, the water. If you like spending time on the water, you’re going to need a boat.

People have used boats for time immemorial. Since 70% of our planet is water, we’ve had to find ways to cross the ocean and other stretches of water.

Boat design has advanced so much with technological advances, and the use of ever-more complex materials, that modern boaters have a tremendous choice when it comes to buying a boat.

In the 1960s, the tri-hull boat was a very popular choice. It has many redeeming factors and a few issues.

Unfortunately for tri-hull boats, the issues, and the fact that other boat types are just more appealing to modern boat buyers, has seen a decline in demand for tri-hulls.

Let’s find out more about these boats and why they’re not so often seen sailing the waters as they once were.

What Makes A Good Boat?

A good boat is a boat that is designed effectively for its purposes. The key factors in boat design are the materials used in its production, its design or aesthetics, the technologies employed, and the features that are built into the boat’s design.

If you want a boat that does what it should, appeals to buyers, and is up-to-date, economical, and environment-friendly then these key factors need to be fully optimized.

Despite all the innovations and changes in materials used in boat design, the structural, holistic, and technological factors have remained consistently integral. Boats need to float. That’s obvious.

But how they float, how they can be powered to move over the water and through waves economically, and how they can accommodate their passengers while doing so, is the crux of the matter.

The use of the boat is going to be put to will have an overriding influence on design, materials, features, and aesthetics. A boat that is going out to war has very different specifications from one that you want to spend a lazy day on at your local lake.

In today’s boat market, aesthetic appeal and technological aspects determine design requirements. However, underlying everything and always and forever the trump card is structured.

The structure of the boat has to be the motivation behind everything because a boat is made to go out on the water and the structure is what ensures it floats and stays afloat.

Structure And Design

Boat design has to ensure safety, no matter what the boat is used for, but the use of the boat will determine design and technology. For example, hydrodynamics and aerodynamics are integral to yacht design.

There’s a lot of mathematics and physics in boat design. Erosion, corrosion, and chemical analysis have to be factored in. Structural and architectural analysis has to be done.

Hull Design

The hull design is about materials, shape, and size.

Hull shape depends on the boat’s purpose and the type of water involved.

The main types of hulls are deep-v hulls, associated with offshore and rough water, and flat-bottom hulls, associated with smooth water.

Deep-v hulls have a wedge shape. They aren’t appropriate for shallow water. They require more power due to low buoyancy. They perform well in rough waters, knifing through waves. Offshore sport boats and bulks have deep-v hulls.

Flat-bottom hulls favor shallow and smooth waters. They have a very low deadrise and maximum stability.

Multihulls, such as tri-hulls, are less deep and suit small boats doing offshore or lake sailing. They are flatter at the stern and deeper at the bow. They usually have smaller engines.

Hull dimensions vary depending on boat length, width, height, and angles.

Computational techniques are employed to locate and scale hull segments.

Aesthetic Appeal

Once structural requirements have been met, aesthetic appeal is going to inform a lot of the design decisions that work alongside structural aspects. The aesthetics will depend on the use that’s going to be expected of the boat.

Boats of any type need to be ergonomic and they need to optimize efficiency in operation. The human and social sides of the boat’s use need to be kept in the frame.

People are investing good money in a boat. They want a boat that is aesthetically appealing. That’s just the way people are. People want things to work but they also want them to look and feel good while they work.

Aesthetic appeal is associated with mental well-being and things like taste, status and so on and so forth.

This aspect of boat design and manufacture has really gone through some major changes. Traditionally, boats were made from wood, steel, and iron.

Iron and steel are strong but they are heavy so are not well suited to small boats. Iron and steel are only really suitable for huge ships and cruise liners.

Materials most commonly used are steel, aluminum, fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP), polyethylene, and carbon fiber . Aluminum is lightweight, facilitating speed without compromising the strength or integrity of the hull.

Aluminum is preferable for smaller boats and even smaller ships. Yet aluminum is expensive and it involves high maintenance costs including aluminium boat repainting with special marine paint for aluminium boats .

There has been a real shift towards fiberglass. Fiberglass is glass-reinforced plastic or fiber-reinforced plastic. Fiberglass, or FRP boats , are reliable, light, extremely effective, capable of high speeds, enjoy a longer life, have low maintenance costs, and are able to resist corrosion.

Polyethylene is used mainly for boats for professional fishermen because it’s buoyant and chemically resistant.  

Carbonfiber is strong and light. It’s stable for a long time, both chemically and thermally.

It resists abrasion and corrosion. Carbonization of the fibers during manufacturing strengthens and stiffens the material. Carbon fiber is generally used for racing yachts because it lowers weight and is moldable.

The advances in technology that are now integrated into boat design are amazing. Boats today give their users the sort of smooth ride and comfort boats users of the past could never have dreamed of.

Technological advances in navigation and the advent of location software have vastly increased levels of safety. Advanced personal safety devices give people security on the open water they never used to have.

Thermal imaging has revolutionized boat use. Having automated controls has changed the entire experience of controlling a boat.

The fact that boat manufacturers are seeking to produce boats that are environmentally friendly is absolutely crucial to the survival of our planet and its beings.

Sustainable boat design, the use of renewable energy to fuel boats, and advances in how we reuse and recycle hazardous waste, in a bid to limit the human tendency to treat the ocean and other waters as waste deposit sites, cannot be applauded enough.

We need to keep on finding ways to design boats that do not impact the environment in which they operate.

Buyer’s Mindset

There are various types of boat buyers who are looking to buy a boat for personal, and often emotional, reasons. These psychological needs have to be factored in along with practical needs.

The boat buyer wants a boat that will appeal to him or her, make him or her feel happy when they’re on it, serve the purpose the buyer has in mind and fit the buyer’s budget.

Types Of Boats

There is a vast array of boat types: flatboats, V-hull boats, bass boats , pontoon boats , and tri-hull boats to name a few.

The Tri-Hull Boat

The original tri-hull design was based on traditional boats used in some southeast Asian countries which have a double-outrigger design.

Tri-hull boats have the standard ‘V’ hull bottom along with two additional hulls, amas or outriggers, one on each side. This design feature means that the bottom of tri-hull boats looks to be shaped like the letter ‘M.’

Having the three hulls, instead of the one hull that most boats have, gives the tri-hull boat a larger surface area at the bow.

Tri-hull boats may be referred to as trimarans, Cathedral boats or Tunnel hull boats because of the large tunnels formed with their more pronounced bottoms when these boats move through the water.

Tri-hull boats are classified as multi-hulls and are categorized in the same category as the catamaran and the tri-hull pontoon boat.

They range in length from 10 – 12 feet. Tri-hull boats are usually smaller boats, similar to dinghy-style boats, but the tri-hull design has also been used on ferries and warships.

Tri-hull boats are particularly popular among recreational boaters , tournament or sports users. The stability of these boats is good so they are great for parties on deck.

Some recreational fishers really like the tri-hull and others don’t. They can make for a good angling platform, liked by those with young children and families.

There have been improvements in the performance, speed and buoyancy of tri-hulls with modern technology and later developments but the boat has never really regained the popularity it enjoyed in the 1960s.

Pros: Tri-Hull Boats

A flatter sailing experience.

The design of tri-hulls means they don’t tip to one side when they turn and they don’t roll in the way a monohull does in certain sea conditions.

The overall result is that when you’re on a tri-hull and the water is not choppy, you can have a very peaceful sailing experience.

A Faster Sail

Load is distributed over the three hulls instead of over just one hull and the boat sits higher in elevation from the water. This means less of the boat is in contact with the water.

Drag is minimised and the boat doesn’t require as much force as a monohull boat to cut through waves. Consequently, you can have a speedy ride in a tri-hull boat.

Flotation materials, such as closed-cell foam, within the three hulls make tri-hull boats significantly harder to sink than mono-hulls. Good to know when you’re out at sea or in the middle of a vast lake!

Enormous Stability

Having such wide, flat hulls gives tri-hull boats impressive stability on the water. The two side hulls are mostly responsible for this enhanced stability, providing increased surface area at the bow.

There’s none of that wobbling about when people step onto the boat and, once on deck, you can move around comfortably without feeling like you’re going to capsize the boat. Shorter boats enjoy more stability.

Buoyancy Extraordinaire

The middle hull, which is long and narrow, does most of the buoyancy work – 90% of it. The design makes good uses of flotation materials and the layout works to the advantage of buoyancy.

Great For Getting To The Plane

The long and narrow middle hull helps get the tri-hull to the plane quicker than for other boats. When the engine is revved, the boat rises up on a plane, or level, on the water and then travels on top of the plane with its bow lifted out of the water.

Spacious Deck

The three-hull design really opens up the deck.

Lightweight But Load-Bearing

Tri-hulls have smaller cross-decks so they don’t require as much in the way of supporting structures as monohulls in order to have structural integrity.

This means the boat weighs less than monohulls but its spacious deck means it can carry more than monohulls.

Tr-hull boat engine design depends on whether the boat is a small sailboat size or a large ferry. Usually, they have a high horsepower outboard motor and can reach good speeds.

The fact there’s less drag because the boat has less contact with the water means the boat can accelerate better and reach fast speeds quicker than many other boats.

This speed is ideal to plane the boat on the surface but not so great when it comes to cutting through waves, due to the design.

Tri-hulls are generally cheaper to buy than other boats of the same size and require less power to operate because less contact with the water means more buoyancy and less drag.

Cons: Tri-Hull Boats

Hull design issues.

Modern materials decrease the weight and increase the speed of tri-hulls and other multihulls. Required buoyancy decreases, allowing smaller section hulls and amas.

However, as the hulls become increasingly narrow and achieve ever higher speeds, the risks of damage to the cross-sectional areas increase when these boats smash into big waves.

The cross-sectional points close to the attachment for the forward aka of the ama can be fractured.

In 2012 the Sodeb’O design opted to use the main hull’s larger cross section as the longer hull. The reduction in length of the amas means their cross-section can better cope with imposed loads.

Even smaller tri-hulls are potentially compromised by the design and construction of composite, moulded akas.  

Not Good On Unsettled Water Or Open Water

When on unsettled water, the boat takes something of a pounding from the waves. Running the boat ‘bow high’ can help.

Deck Gets Wet

Tri-hulls are not v-hulled, which means they aren’t good at cutting waves. When the tri-hull encounters a large wave the wave slams against the amas or outer hulls, on both sides of the boat, causing a lot of sprays. When sailing on the upwind side, you will get wet each time the hull hits the water.

Over-Modified

Tri-hull boats have been modified over the years to embrace multifunctionality, but, in the process, they’ve lost the original tri-hull design. Instead of rigid amas, more modern tri-hull designs have made the outer hulls, or amas, foldable to convert the tri-hulls into a V-shaped hull, better able to handle the waves. The modification has helped but the original tri-hull design has been lost.

Limited Use

Many boat buyers want a boat that copes well with varied water types and the tri-hull is not great for open water or any water that’s unsettled.

The large cross-decks and extra hulls require extra materials in production, which can increase the price. Despite this, tri-hulls tend to be cheaper than many other boat types.

However, if you have a tri-hull and want to use it on choppy waters you may have to invest in a larger motor. Modified tri-hulls with foldable amas and a massive center hull cost more.

Tri-hull boats are beautiful and provide a stable, spacious experience for those spending time on tranquil waters. However, issues with the design have arisen largely due to unceasing modifications aimed at resolving issues with choppy water.

Unfortunately, the modifications may help solve some issues but they open up others at the same time.

Tri-hull boats are still manufactured by a number of brands but their popularity has definitely waned. The tri-hull design is found in limited sailboat models nowadays.

Another very pertinent reason for the waning interest in tri-hull boats since the 1980s is increasing interest in v-hull boats and deck boats. There have been great advances from the 1980s that have ensured that v-hull and deck boats are increasingly desirable for all water types and boat users.

An offshoot of this has been a decline in demand for tri-hulls. The rise in popularity of pontoon boats is also influential. There is potential for tri-hulls to come back if a hybrid model , that’s recently been designed, takes off.

This hybrid model uses wave momentum as the source to power the tri-hull.

About the author

I worked as an officer in the deck department on various types of vessels, including oil and chemical tankers, LPG carriers, and even reefer and TSHD in the early years. Currently employed as Marine Surveyor carrying cargo, draft, bunker, and warranty survey.

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Best Tri-Hull Boat Types and Models

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In the mathematical sphere, tri means three. It’s no different with tri boats that encompass a hull fitted with three floats made from either aluminum or fiberglass material. These floats are the basic floating mechanisms that define the efficiency of a tri-hull boat. Therefore, let’s review some top-notch and highly rated tri-hull boat types and models.

For sailors, stability is paramount since it defines a boat’s safety. This principle of stability is incorporated in tri boats for sailors to realize the boat’s full potential and increased stability and capacity. That’s why most tri-hull boat manufacturers design their boat models with the ability to offer comfort and overcome any sea conditions.

However, with the many tri types, you’ll find the tritoons, which are pontoons on three floats. Similarly, there are also the trimaran types and models which embrace the same floating technique.

Here we’ll focus on the trimaran boats that are sometimes referred to as cathedral or tunnel hull boats. We’ll categorize or pay attention and emphasize the boat’s price, stability, speed, weight, and tube filler.

Corsair Trimaran: Best Tri-Hull Boat for Deep Sea Sailing

Corsair is one of the most popular and trusted trimaran brand manufacturers. However, the brand is also well known for manufacturing other tri boat types and models. It has a diverse series, but the most popular are the 25, 48, and F27. This series incorporates different and futuristic features which enthusiastic sailors highly regard.

Sailors mostly use the Corsair trimaran boats for either racing or adventure because their high-performance capabilities make them a perfect choice for boating racers.

Some standout features include a small cabin, which is spacious enough to hold two or three persons simultaneously. It’s also fitted with a 455hp outboard or what the manufacturer refers to as a motor sail.

The beam is exceedingly wide, and the draft has a deeper depth. This increased depth is effective in rough waters since it allows the boat to stay sturdy and dry regardless of the sea waves. Also, it creates extra space for inhabiting and storage which is otherwise with most trimaran boats.

The boat’s mainsail is foldable, which eases logistics and storage. With this modern work of art trimaran boat, engineers have made them even better with elevated efficiency.

• It weighs less but performs more.
• The Corsairs carriage capacity is huge.
• Increased stability.
• It’s very spacious.
• The boat is easy to maintain, operate and own.
• It weighs less but will carry more weight.
• The price is a bit high.

Dragonfly Trimaran: Best Tri-Hull Boat for Family

Like the various trimaran types, the  Dragonfly trimaran  comes in different series, the 25, 28, 32, and  40.  Here, we’ll review the 40 series, the latest, most sophisticated, and refined performance. Each Dragonfly is a work of art and can be individualized. The choice of material is unlimited in case you want it custom-made.

This is where you find the assorted series with various features and capabilities. Nevertheless, the Dragonfly 40 model’s technical beauty, high power, flawless, serrated edge design ensures the trimaran maintains its functionality.

Its handling is refined and improved compared to the previous series. A spacious and stylish cockpit incorporates modern interior designs that offer comfort and safety.

The 40-model comes in two distinct versions, which are the standard and ultimate versions. However, the latter has higher performance, especially if the boat is cruised using the sail mechanism. It comfortably accommodates eight persons maximum.

They’ll say perfection is never achieved, but today, Dragonfly designers have perfected and purified the Dragonfly trimaran boat potency.

• Spry performance.
• Easy to ride or sail.
• The trimaran offers extra comfort.
• The trimaran comes with a motorized system.
• It hits 13 knots effortlessly.
• Its compact design allows for better performance.
• Its operation is a bit complex for a novice or beginner.

Weta Trimaran: Best Easy to Sail Trimaran

It’s one of the few handcrafted trimarans you’ll find around. The hull is all carbon fiber, and the cavities are filled with foam to increase stability and improve the boat’s buoyancy. The carbon fiber is known to be very light, which tremendously aids in its performance.  The Weta trimaran  is easy to sail, and you’ll be surprised by how fast the boat sails.

The mainsails are specially designed to sail the boat under any wind conditions. If the winds are strong enough, the tri-hull will reach 20 knots maximum speed. Setting up the boat is not very demanding, and the tri-hull boat comes with a beach trolley for fast launching. If you love sailing with family, it has more than enough space.

Its storage compartments are sizable, and they’re designed to stay dry regardless of the water conditions. For the Weta manufacturer, the focus is to give users with a robust and sturdy boat that either novice or seasonal sailors can use. 

• The Weta tri-hull boat is very stable.
• It’s lightweight and versatile. 
• It offers greater buoyancy.
• High performance.
• The boat is relatively fast.
• Expensive to maintain.

Neel 65 Evolution: Best High-Performance Trimaran

The  Neel 65 Evolution trimaran  is meant for racing enthusiasts or sailors with the need for speed. This tri-hull boat is designed and engineered through a collaboration between Neel and Tensyl racing company.

Tensyl has fitted the try hull with technology that analyzes the boat handling, then compares the data with the boat’s specifications. This allows the boat to apply the right sailing safety margins while also regarding the load weight on the boat.

The technology is tailor-made for only the 65 Evolution, and you won’t find it in other models. Its exterior is made from either foam or PVC, which is vacuum bonded then covered with glass fiber.

This strengthens and improves the boat’s structural integrity enabling it to overcome the roughest ocean or sea conditions. The floating boards are made using honeycomb polyester, which is also vacuum bonded.

The Neel 65 Evolution comes with a diesel engine delivering 150 HP and a 263gal fuel reservoir. It hits 10 knots with ease, and it’s possible to sail the boat using the mainsails instead of the engine.

The mainsails are uniquely designed to sail the boat under just a few breezes. It’s also fitted with a freshwater tank that holds 263gal, enough to serve you for a few days when you’re out there in the ocean.

All interior fittings are tested to ensure they’ll stay intact under all ocean conditions.

• This fiberglass tri-hull boat is perfect for offshore sailing.
• It’s perfect for racing.
• The boat is designed with the safety factor in mind.
• It uses a mainsail and an engine to sail.
• Much technology is available on deck.
• It’s possible to take long trips with the 65 Evolution.
• The maintenance of fiberglass is costly.

Farrier F22 Trimaran: Best Versatile Tri-Hull Boat

The  Farrier F22 trimaran  is a speedy, compact, high-performance boat that comes in diverse series. The three series include the F-22, F-22S, and F-22R. The maker categorizes them as standard, standard premium, and premium models, respectively.

The difference between the three series is the features, and it’s possible to have yours custom-made by the manufacturer. The hull is made using two carbon fiber layers, and a thin foam layer is sandwiched between the two.

Then a layer of a water-resistant NPG Gelcoat is applied inside and outside the hull. Another vinyl ester coating follows this. All this guarantees the buyer that the hull will be leak-free for years if the boat stays accident-free. The farrier F22 has a third-generation beam that folds and doesn’t require brackets.

This has greatly helped to eliminate beam corrosion problems that previous models experienced. It’s equipped with the latest folding system to unfold and close the floating boards. This makes transportation, rigging, and launching stress-free.

For safety, the manufacturer ensures there are no foot traps on the whole deck area. You’ll find massive waterproof storage lockers in the cabin for your luggage.

To help rotate the mast, the F22 is fitted with rotation control. The two masts are controlled individually for the S series, but one control rotates both masts simultaneously for the R series.

• The cabin hatch opens to a standing level.
• It has outboard brackets to fit an engine.
• It stays dry when sailing.
• Ideal storage compartments.
• It weighs less
• Not best for choppy waters.

SeaRail-19 Trimaran: Most Affordable Tri-Hull Boat

Among the many top-rated tri-hull types and models, you’ll find the  SeaRail-19 trimaran . It’s a boat tailored to fit different sailors, and it’s perfect because of its performance, affordability, and lightweight.

Therefore, if you’re looking for a luxury boat that will offer an amazing and relaxing sailing experience, the SeaRail-19 offers exactly that. Its floats fold and unfold, and according to the manufacturer, it takes only two people just 15 minutes to rig and launch it.

The maker uses premium carbon fiber, an unsinkable PVC foam, and a marine-grade gel coat. It weighs 700lbs, and it carries six adults meaning it’s possible to take a sail with your family if you wish. The standard model has an outboard mount, but the fabricator could fit an outboard engine at an extra cost if you wanted.

• Affordable.
• It’s lightweight, and this allows it to sail fast.
• Compact and rigid design.
• It’s very stable.
• The boat is unsinkable.
• It gets wet when sailing.

WindRider Tango Trimaran: Best Small Tri-Hull Boat

Trimaran boats come in different shapes and sizes. This dictates the best way to use the boat. If you need a small and affordable tri-hull boat,   the WindRider Tango Trimaran  should top your list.

With its size, the trimaran carries only one person, and its setup will take you just a few minutes. You don’t need to be a professional sailor to sail it, but a little bit of sailing knowledge is recommended. However, with the WindRider Tango, you can use it as your training boat if you’re a novice.

It has a sporty design which is the most notable feature of this trimaran, making it perfect for racing. The boat uses two cruising systems, the mainsail, and a foot pedal.

Its design makes it almost impossible for the boat to capsize. The boat weighs just 140 lbs, and because of its small size, you can transport it using a truck, trailer, or roof rack.

• It’s Lightweight.
• Perfect for beginners.
• It’s possible to control it hands-free.
• Easy to assemble and disassemble.
• It’s not suitable for offshore sailing.

Diam 24 OD Trimaran: Beat Tri-Hull Boat for Racing

The  Diam 24 OD trimaran  is specifically designed to allow an avid racer to enjoy speed and glide. Its agility is incomparable, and it will withstand the roughest sea waters.

The main hull, beams, and floats are made using carbon fiberglass, polyvinyl chloride foam, and a generous gel coat layer. Even though the floats don’t fold, they offer enough firmness, which is needed in racing.

Its standout feature is autonomous handling which means it needs no mechanical help to sail, and its manual handling requires minimal human interaction. The boat’s coupling mechanism creates efficiency during assembly.

With its perfectly balanced design, the Diam 24 OD trimaran is seaworthy. The boat measures seven meters long and has a 6-meter beam. It weighs half a ton and carries four persons maximum.

• It’s a strong and sturdy racing boat.
• It stays intact under extreme conditions.
• Best for offshore sailing.
• Its rotating carbon mast ensures it’s easy to control.
• It takes too long to assemble.
• Beam couplers are prone to corrosion.

Factors to Consider When Buying a Tri-Hull Boat: Complete Buyer’s Guide

Buying a tri-hull boat requires making crucial decisions, and you can’t circumvent it if you want to acquire a state of art boat. You need to ask yourself if the boat’s price tag offers an equilibrium with its features and stability.

Are you getting your money’s worth with the tri-hull boat? Today’s tri-hull boats incorporate modern features and technology, which is somehow reflected by their high price.

Nevertheless, you’re assured of finding a tri-hull boat that fits your budget without compromising on the standard features. Similarly, the availability of diverse models from different manufacturers creates price competitiveness.

This comes hand in hand with advanced features. Thus, it’s possible to find an acme model with wonderful features and a modest price.

Filler Used in the Floats Tubes

The tri floats tubes are the reason these boats have great stability and performance. But it depends on the space filler used, which is either foam or ballast. Foam-filled floats or logs are the most favored and common among sailors because they don’t add extra weight to the boat. As long as they’re airtight, you’re good to go.

Ballast filled increases the boat’s weight which has a domino effect on its overall weight, thus diminishing its performance. Note that each filler has its benefits; therefore, it depends on how you intend to use the trimaran.

The tri hull’s weight is the gross weight of the boat. Nonetheless, we have to refer to the Archimedes principle, which greatly influences a tri-hull boat. Displacement is the major factor here, even though tri boats are accustomed to planning. This means they float on water when sailing instead of sinking like the V-shaped hull boats.

The planning guarantees that a tri-hull boat will cause minimal displacement. However, if the boat is too heavy, it will sink and displace more water.

When cruising through the choppy sea, this will increase the boat’s resistance or drag. In turn, it reduces lift which minimizes the boat’s speed. Usually, you want a boat with less drag for trimmed high speed. Therefore, ensure you check the weight of the hull if you want efficiency and high acceleration.

Stability and Speed

Tri hull boats will effortlessly clock high speeds above 50mph and their stability will remain uncompromised. The two floating tubes on the side are the difference between the trimaran and pontoon boats. The tubes allow greater stability and acceleration, but it depends on the sea conditions.

The boat might experience a rough ride if the waters are rough, considering it glides on the water, unlike V-shaped boats. But this doesn’t destabilize the tri-hull boat, neither does it affect its speed. Therefore, if you’re an angler or sailor with a preference or thrill for speed and stability, you should contemplate this first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answer : Trimaran boats offer many benefits to avid anglers and sailors. With three tubes, its weight is equally distributed to each floating tube which ameliorates its stability. Likewise, the safety standards are improved since the two side floats protect the center hull tube from damage. Its exceptional flotation capability is also another advantage the trimaran beholds. Besides that, a tri-hull boat is very spacious, and some of the latest models will hold up to 13 persons at a go.

Answer : Good seamanship dictates the ability of a sailor to get through bad weather in case you get caught up in one. This is regardless of the boat type and model. However, a tri-hull should withstand the agile sea conditions, especially if it’s a sail and outboard power enabled.

Answer : Yes, there is. The major difference between the two is in their flotation mechanisms. As the names suggest, tri means three while mono means one. Trimarans have a huge deal advantage over the monohulls because of the number of floating logs. These floating tubes create greater buoyancy, and some trimaran models are unsinkable. Also, the stability and speed of the trimarans are phenomenal when compared to monohulls. 

Answer : Trimarans are very easy to sail, and they take water cruising to a whole new level. They are perfect boats for inshore sailing mainly because they don’t have a keel which limits other boats. Their handling is similarly made easy by their lightweight enabling you to navigate and cruise at high speed with ease.

Answer : Tri hull boat types and models are used for diverse functions. But many trimaran models are mostly used for racing, sailing, or recreation. Is it Possible to Have a Trimaran with An Outboard and A Sail System? Of Course, it’s possible. The zenith of the trimaran boat is the ability to incorporate the two sailing systems. This boat is considered as the transition between the monohulls and catamarans. They are the only models with the ability to use sails and an outboard concurrently. This does increase the boat’s efficiency, and if one system fails, the other falls in place and keeps you sailing.

Answer : Trimarans might not be super boats, but they sail fast enough to be involved in recognized races. Some trimaran models have 20 knots top speed while others will comfortably clock 40 knots. The size of the tri-hull, engine, or outboard will determine the trimaran’s speed. Nevertheless, the wind’s strength will determine the trimaran’s speed if you’re using a mast. 

Any asset buy requires risk assessment analysis to reach and make a credible decision. It’s the reason we’ve reviewed some of the best tri-hull boat types and models. All this is meant to furnish you with trustworthy information that you won’t find elsewhere.

Therefore, if you want to acquire a trimaran boat, you are bound to find one that suits all your needs on this long list. However, if you’re undecided or uncertain which tri-hull boat stands out from the rest, we’ll make a recommendation.

The Neel 65 Evolution is the Pinnacle of tri-hull boats. Its design exudes efficiency and reliability. If you check the carrying capacity, you’ll be impressed, and it’s very spacious.

This trimaran uses a mainsail and an outboard to sail. It has a unique technology that helps it maintain utmost safety, making it hard to capsize regardless of the ocean or sea condition. If you value safety and have a knack to sail for days in the deep ocean, then the Neel 65 trimaran is the perfect tri-hull boat for you.

Looking for more interesting readings? Check out:

• Deck Boat vs Pontoon Boat: What’s The Difference?
• Fastest Pontoon Boat Models Guide [2021]

Catamaran Vs Trimaran

Last Updated by

Gabriel Hannon

August 30, 2022

As boatbuilders make faster and more luxurious multi-hulls for cruising and racing, it is time to settle the debate: Catamarans vs. Trimarans.

Catamarans and trimarans have distinct characteristics regarding comfort, sailing performance, safety, and personal preference. The dual- or tri-hull designs both confer significant advantages over traditional monohulls and each fill an amazing niche in the sailing world.

Though both are based on traditional Austronesian outrigger canoes, the dual-hulled catamarans and tri-hulled trimarans have distinct design goals that make them ideal for very different purposes, and it is important to take into account your goals when trying to decide which to sail! We’re going to discuss both types as they rate across performance, safety, comfort, and possible uses. There is no one solution to this age-old problem, but we can help you understand which design is best for you!

From boatbuilder releases to the history of their development, it is important to access lots of sources when trying to make this decision. As a performance sailor, my heart is always in the speed and upwind abilities of the trimaran, but modern catamarans are dynamic and incredibly comfortable. Still, in my opinion, anything that gets you on the water is a great boat, so let’s find the right one for you!

Table of contents

‍ Sailing Performance and Safety

While most traditional boats over 20 feet are monohulled keelboats, there are major limitations to the type of sailing you can do with a monohull. First of all, monohulls depend on their keel to keep them upright, which is effective, but the force of the wind almost always causes the boat to heel to leeward by angles of up to 25° under reasonable cruising conditions, which can be quite uncomfortable for the crew! This design, which relies on giant lead ballast in a deep-set keel, is vulnerable to capsizes and, in drastic cases, sinking.

Additionally, the single-hull only provides so much volume for accommodation and storage, while the more horizontal layout of the multi-hulls can increase cockpit and cabin sizes substantially. Beyond that, both types of multi-hull can experience higher speeds at a given hull length than monohulls.

So how do cats and tris compare to each other? Well,

Catamarans: Stability and Ease

With their dual ‘pontoons,’ Catamarans make use of their floats to always remain on a flat and consistent angle of heel, rarely sailing under more than 10° of heel. This distribution of floatation also makes it nigh on impossible for them to capsize, though the distance between the hulls can make it a problem in the rare cases that they do flip. They do suffer a bit from not having any wetted surface underneath the center of effort, causing them to slide sideways while sailing upwind and making it difficult for them to beat tight angles to the breeze. While they make up for this with speed on the reach and downwind, catamarans are an inferior option for trying to make progress upwind in heavy sea and wind conditions.

These tradeoffs do come with some advantages. Unlike monohulls, catamarans have very shallow drafts, allowing cruisers to sail close to shore without concern, and their common dual-motor design allows them to maneuver incredibly well in tight spaces with a built-in backup for single-engine failure. They heel minimally because of the horizontal distribution of weight, and this means that they are incredibly stable and comfortable while underway or at anchor. In addition, their sail plans and maneuverability characteristics do make them easier to sail with a smaller crew, requiring fewer highly experienced sailors in your party.

Trimaran: Speed and Safety

While traditionalists have finally come around on the aesthetics of the dual-hulled catamaran, the tri-hulled lines of trimarans can still be a bit of a shock to viewers. They combine the vertical stability and upwind capabilities of a monohull with the speed and lateral stability of a catamaran.

When it comes to performance sailing, modern trimarans are well ahead of any other hull design. Due to the relationship between speed and the ‘waterline length’ of a boat, i.e. that more hull length in the water leads to higher speeds, the third hull actually makes trimarans drastically faster than any other hull shape at a given length. Most current speed records, including those for circumnavigation, instantaneous velocity, and single-day distance, are held by Trimarans. In competition, the 2013 America’s Cup is a perfect example of the superiority of Trimarans over Catamarans in terms of speed, as the challenging Trimaran from Golden Gate Yacht Club handily beat the defending Spanish Catamaran in a best-of-three series. With their signature central hull, they can make better upwind progress without drifting and often heel even less than contemporary catamarans.

Further, trimarans far outclass both catamarans and monohulls in terms of safety. The central hull gives the trimaran that signature central righting moment from monohulls, while its winged pontoons provide it the lateral balance that makes catamarans so safe themselves. Combined, this gives a modern trimaran a righting moment of 27°, which is almost impossible to reach in any breeze condition because of the pontoons. For a comparison, modern cats can only maintain 12° of heel before flipping, which is not entirely uncommon in heavy seas.

Therefore, in a purely technical sense, trimarans are safer, speedier, and more rewarding. Still, to reap these benefits you often need to be a little more prepared to engage with the more advanced aspects of sailing, and the tri-hull design does make some sacrifices in other areas.

Though performance is an important metric for all sailboats, every added knot of speed or degree of heel comes at a price of comfort, and it is here that we need to consider the full implications of that cost for both cats and tris.

Catamaran: The Ideal Platform

When it comes to comfort, space, and luxury, it is hard to bet against the catamaran. Because of the geometry of the dual deep hulls and built-up central platform, catamarans offer the ideal vessel for a large crew, a party yacht, or a comfortable getaway vessel. They heel minimally, are highly stable at anchor, and the central platform can be carefully built to maximize the area between the wings. Most catamarans can offer the living space and horizontal area of much larger monohulls, making it the ideal choice for a pleasure cruise.

Trimaran: The Cost of Speed

For all their advantages in terms of performance, the hardware required for the central hull subtracts substantially from the accommodations that are available for a cat of the same size. New trimarans, like the Neel 51 which made waves back in 2017, are pushing back against this perceived comfort gap, the large central hull with the two performance-oriented wings does make it harder for tris to haul the same amount of weight and provide comparable space as most cats.

Preferences

The beauty of modern sailboats is that design advances in both catamarans and trimarans make it possible for all sailors to find the exact right boat for them. Speed demons who want to sail tight to the wind and feel that rush may find themselves enticed by the capabilities of the newest Trimarans, while cruisers looking to get the biggest space for the length are still thrilled by how fast and stable modern Catamarans are off the breeze. While no one would complain about being invited to a cruise on a new Trimaran, you can certainly fit more of your friends in the spacious decks of a Cat.

Both multi-hull styles excel at maneuvering in small spaces and shallow waters, perfect for island hopping or inland sailing. Their wide platforms, which can run a slightly higher cost at marinas than comparable monohulls, enable stability without sacrificing performance. Both are regarded as incredibly safe in nearly all conditions, though Trimarans do have the slight edge in truly nasty weather.

In the end, it all comes down to how you want to sail and what is going to make a good trip successful! For those looking for a leisurely cruise with a minimum of work and a maximum of space, find the most spacious catamaran you can, and don’t worry about missing out on speed as you’ll more than hold your own off the breeze. If you’re excited to go fast no matter what direction the wind is coming from, with the knowledge that you’re nigh on unsinkable, a performance trimaran is the way to go!

Happy Sailing!

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I have been sailing since I was 7 years old. Since then I've been a US sailing certified instructor for over 8 years, raced at every level of one-design and college sailing in fleet, team, and match racing, and love sharing my knowledge of sailing with others!

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Everything You Need To Know About The Tri-Hull Boat

Boats come in all shapes and sizes. From V-hull boats, pontoon boats, flatboats, and bass boats. However, have you ever heard of the tri-hull boat?

Similar to other boats, a tri-hull contains the typical ‘V’ hull button, however, it also has two additional hulls on either side.

Due to this particular design, these boats have greater stability than other ‘V’–bottomed boats. Although, since there is an increase in the bow’s surface area; it makes for a rougher ride on choppy water.

This tri-hull boat design is most common in boats ranging between 10 to 12 feet in length – with shorter boats taking advantage of the design’s stability. These small, dinghy still boats are typically used by recreational fishermen on peaceful lakes.

With all this in mind, this article will be exploring everything you need to know about tri-hull boats: the advantages, the disadvantages, and why they may not be as popular as they once were.

Let’s get straight into it.

Tri-Hull Boat

If you’re unfamiliar with the world of boating, then you may be surprised to know that some boats contain two hulls, such as the catamarans, let alone three! While you may believe this to be overkill, it is a popular design choice when it comes to boats.

Essentially, tri-bulls boats are the same as ‘V’-hulled boats, although they constrain two additional hulls on either side of the middle ‘V’ hull. If you’re looking directly at a tri-hull boat, you’ll notice that the bottom is shaped like an ‘M’.

This design enhances the stability of the boat. Although, as previously mentioned, due to the bow’s larger surface area; it makes for a rougher ride on choppy conditionals.

The boat’s smaller, dinghy design makes it more suitable for lakes – ranging between 10 to 12 feet in length.

Tri-hull boats are also commonly referred to as Tunnel and Cathedral hull boats and are very popular among sport boat enthusiasts and recreational anglers. The design of the boats makes them more stable and buoyant which allows them to get on planes quicker.

Although, at greater speeds, these boats are more prone to pound when encountering choppy water conditions. Therefore, making it unsuitable for non-flat water. On the other hand, they’re ideal for placid lakes and calm bays.

Additional Description Of Tri-Hull Boats

As their name suggests, these boats are known as tri-hulls for containing three hulls located at the bottom of the boat.

The original designs were based on the traditional double-outrigger hull watercraft found in East Indonesia and the Philippines and can be found in other cultures such as the Austeroesian parts of Southeast Asia.

Tri-hull boats are also known as trimarans. Typically, these are constructed for sports and tournament use, as well as fishing and recreational boating (see also our guide to converting a Jon boat to a bass boat ). Many years ago, the design of these boats was also used when building ferries and warships.

The combination of later developments and modern technology has vastly improved the design of the tri-hull boats, enhancing their buoyancy, performance, and speed.

As a whole, these boats are known as multi-hulls boats, found in the same category as the catamaran and tri-hull pontoon boats.

Tunnel Hull Boats

They are also sometimes known as tunnel hull boats since when running on the water, these boats form large tunnels at their bottoms. They are extremely similar to V-hulled boats, although they constrain a more pronounced bottom shape.

Due to the boat’s particular hull design, less contact is made with the water, producing less drag and more buoyancy. This makes them faster than traditional sailing boats with the original hull design.

As they contain three hulls at the bottom, these boats generally have more deck space. Moreover, boaters can expect improved stability with these boats.

Advantages Of Tri-Hull Boats

Tri-hull boats contain many different advantages that you won’t be able to receive from conventional hull boat designs. Below, you will find some advantages of tri-hulled boats:

They Sail Faster

As opposed to typical boats that only contain one hull, these boats contain three. This ensures even distribution across the three hulls as opposed to just one.

Compared to more conventional boats, the hulls found on tri-hull boats are higher up from the water.

This ensures that most of the boat remains above water, which, in turn, reduces the amount of drag.

Therefore, allowing the boat to go faster than more traditional boats. The tri-hull designs ensure that less force is used to cut through the waves, providing a more seamless and fast approach.

The Sail Flatter

The boat’s three-hull design ensures that the boat sails flatter. Even when making turns, the boat won’t heel. In sea conditions that would sometimes make a monohull boat roll, the tri-hull boat will remain flat.

They Have Greater Stability

Tri-hull boats are known for their flat and wide hulls. This means that they have enhanced stability. When boarding a traditional boat, you may have noticed a slight wobble; however, you don’t have to worry about this with tri-hull boats.

As a matter of fact, you could walk around the entire perimeter of the tri-hull deck and you won’t experience any tipsy or wobbling movements. This enhanced stability benefits pleasure boaters, skiers, and weekend fishers.

They Won’t Sink Easily

Unlike conventional one-hull boats, the three hulls located on a tri-hull boat are lined with floatation materials, such as closed-cell foam.

This ensures that if the tri-hull boat were to be flipped, it wouldn’t sink as easily as other mono-hull boats.

They Have More Space

When compared with other boats, tri-hulls provide more deck space. Naturally, this is the result of containing three hulls at the bottom of the boat.

Consequently, this design made them a trendy boat in the 60s.

Moreover, the design was also utilized by the government to build large ferries and warships at the time.

They Have Greater Buoyancy

On the deck of a tri-hull boat, you’ll notice a greater buoyancy when compared with other boats.

This is chiefly due to the middle hull; providing up to 90% of the boat’s buoyancy. Whereas the two opposite hulls on either side ensure the boat’s stability.

The narrow and long middle hull provides two functions: get the boats onto the plane much faster than other boats and keep the boat afloat. If you were to step on the metal, the tri-hull boat would zoom past and quickly reach the plane.

Ensuring that the boat reaches the planning or plane is a task. When revving the engine, the boat will either level on the water or go up on the plane. When traveling on top of the place of the water, you’ll notice the boat’s bow lifted above the water.

They Are Cheaper To Own and Operate

On a whole, these boats are generally cheaper to own and operate. While they may contain a different hull design, they are much cheaper than boats that are around the same size.

Likewise, as opposed to other hull designs, tri-hull boats require much less power to operate, which means you will need less fuel, too.

They Weigh Less But Can Carry More

As opposed to larger boats, these tri-hulls contain a smaller cross-deck. This ensures that they don’t need many supporting structures in order to make up the structural integrity.

Consequently, they are able to carry or hold more weight while simultaneously weight much less than boats containing a singular hull.

Disadvantages Of Tri-Hull Boats

While the tri-hull boat may be incredibly buoyant and stable, it still has its share of disadvantages. In the next section, we will be exploring all the disadvantages of the tri-hull boat. Here are the main disadvantages:

Wet When Running

When the boat is running, you may experience some showers, to say the least.

Therefore, if you’re anywhere near the upwind side, then make sure to pack your raincoat. Each time the hulls are slapped hard on the water, you’ll receive more than a little spray when standing on the deck.

Not Great For Fishing

While tri-hulls may offer the required stability for barbecues or parties on the deck, some believe them to be not fishing-friendly.

On the other hand, others believe a tri-hull fishing boat to be perfect for an angling platform, especially when used with families and small children.

They Are Not Ideal In Choppy Water Conditions

Tri-hull boats aren’t ideal for use in choppy water conditions – no matter the speed. Although, the pounding can be minimized when running at ‘bow high’.

Although, having said that, you should remember that once you are out of calm water, the boat will shift to and fro – making those with sea sickness wish they were on land rather than out at sea.

Not Great For Open Waters

Unfortunately, in the open sea, tri-hulls don’t fare well. Typically, they will offer a choppy ride that will frequently get those on board extremely wet.

As a result, this is chiefly the reason most tri-hulls, especially smaller ones, are used on rivers and calm lakes.

Why Are Tri-Hulls No Longer Popular?

In the 1960s, tri-hulls were extremely popular; however, this is not the case today. By the 1980s, these boats began to lose their popularity, and quickly.

You may be wondering why this happened. Well, there are a few different reasons why this happened. In this section, we’ll explore some of the reasons why the tri-hull boat has depleted in popularity since the 1960s.

Their Incredible Buoyancy Was Their Unmaking

While tri-hulls are incredibly buoyant on flat, calm waters, this couldn’t be considered the same when on choppy waters.

Once moved away from sheltered waters into exposed and open choppy waters, you’ll experience a bob and wobble along every slight wave you may encounter on your tri-hull.

Their narrow and long center hulls allow these boats to float on top of the water. This ensures an extremely comfortable ride along peaceful and calm waters, however, it’s a completely different experience on rough and choppy waters.

With every large wave that comes your way, the tri-hull will bob and wobble on the water. Over the years, the constant up and down motion becomes unbearable to many tri-hull owners. Therefore, opting for more comfortable boats.

They Have Been Over-Modified

Over the years, the traditional design of the tri-hull boat had been heavily modified and altered to become a multifunctional boat. This resulted in the loss of the original tri-hull design which people had begun to know and love.

Consequently, a newer and more modern tri-hull design replaced the original – which was unwelcomed by many.

The wet ride is another reason why tri-hulls aren’t as popular as they used to be. If you’re looking to ride in rough conditions, then you should be prepared to get extremely wet.

Consequently, for this reason, many people tend to avoid tri-hull boats, since it doesn’t make for much of a pleasurable boating experience.

Since these boats aren’t V-hulled, they aren’t able to cut through the waves effectively. When hit by powerful waves, the water slams against the amas or on the two outriggers on either side of the boat which results in a spray all over the boat’s deck.

To prevent this from happening, boating manufacturers modified the tri-hull design. Therefore, rather than having rigid amas, they installed foldable ones to ensure a better experience when fared with rougher waves.

Due to this modification, the tri-hulls can easily be modified into a monohull or V-shaped hull. However, this also resulted in the loss of the classic tri-hull design.

The Unmasking of Tri-Hull’s Limitation

The exposure of the tri-hulls’ potential limitations inherently influenced the boat’s future marketability.

If you’re a boating enthusiast, you would be made aware of the tri-hulls underperformance in rough and choppy waters. Therefore, interest in these boats dispersed and eventually disappeared over the years.

Anglers and pleasure boaters don’t want to be limited to only one type of water condition: calm, flat water. Thus, they want a boat that will allow them to explore and enjoy the ocean.

Hence, investing in a boat that is only limited to calm waters could be seen as a losing proposition for many.

Not Worth The Investment

The cost of a boat can sometimes be comparable to the cost of a house. Therefore, it’s an investment that requires careful deliberation and thought.

Hence, investing in a boat that is only capable of riding on smooth, calm waters, wouldn’t be considered making the most out of your money to some people.

Final Thoughts

Essentially, a tri-hull boat can be described as containing a traditional ‘V’ hull, although with two additional hulls on either side. When compared with other ‘V’-bottomed boats, the tri-hull has greater stability in its design.

However, since they have a larger surface area located on the bow section, it creates an unfavorable boating experience on choppy and rough waters. Hence, the reason why they lost popularity in the 1980s.

Hopefully, this guide has informed you on everything you need to know about tri-hull boats.

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• Tri Hull Boat

Tri Hull Boat Boats for sale

1-15 of 566

1967 Hatteras 38 Tri-cabin

Eucha, Oklahoma

Make Hatteras

Model 38 Tri-cabin

Category Motoryachts

Posted 1 Month Ago

Stock #395044 Classic boat - runs well! Will be a perfect boat for cruising or spending the weekends aboard! The 1967 Hatteras 38 Tri Cabin is a classic and iconic motor yacht known for its timeless design, sturdy construction, and comfortable accommodations. The boat's layout, which features three separate cabins. These include a forward cabin with V-berth, a mid-ship cabin with twin bunk beds, and an aft cabin with a larger berth. Each cabin offers privacy and comfort for onboard occupants. Built during the golden era of Hatteras Yachts, the 1967 Hatteras 38 Tri Cabin boasts a robust and seaworthy construction. Its hull is traditionally crafted from fiberglass, a cutting-edge material at the time known for its durability and longevity. The exterior of the Hatteras 38 Tri Cabin is characterized by its sleek lines, prominent bow, and generous deck space. It features a spacious aft deck, suitable for outdoor dining, lounging, or fishing. The flybridge, accessible via a ladder or stairs, offers additional seating and provides excellent visibility for navigation. Stepping inside the Hatteras 38 Tri Cabin, you're greeted by a well-appointed salon featuring large windows that flood the space with natural light and offer panoramic views of the surroundings. The salon includes comfortable seating areas, a dining table, and storage cabinets. Adjacent to the salon, the galley is equipped with essential appliances and amenities for preparing meals onboard. These include a stove, oven, refrigerator, sink, and ample storage for provisions and cookware. The Hatteras 38 Tri Cabin is powered by twin diesel engines, offering reliable performance and efficient cruising speeds. The engines are housed in an engine room below deck, providing easy access for maintenance and servicing. Throughout the interior and exterior, the Hatteras 38 Tri Cabin showcases classic design elements and high-quality craftsmanship, including teak woodwork, brass fittings, and nautical accents. It is designed for extended stays onboard, the Hatteras 38 Tri Cabin prioritizes comfort and livability, making it an ideal choice for cruising, entertaining, or as a floating vacation home. Overall, the 1967 Hatteras 38 Tri Cabin embodies the timeless elegance and seaworthy performance that have made Hatteras Yachts a respected name in the boating industry for decades.

1980 Trojan F-36 Tri-Cabin

Punta Gorda, Florida

Make Trojan

Model F-36 Tri-Cabin

Category Aft Cabins

The hull, deck, and exterior of the boat are in good condition. The captain's chair needs to be replaced. The interior needs a complete refit. The boat has been on stands in the boatyard for about two years and has not been operated during that time. Stock #328756 Well-built Trojan 36 Aft Cabin Motor Yacht. Spacious and well-suited for cruising, or as a perfect live aboard! Trojan is known for their good builds and this aft cabin model is no exception. The boat has a solid fiberglass hull and uses quality hardware throughout. The aft cabin model is spacious, with an open flush deck and a massive bright and airy salon. For privacy, the aft cabin has its own head, and the forward V berth has a head just outside the door. On deck is a huge cockpit with excellent visibility. The boat includes an enclosure for protection from the elements. Wide walkways allow easy access to the bow. This Trojan has the feel of a larger motor yacht, with the maneuverability of a 36-foot boat. The boat has twin engines and a 6.5 kW gasoline generator (currently in operable, estimated cost to rebuild is about $4100.) It has a large refrigerator, a microwave, stove/oven, and a coffee maker. For entertainment, there is a stereo, a TV in the salon, and an LED TV in each berth. The owner used the boat for winter vacations and enjoyed the ample room and comfort it provided. It has the size and the features to make a great live aboard. If you are looking for a solid motor yacht, as a cruiser or live-aboard, at an attractive price this Trojan just might be the boat for you. Make an offer today! Reason for selling is not using it.

The hull, deck, and exterior of the boat are in good condition. The captain's chair needs to be replaced. The interior needs a complete refit. The boat has been on stands in the boatyard for about two years and has not been operated during that time. Stock #328756 Well-built Trojan 36 Aft Cabin Motor Yacht. Spacious and well-suited for cruising, or as a perfect live aboard! Trojan is known for their good builds and this aft cabin model is no exception. The boat has a solid fiberglass hull and uses quality hardware throughout. The aft cabin model is spacious, with an open flush deck and a massive bright and airy salon. For privacy, the aft cabin has its own head, and the forward V berth has a head just outside the door. On deck is a huge cockpit with excellent visibility. The boat includes an enclosure for protection from the elements. Wide walkways allow easy access to the bow. This Trojan has the feel of a larger motor yacht, with the maneuverability of a 36-foot boat. The boat has twin engines and a 6.5 kW gasoline generator (currently in-operable, estimated cost to rebuild is about $4100.) It has a large refrigerator, a microwave, stove/oven, and a coffee maker. For entertainment, there is a stereo, a TV in the salon, and an LED TV in each berth. The owner used the boat for winter vacations and enjoyed the ample room and comfort it provided. It has the size and the features to make a great live aboard. If you are looking for a solid motor yacht, as a cruiser or live-aboard, at an attractive price this Trojan just might be the boat for you. Make an offer today! Reason for selling is not using it.

1981 Tollycraft 34 Tri-Cabin

San Francisco, California

Make Tollycraft

Model 34 Tri-Cabin

A sales rep has been onboard this boat to take photos but we do not have his comments regarding the condition. According to the owner, this boat has been well cared for and has the following systems replaced with New Water Heater, New Water Tank, New Batteries, Runs Great, ready to be enjoyed. Stock #245913 This Tri-cabin 34 is sure to please anyone looking for a nicely appointed and well cared for west coast cruiser! New Water Heater! New Water Tank!!! UPDATE 10/27/2022 The boat was put in dry dock for some maintenance. Attached are a few pictures of today's conditions with NEW through-hull for Generator and New Anoodes for rudder, flaps,shafts and transdom. UPDATE 5/30/2022 The owners have just re-floored both decks on the boat. See the new photos in the gallery Tollycraft boats are well known for their superior construction, comfort and reliability on the water. The Tri Cabin is wonderfully laid out with an aft cabin, mid-salon and v-berth that sleeps two. You can sleep two in the aft cabin twin beds and two in the converted dinette mid-cabin. All cabins are heated and there are heads forward and aft. Powered by twin Mercruiser engines you will have great range and reliability cruising the Delta or the Bay. The boat has a flybridge complete with a fully operational helm, ample seating and two biminis to stay out of the sun. Priced to sell, come to Pittsburgh, CA and see for yourself this classic Tollycraft. Reason for selling is no longer using it.

1971 Shell Lake Tri-Hull 15' foot Fiberglass Boat with Trailer

Wautoma, Wisconsin

Make Shell Lake Tri-Hull

Posted Over 1 Month

1971 Shell Lake Tri-Hull 15' foot Fiberglass Boat with Trailer (no motor)parked at Mark's Quality Marine in Wautoma, Wisconsin if you want to look at it.

1975 ALL SPORT TRI-HULL 15' foot fiberglass BOAT with TRAILER

Make All Sport Tri-Hull

1975 ALL SPORT TRI-HULL 15' foot fiberglass BOAT with TRAILER (no motor)parked at Mark's Quality Marine in Wautoma, Wisconsin if you want to look at it.

Boat Tri Hull 12'

East Moline, Illinois

1980 12' fiberglass Tri Hull Gamefisher.Good Condition. Rated for 10 hp motor and up to 3 people. Boat & trailer measures 15'6" long and 52" wide.  Galvanized trailer 1 7/8" ball. New roller bunks, new tires, new bearings.1 year old Interstate Deepcycle marine battery. Motorguide 45# foot controlled trolling motor.  Swivel seats, live well, rod holders. Registered thru 2019. Fish ready.  $700. Cash only No , I don't need help selling  this boat.  Call Jeff 309-230-2489I have. title for boat & trailer

BOAT,fishing boat,outboard,chrysler motor,trailer, and engine book,.AS IS,

Glendora, California

Make BOAT,TRI HULL SEATS 8,FISHING,SKIING

Tri Hull Boat for sale

Boise, Idaho

1974 15' Fiberform tri-hull boat with early 80's 75 hp Evinrude outboard engine and trailer. New battery, new spark plugs, new trailer lights, new gas tank, transome holder life jackets etc. Have complete set of manuals for the motor. I've had it a year and have not put it in the water, but hull looks ok. Motor turns over but won't start. Bought it to restore but have lost interest. I have $800 invested and need to get that back. Good winter project for a handy person? Call me at 208-850-7800.

14ft tri hull

Youngstown, Ohio

boat needs totally restored with trailer boat has title.

1978 Playcraft Tri-Hull

Astor, Florida

1978 Playcraft Tri-Hull,This beautifully decorated 40 x 12 houseboat was custom built from the pontoons up in 2008. The 8 x 12 front porch was added in 2010. The fiberglass pontoons were refinished in 2014. Many new custom extras throughout make this houseboat one of a kind and turnkey ready for an excellent live-aboard or leisure cruising. The like new interior includes a queen master bedroom with a closet and dresser. Large bathroom with full shower and vanity with mirrored double medicine cabinet. Full kitchen with a full sized refrigerator/freezer with icemaker, microwave, gas range and oven and a double stainless steel sink. Queen leather sofa with a new (2014) 4 foam mattress. New (2013) round eucalyptus wood dining room with 4 matching chairs. Premium carpet and vinyl flooring. 9 Foot ceilings accommodate ceiling fans in the salon, bedroom and front porch. Double paned windows and venetian blinds throughout interior. 26 flat screen TV in the salon and a 15 flat screen TV in the bedroom. Both TVs also play DVDs and are cable ready. AM/FM/CD/USB/IPod capable entertainment system with an interior and exterior sound system. VHF radio with new (2013) steering wheel, gauges, tach, speedometer and compass. Fully insulated with central air and heat. Purasan Waste System with holding tank. 100 gallon fresh water tanks. 20 gallon hot water heater. Upgraded (2014) 12 volt LED lighting throughout with rope lighting on the front and rear decks. Interior and exterior 110v outlets. Smoke/carbon monoxide detector. 3 new (2013) fire extinguishers. 3 new (2014) batteries (2 interior and 1 engine battery).The front deck has removable or roll-up full camper canvas with screens and vinyl enclosures, large custom built (2013) aluminum counter with a gas barbeque, a new glass top table with 4 chairs, 2 new (2013) custom built storage boxes, one for 3 propane tanks and the other for misc. storage. Both have cushions for extra seating. The rear deck contains a large stainless steel storage box, new (2013) 50 gallon gas tank, the AC unit and a 2013 Generac 8000/10,000 surge generator that will give you whole boat power when not using shore power. A new (2013) access ladder to the 28 x 12 EDPM 50 year warranty rubber upper deck is also at the rear. The houseboat is powered by a 2013 150HP Mercury outboard motor.All new hook-up lines for shore power and fresh water are included. Also, 4 new anchors, chains and lines, dock lines and large fenders. 2 new (2014) extra large dock boxes, one mounted on the upper deck and one on the dock. $90000, 4073211350

17 ft Tri hull

Mocksville, North Carolina

I have a 17 ft tri hull boat for sale. The boat looks and runs great. It is powered by an 80 hp mercury outboard. The boat does have some normal wear like scratches and paint chips. There is no wood rot or soft spots whatsoever. The boat doesnt take in one drop of water even after being in the water for 3 days. It comes with a gps/sonar combo, a trolling motor and an aerated cooler/livewell seat. I just installed a keel guard, a new power tilt trim unit, a stainless prop and a prop guard. call or text 3365292498

deck boat fiberglass tri hull with trailer

Cleveland, Tennessee

Make Viking

Model Sport Deck

Category Deck Boats

Length 18.0

top in good condition, seats 9 ppl. Tennessee does not require a title for boat or trailer, bill of sale only. boat is currently registered. sold as is , no refunds

15 foot tri hull fishing boat

Wheeling, Illinois

Boat completely remodel last year for walk around fishing, sleep 3 persons under rain. 4 cycle motor has no more than 40 hours. Motor used as kicker motor on big boat that I sold. Not required to mix oil with gas. New fish finder, tires, carpet. Include big cooler , oar and anchcor. All electrical stuff new. I kept boat in garage and for that reason front of the trailer has extension that removed (see picture)

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• Boats and Yachts

Tri-Hull Boat | benefits and drawbacks

Have you heard about a boat that is tri-hull? A ship with a standard V-hull base and two additional hulls at both ends.

Traditionally, tri-hull boats have been used for boats in the range of 10 to 12 legs. Shorter boats can take advantage of the added stability that this motorboat design provides. 

Because tri-hull boats are usually smaller, dinghy-style boats, recreational anglers use them extensively on placid ponds.

In the following article, find out what tri-hull boats are, their pros and cons, and why they aren’t so popular anymore.

Tri-Hull Boat

The majority of people are unaware there is anything like a tri-hulled watercraft. You have already been fascinated by boats with two hulls, for example, the catamarans. 

But three hulls? Three hulls may seem overkill initially, but the design had been well-liked for a long time. A fundamental difference between a tri-hull ship and a V-hulled ship is that the tri-hull ship has two additional hulls on either side of the V-shaped vessel. 

The tri-hull ship has a bottom that resembles an ‘M’  if you look at it from the front. In the past, anglers have widely used tri-hull boats for recreation and boating. 

Their buoyancy, steady design, and the fact that they can be boarded by airplanes make them very popular.

Trimarans are ships that can be used for fishing in tournaments, sporting activities, etc. This ship design can also be found in warships and ferries in times past.

These ships are generally categorized as multi-hulls, in the same category as the tri-hull. Due to the introduction of newly developed technology and later developments, tri-hulled watercraft have enhanced their fundamental design to increase their overall performance, speed, and buoyancy.

Tunnel Hull Boats

They are also called tunnel hull boats since they form large tunnels at the bottom whenever on the water. Their shape is almost the same as a V-hull but larger. The tri-hulls have less contact with the water because of their specific design, so they’re more buoyant and have less drag.

Because of this, these are usually faster than sailboats with traditional hull designs. Their three hulls at the end allow them to possess additional deck space. Additionally, boaters can expect that they will offer superb stability.

Pros of Tri-Hull Boats

Compared to boats with additional hulls, tri-hull boats offer many more advantages. Here are a few of these advantages:

1. Sail Smoothly.

The tri-hull boats have been constructed with three hulls to float flatter. They won’t even heel every time you turn. In some sea problems, where a monohull boat may be moving, these tri-hulls will always move equally.

2. Quick Destination.

As opposed to other boats with only one hull, tri-hulls have three. The force is distributed between the three hulls instead of just one during the boat. The hulls of tri-hulls are higher in the water than those of other boats.

3. Barely Sinkable.

Tri-hull boats often have flotation materials such as closed-cell foam along their three hulls, as opposed to traditional boats with just one hull. This means that tri-hull boats are not as easily sinkable as monohull ships.

4. High Protection.

Tri-hull boats have broad, level hulls. This is an effect of enhanced security. A normal ship wobbles in the water when people are boarding. This will not happen with a tri-hull boat.

In reality, you can walk around a tri-hull vessel’s deck and will not become tipsy in some spots. Improved vessel stability is useful for skiers, anglers, and weekend boaters.

5. Superlative Resilience

Whenever you are on the deck of the tri-hull, you will feel it offers greater buoyancy than other boats. 

The middle hull provides 90% of the boat’s buoyancy; however, the two hulls on either side provide stability. To get the boat out to the plane, you rev the engine. 

As the engine revs, the boat rises on a plane or planes out on the water. Its bow will be lifted above the water’s surface if the boat travels on top of the plane.

6. Bounteous Space

Because tri-hull boats have three hulls on the bottom, they have more deck space than other boats. This characteristic made these types of boats fashionable in the 1960s. 

Moreover, the federal government used the design to build warships and large ferries during that period.

7. Light Weight

In contrast to huge boats, tri-hulls have smaller cross-decks. This means they do not need as many encouraging structures to create the structure’s integrity. 

Consequently, they can carry more excess fat than ships while weighing considerably less.

8. Competitive.

As a result, these ships are relatively cheaper to own and operate. They are often less expensive than ships with similar dimensions, which is certainly the case with different hull styles. 

In addition, these ships require less power than ships with different hulls, so they’re more economical.

Cons Of Tri-Hull Boat

Even if a boat has a tri-hull, it still has some disadvantages you shouldn’t ignore. Here are a few of those disadvantages:

1. Not for Agitated Waters.

Tri-hulls are not ideally suited to sailing on choppy waters – at any speed. But you can minimize the pounding if you operate ‘bow large.’ But once you leave calmer waters and the tri-hull is shifting, you will wish you were on land.

2. Damp While Running

Tri-hulls generally become wet as soon as they are running. If you’re upwind, you should wear a raincoat. The hulls slap down water on the deck more often than you would like.

3. Substandard For Fisherman

While tri-hulls offer great stability when entertaining and barbecuing on the deck, some believe they are not fishing-friendly. 

But others believe tri-hulls can also be used as fishing systems, especially for families and children.

4. Lousy For Freeflow

In open water, tri-hulls generally don’t do well. They can be choppy and make those on board wet.

As a result, most tri-hulls, especially the smaller ones, are used primarily on lakes and rivers.

Fall of Tri-Hulls Popularity

In the 60s, tri-hulls were widely popular; however, they are not much known today. They started to lose their vapor in the 1980s. 

Why is this so? Several good reasons these types of ships have lost their appeal.

1. Redesigned Many Times

Tri-hull boats have been modified and greatly altered to become multifunctional. The result has been the change of the original design of an inflatable boat, a tri-hull.

The makers of this watercraft replaced it with a more modern design, a tri-hull.

2. Their Incredible Buoyancy Sank Them.

In calm oceans, tri-hulls have excellent buoyancy; however, they wobble and bob along with every chop on rough seas. When an individual is in open waters without shelter or in open seas with choppy water, they will wobble and bob with every wave.

As a tri-hull goes around the water every time a big revolution comes, its constant up-and-down motions have become unattractive to many tri-hull owners. They chose a more comfortable ship instead.

3. Tri-Hulls’ Limitations.

When they bought the vessels, boat owners realized that tri-hulls do not operate well in rough or choppy seas. This is certainly limiting its future market. 

Anglers and pleasure boaters do not wish to be restricted in their exploration and enjoyment of the ocean. Therefore, spending money on a boat capable only of cruising tranquil waters seemed to be a loss for their money.

4. Damp Ride.

The boat isn’t V-hulled, so it can’t cut waves. In cases where a tri-hull hits powerful waves, water can splash up against the amas or outriggers on both sides of the boat, spraying the water throughout the boat deck.

Many ship manufacturers addressed this problem by customizing the design of tri-hulls. Instead of rigid ama, their particular tri-hulls were collapsible to survive in rough water.

5. It Doesn’t justify the expense.

The price of a motorboat is much like that of a property. This is certainly an investment that requires careful consideration. Who would like to choose a boat that only offers a trip that is only pleasurable in calm waters but not in rough seas?

Final Verdict

It has two extra hulls on both edges despite being a tri-hull boat. It was not as unstable as most V-bottomed ships with this design. 

Due to the larger surface area in the bow, this boat’s ride is rougher on choppy water. this boat’s ride is rougher on choppy water. This could explain why many major tri-hulls lost their appeal during the 1980s.

Here are a few more pros and cons of tri-hull boats that should help you evaluate them further:

• ADVANTAGES 

Tri-hulls are smaller, faster, have greater buoyancy, and weigh less than other boats, yet carry more weight. Their sails are slimmer, so they sail faster and sink less than other boats.

• DISADVANTAGES

These boats are not suitable for choppy water, wet when operating, and not good for open-water fishing.

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In 2007 the US Navy contacted Workskiff to design and build a stable heavy-duty aluminum work boat to replace their aging Boston Whaler oil spill response fleet. The result was the Workskiff Tri-Hull C Series. This unique hull design has been used in the marine business for decades and is known for the ability to get on plane easy and be relatively stable at rest.

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Model ship clubs of the usa.

• Updated on: 24th January 2021
• Written by Gary Renshaw

Model Ship building is a craft that has been around since water transport first began. Every boat ever built has a unique story to tell. The model ship clubs of the United States have an important part to play in continuing the skills and tradition of the art of model ship building. Here we have compiled a list of the model ships clubs that are situated across the United States.

California Model Ship Clubs

Ship modelers association.

The Ship Modelers Association (SMA) is the largest ship modeling club in California, and one of the largest in the nation. They seek to foster research and interest in the nautical heritage of the United States by researching and building scale ship models. 

Sacramento Mo del Shipwrights

The Sacramento Model Shipwrights, are a club of radio-control model ship enthusiasts, who sail at the lake in Elk Grove Regional Park in Elk Grove, California. They are known for building civilian and military models, which are powered by electric motors, steam engines, or sail.

South Bay Model Shipwrights

The South Bay Model Shipwrights is a club to learn and share info on shipbuilding techniques using a variety of materials.  Member’s projects include model ships from plastic and wood from commercial kits and scratch built vessels in resin and wood. 

Club members have built ships ranging from 3’ to 56” in Over All length.  Members have built vessels from all timeframes in human history.  This includes rafts, Viking Ships, Galleons, Clipper Ships, Japanese and Chinese Sailing ships, Steam Ferry Boats, and modern era combat ships.

At club meetings they discuss maritime construction, current events, history, and archaeology.

Channel Islands Maritime Museum Ship Model Guild

The Channel Islands Maritime Museum sponsors a Ship Model Guild, an active club of local model builders, who meet once a month at the Museum.  The public is welcome to the monthly meetings, third Tuesday of the month at 6:30 PM and all are welcome to join the Guild.

Learn Maritime history by building models of ships that made history.  Techniques for wood, plastic or metal construction are addressed at the meetings.  Every meeting is different as members discuss their progress during the “show and tell” sessions.  Interesting bits of information are exchanged about the ships of adventure on the high seas. 

Inland Nautical Society

Inland Nautical Society is a club for Radio Controlled Model Boaters. The club have beginners who have never built a model before, to the experienced modelers who have built museum quality models. The club has a reputation of friendly and knowledgeable members who are eager to share a wealth of their knowledge and expertise of radio controlled modeling.

San Diego Ship Modeler’s Guild

The San Diego Ship Modeler’s Guild welcomes people of all ages with an interest in preserving maritime history through the art of ship modeling. Membership ranges from new ship modelers to experienced master modelers. Ship model projects include period sailing ships through to contemporary steel navy.

Hyde Street Pier Model Shipwrights

The Hyde Street Pier Model Shipwrights are associated with the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, a unit of the National Park Service, and have a model shop aboard the historic ferryboat Eureka berthed at the Hyde Street Pier.

Anyone interested in model shipbuilding is welcome to attend their meetings. Members can offer advice and support on all stages of model shipbuilding, from selecting a kit for your first model to advanced layout and scratch building.

San Francisco Model Yacht Club

Colorado model ship clubs, rocky mountain shipwrights.

The Rocky Mountain Shipwrights group of model ship builders in Colorado dedicated to promoting, developing, and furthering scale model shipbuilding. With about 50 members, building many types and sizes of model ships – from Egyptian barges to WWII destroyers, ships in bottles to all-paper models, miniature liners to four-foot men of war. Several members and their creations have won national and regional awards, and some have built models now on display at maritime museums nationwide.

But they are not all expert modelers. Some members are working on their first models. They get advice and encouragement from those who are more experienced, and the goal is for everyone to enjoy the hobby of building model ships and to get the satisfaction of completing and displaying their work.

Connecticut Model Ship Clubs

Connecticut marine model society.

Connecticut Marine Model Society are a group of enthusiastic ship model builders from Connecticut. They meet on the second Saturday of the month from September to June in West Haven, Ct. They build models from scratch or from kits; both wood and plastic. The subjects range from wooden sailing ship to present day ships of steel.

Florida Model Ship Clubs

Southwest florida shipmodeler’s guild.

The Southwest Florida Shipmodeler’s Guild purpose is to provide and promote a forum from which its members can share their model ship building knowledge, skills and techniques, personal experiences, nautical history and any other related maritime interests that might benefit its membership. Their goal is to learn and grow in competence in pursuing the construction of ship models in an atmosphere of constructive fellowship, assistance, and active participation.

Their members come from all walks of life and represent all levels of ship modeling skill from novice to expert. Meeting in a friendly and informal environment at the beautiful Fort Myers Riverside Community Center.

Tampa Bay Ship Model Society

The Tampa Bay Ship Model Society brings together model ship builders, both newcomers and veteran builders, for the mutual benefit of expanding their knowledge of ships, research, techniques, and further develop their abilities in all areas relevant to ship model building and maritime history.

Members model in all materials; wood, metal, paper and polymers, from plans only, or commercial kits, vessels from every era and purpose; Exploration, Steel Navy, Submarines, Yachts, Tugs, Commercial, Fishing, Liners, Working Small Craft, Coast Guard, River/Paddle Wheel, Racing Power and Sail.

Georgia Model Ship Clubs

Atlanta model shipwrights.

Atlanta Model Shipwrights aim to educate and promote model shipbuilding through fellowship mentoring and instruction in a non-competitive environment. Meetings are held the second Saturday of each month from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

Illinois Model Ship Clubs

The north shore deadeyes.

The North Shore Deadeyes primarily focused on static scale ship models with an emphasis on the Great Age of Sail, but builders of models from all eras and at all levels of skill welcome.

Midwest Model Shipwrights

The Midwest Model Shipwrights was formed in 1982 by individuals who had a common interest in model ship building and maritime history. Goals of the club are to discuss and share modeling ideas and concepts while making new friends.

Vessels built by the Shipwrights represent a variety of types and eras. Sizes range from miniatures a few inches in length to radio control warships over five feet long, and from basic to amazingly complex. Their membership includes beginning through to advanced modelers, some of whose works can be found in museums, galleries and private collections.

In spite of all these accomplishments, the organization’s primary focus remains the interaction between expert, intermediate and novice.

Indiana Model Ship Clubs

Admirals of indianapolis.

Admirals of Indianapolis club’s members build and operate scale merchant ships, pleasure craft, work boats, military ships, sailboats, and just about anything that floats or submerges (in the case of submarine models). Many boats are built from kits and some are scratch-built from plans and photographs. The models are powered by electric motors, steam engines, or wind power in the case of sailboats.

Kansas Model Ship Clubs

Kansas city square riggers modeling association.

The Kansas City Square Riggers Club are a model ship-building enthusiasts club based out of the greater Kansas City area. They welcome builders of all skill levels and interests. If you are into naval research and model building they would love to hear from you.

Massachusetts Model Ship Clubs

Uss constitution model shipwright guild.

The USS Constitution Model Shipwright Guild is the largest model ship association on the East Coast. Meetings overlooking Old Ironsides at the USS Constitution Museum are well attended.  In addition to monthly meetings, the Guild takes part in the annual meeting of model clubs from Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. They also attend the annual Salem Maritime Festival and the Antique & Classic Boat Festival, as well as the biennial Woods Hole Model Boat Show.

Novices and experienced model builders alike can have fun developing resources, experiences, and skills by joining us. SS Constitution Model Shipwright Guild

U.S. Vintage Model Yacht Group

The US Vintage Model Yacht Group is a Special Interest Group of the American Model Yachting Association. Their organizational goals are the preservation, building, and sailing of older model yacht designs and the study of the history of the sport of model yachting.

“Vintage” primarily means any older model sailboats no longer sailed (or never raced) in serious competition. These encompass free-sailing model yachts, older designs converted to R/C and pre-1970s R/C sailing models. This includes class racing yachts, non-class sailing models, and commercially-built toys of the past. There are also replica models built to the older designs and new designs recreating older sailboat styles.

The group also support those who sail traditional sailing craft models, such as Schooners, Skipjacks, and other scale models. The hulls are generally made of wood, with some fiberglass models, and range in length from 1 to 6 ft. The rigs are usually constructed from wood or aluminum, with cotton or dacron sails.

Marine Modelers Club of New England

The Marine Modelers Club of New England have about 50 members, based in the greater Boston area.  They meet monthly, usually pond-side, when the weather allows it.  Meetings are rather informal, with little time spent on business, and lots of time talking about RC boats. 

Their members are a creative bunch, and there is usually an interesting array of models at gatherings. Their modelers are a creative bunch and there is usually an interesting array of models at their gatherings. Their interests include tugboats, warships, pleasure craft, sailboats (both scale and racing) and pond sailors.  

Merrimack Valley Ship Model Club  

The Merrimack Valley Ship Model Club are an enthusiastic and friendly group of model ship makers who share a particular interest in the naval history of Newburyport, and the Merrimack River Valley area.

Maryland Model Ship Clubs

CBMM’s volunteer Maritime Model Guild supports the curatorial needs of CBMM with exhibition models and building kits that are available for purchase  online  and at the Museum Store. In addition, the Guild offers classes for building scratch models, and the annual  Maritime Model Expo  featuring “live” steamboat models, skipjacks with working sails, speedboats, tugs, and other radio-controlled miniatures.

The group also hosts children’s model-making activities at CBMM’s signature events and other outreach and educational programs throughout the year. 

Washington Ship Model Society

The Washington Ship Model Society (WSMS) was founded in 1929 and is the oldest continuously active ship model club in the United States. The organization is composed of active ship model enthusiasts from the Greater Washington, DC, Metropolitan Area. Its purpose is to provide a socially enjoyable means for serious ship modelers to meet, share, and expand upon their common avocation through the exchange of ideas and knowledge.

The society draws its members from all walks of life and many different occupations. The modelers’ skills range from absolute beginners to professionals who have constructed models for maritime exhibits in the Smithsonian Institution and other museums throughout the United States and Europe. Over the years, members have written numerous articles for nautical research and ship model publications. Society membership has included such notables as President Franklin D. Roosevelt, then Major (and later General) George Patton, Howard I. Chappelle, and Paul E. Garber.

The interests of the modelers are as varied as their occupations, ranging from 17th-century sailing vessels to radio-controlled models of modern powered craft. All types of ship models have been constructed, in static display and operating versions, and in wood, brass, plastic, and card media. 

The society conducts monthly meetings, alternating between Virginia and Maryland locations. The meeting format consists of brief society business, informal discussions of members’ model projects and a program or presentation relating to a nautical or ship modeling topic.  Society members also form subgroups to focus on common modeling interests, such as steel (modern) ship modeling or plank-on-frame modeling. Subgroups are open to all members and meet on a periodic basis, generally in members’ homes. The club’s newsletter, the  Lynx , is published monthly. 

Maine Model Ship Clubs

Down east ship modelers guild.

The Down East Ship Modelers Guild is an active group of static and R/C modelers, ranging from novice to experienced. They meet on the second Thursday of each month from 1 pm – 3 pm at the Legion Hall in Bath, Maine. The group has a long history of association with the Maine Maritime Museum , also in Bath, ME.

Michigan Model Ship Clubs

Great lakes nautical society.

The Great Lakes Nautical Society is a club consisting of model shipbuilders, who are interested in persevering Great Lakes history through model ship building, the model ship shows and educational seminars put on by the club members. The club is open to anyone with an interest in model shipbuilding and the Great Lakes.

Minnesota Model Ship Clubs

The state of Minnesota currently has no model ship clubs listed. 

Missouri Model Ship Clubs

St. louis admirals model boat club.

The St. Louis Admirals R/C Model Boat Club is a group of hobbyists dedicated to sharing the knowledge and fun of the R/C model boat hobby. The depth and breadth of experience the club offers, combined with its laid-back atmosphere, attract the beginner modeler and master builders alike.

Nevada Model Ship Clubs

The state of Nevada currently has no model ship clubs listed. 

New Hampshire Model Ship Clubs

Their members are a creative bunch, and there is usually an interesting array of models at gatherings. Their modelers are a creative bunch and there is usually an interesting array of model at their gatherings. Their interests include tugboats, warships, pleasure craft, sailboats (both scale and racing) and pond sailors. 

New Jersey Model Ship Clubs

The ship model society of new jersey.

The Ship Model Society of New Jersey is dedicated to the pursuit and enjoyment of ship model building in all its forms. They welcome those who enjoy or would like to learn more about this fascinating hobby. Membership spans all skill levels, from novice or highly accomplished and from gadget guru to historical recreator.  Meetings aim to share collective wisdom and resources, and provide the opportunity to enjoy the company of other modelers. 

South Orange Seaport Society

South Orange Seaport Society is a group of folks of all ages who like model boating. They have boats from kits and scratch builds, electric and steam-driven, quite a few fun electric race boats, and some eccentric things. A group of people from all walks of life who like RC boating. 

New Mexico Model Ship Clubs

The state of New Mexico currently has no model ship clubs listed.

New York Model Ship Clubs

Buffalo model boat club.

Radio Controlled model boating is a fascinating hobby that can be as simple or as complex as one wants and can be enjoyed by all age groups. There are as many types of model boats as there are full sizes: enough to satisfy all tastes and interests. Those who enjoy the excitement of speed will find plenty of thrills and competition in the fast electric field. Sailing enthusiasts will find that the racing of radio-controlled sailboats offers all the challenge and exhilaration of the full-sized yachts. Builders of exact scale models get the added satisfaction of operating their craft under full radio control. 

The Model Shipwright Guild of Western New York

Upon a chance introduction at the Military History Society of Rochester New York in 2015 several like-minded individuals, working through the Nautical Research Guild, were able to form our group.  They quickly realized they were an enthusiastic collection of ship modelers and researchers interested in the history and preservation of our maritime legacy in the age of sail and more.

The Model Shipwright Guild of Western New York brings together members from near and far;  Rochester NY, Syracuse NY, Buffalo NY and even Lisbon Portugal. From all walks of life, experience, endeavours with varied nautical interests making for a very dynamic group.

They draw in subject matter experts to enlighten the club meetings on the historical nature of the naval and maritime craft, and their accurate modeling.

Empire State Model Mariners

The Empire State Model Mariners club was founded in 1988, by a group of model boat enthusiasts. The club is a non-profit organization aimed at recreational RC boating and building, with emphasis placed on helping each other and welcoming new members.

We welcome all classes of modelers, from beginners to experts. Boats can be ready to runs, semi kits, kits and scratch built. Whatever your passion is, pleasure crafts, speedboats, workboats, fishing vessels or military replicas.

North Carolina Model Ship Clubs

Carolina maritime society.

The Carolina Maritime Model Society exists to promote the production of high-quality ship models and encourage members and the public to participate in this craft that is as old as shipbuilding itself. 

The society is the only such organization in the entire state and has become a major vehicle for widening public interest in North Carolina’s maritime history and culture.

Ohio Model Ship Clubs

Shipwrights of ohio.

The Shipwrights of Ohio is a club dedicated to model shipbuilding. All types of ships and boats: sailing to steel navy, wood, resin, plastic, kits to scratch built, static to radio control. for all ages – young to retirees, and all skill levels – beginner to expert. Members share their skills, ideas and expertise.

The Shipwrights of Ohio were founded in 2004. Its purpose is to provide a socially enjoyable means for serious and not-so-serious ship modelers to meet, share, and expand their common avocation through the exchange of ideas and skill knowledge. Skills range from beginners to those who build museum quality models.

Oklahoma Model Ship Clubs

The state of Oklahoma currently has no model ship clubs listed. 

Oregon Model Ship Clubs

The state of Oregon currently has no model ship clubs listed. 

Pennsylvania Model Ship Clubs

Philadelphia ship model society.

The Ship Model Shack is the home of the  Philadelphia Ship Model Society , the oldest ship modeling society in America. The Museum is home to over 50 ship models, but this is the only place to see them being created right before your eyes. Have a seat, and watch a model come together while talking with the modelers. 

Rhode Island Model Ship Clubs

Tennessee model ship clubs.

The state of Tennessee currently has no model ship clubs listed. 

Texas Model Ship Clubs

Gulf coast ship modelers society.

The Gulf Coast Ship Model Society is a welcoming group of amateur and professional ship modelers who enjoy sharing their work and discussing tips and tricks of the trade.

Meetings are held on the second Saturday every odd month from 10:00am – 1:00pm at the Houston Maritime Museum. Members are encouraged to bring models they are working on for a ‘show & tell’ discussion.

Utah Model Ship Clubs

Utah State currently has no model ship clubs listed. 

Virginia Model Ship Clubs

The Washington Ship Model Society (WSMS) was founded in 1929 and is the oldest continuously active ship model club in the United States. The organization is composed of active ship model enthusiasts from the Greater Washington, DC, Metropolitan Area. Its purpose is to provide a socially enjoyable means for serious shipmodelers to meet, share, and expand upon their common avocation through the exchange of ideas and knowledge.

The society draws its membership from all walks of life and many different occupations. The modelers’ skills range from absolute beginners to professionals who have constructed models for maritime exhibits in the Smithsonian Institution and other museums throughout the United States and Europe. Over the years, members have written numerous articles for nautical research and ship model publications. Society membership has included such notables as President Franklin D. Roosevelt, then Major (and later General) George Patton, Howard I. Chappelle, and Paul E. Garber.

The interests of the modelers are as varied as their occupations, ranging from 17th century sailing vessels to radio-controlled models of modern powered craft. All types of ship models have been constructed, in static display and operating versions, and in wood, brass, plastic, and card media.

The society conducts monthly meetings, alternating between Virginia and Maryland locations. The meeting format consists of brief society business, informal discussions of members’ model projects and a program or presentation relating to a nautical or ship modeling topic.  Society members also form subgroups to focus on common modeling interests, such as steel (modern) ship modeling or plank-on-frame modeling. Subgroups are open to all members and meet on a periodic basis, generally in members’ homes. The club’s newsletter, the  Lynx , is published monthly.

Hampton Roads Ship Model Society

The Hampton Roads Ship Model Society, founded in 1967, is an association of individuals who are interested in pursuing the art of ship model building and the exploration of maritime history. The primary purpose of the society is to bring together persons interested in building quality ship models so that they may have the opportunity to exchange views and improve their skills. Members are people representing a wide range of ages who come from many varied occupations and backgrounds. Members come from as far north as the Northern Neck, as far west as western suburbs of Richmond and as far south as the border of North Carolina. Honorary members hail from such dispersed locations as Annapolis, Maryland and Toronto, Canada.

The interests of our members runs full spectrum, from the historical (photos and records), artistic (painting), decorative (pond yachts/half hulls), radio-controlled (RC) models, to highly detailed and historically accurate scale reproductions of all ship types. The skill level of members runs the full gamut from complete novices to highly skilled experts who have won top awards in highly regarded competitions both in the United States and abroad. Models built by past and present members of the Society can be found in many of our nation’s premier museums. Model builders of all skill levels are always welcome. The Society is dedicated to helping ship model builders new to the craft learn new skills while giving experienced builders the opportunity to perfect their abilities. Even the most highly-skilled members are always seeking to improve their techniques with the help and advice of other Society members.

Washington Model Ship Clubs

The state of Washington currently has no model ship clubs listed. 

Wisconsin Model Ship Clubs

Wisconsin scale boating association.

The Wisconsin Scale Boating Association is about promoting and enjoying the model shipbuilding hobby. 

They are a “scale” model club.  Models are representative of an actual boat or type of boat, either static or operational.  Radio-Controlled models attempt to recreate authentic operation and look like a full size boat. 

The club participates in several events throughout the year.  Membership is open to anyone who has an interest in the model boating hobby.​

KNOW A MODEL SHIP CLUB NOT ON THIS LIST?

If you know of a model ship club that is not on this list of United States Model Ship Clubs please let us know  here

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