Why a Small Trimaran Sailboat is Preferable by Joe Farinaccio

Why own a small trimaran as opposed to any other type of small sailboat? That's easy. Small trimarans are more fun than other types of small sailboats.

Yes, I know this is a pretty bold statement. But let's look at the main reason why most trimaran sailors would probably agree with me and say this is true.

Virtually all trimarans, including small ones, are faster than most monohull sailboats. This is undisputed fact.

With the exception of boats such as small dinghies, monohull sailboats carry heavy ballast. The ballast is an essential ingredient for added weight so the boat doesn't tip over, and is a natural part of a monohull's design configuration. So by default, most typical sailboats have to drag this extra weight through the water.

Trimarans don't carry ballast because their stability is derived from the outriggers on both sides of the main hull. This means trimaran designs permit lightweight, fast and highly responsive boats to be constructed. Monohulls just don't compare to multihulls in this regard, especially trimarans.

Small trimarans offer a sailing experience that is much speedier than other types of boats can offer. And depending upon the particular trimaran model, you may even be able to get one that is faster than some of those high-performance beach catamarans out there.

A monohull hitting 10 knots (especially a small monohull sailboat) is considered exceptional performance. In a typical trimaran, shredding along at 10 knots is more or less taken for granted. Most small trimarans on the market will easily reach speeds of 10 knots, and many will regularly hit 13-14 knots in the right conditions.

As one small tri lover said it, "Once you sail a boat that regularly leaves a powerboat-looking wake behind it ... you're hooked."

While more speed doesn't always mean more fun, I'm willing to bet most sailors would rather put their sails up and go faster more often than not. There are a number of reasons why small trimarans are among the fastest growing segments in the sailboat market. One of them surely has to be that they're fun to sail because they consistently offer so much speed.

Sailing a boat that is fast also offers other benefits.

You get to sail farther, and in much shorter time, if you're trying to reach a certain destination. And this means you'll get to see more coastal areas, wildlife, and waves along the way. So not only is your sailing more exhilarating, you cover more ground, and enjoy more scenic natural wonders every time you're on the water outdoors.

While you may recognize the proverbial truth that "pride goes before a fall," it's still going to be hard restraining your lips from bearing a huge smile whenever you blow past virtually every other sailboat on the water during your day sail.

There is something terribly pleasurable about flying by other sailboats ... especially boats that are much larger than yours. Be prepared to battle the pride in your human nature on a regular basis when you own a small trimaran.


About the Author
Joe Farinaccio (the small tri guy) writes about small trimarans at http://www.SmallTrimarans.com . Visit the site now and look for free downloads, resources or other information about different small trimarans.