- Be Weather-WiseAlways check local weather conditions before departure; TV and radio forecasts can be a good source of information. If you notice darkening clouds, volatile and rough changing winds or sudden drops in temperature, play it safe by getting off the water.
- Follow a Pre-Departure ChecklistProper boating safety includes being prepared for any possibility on the water. Following a pre-departure checklist is the best way to make sure no boating safety rules or precautions have been overlooked or forgotten.
- Use Common SenseOne of the most important parts of boating safety is to use your common sense. This means operating at a safe speed at all times (especially in crowded areas), staying alert at all times and steering clear of large vessels and watercraft that can be restricted in their ability to stop or turn. Also, be respectful of buoys and other navigational aids, all of which have been placed there to ensure your own safety.
- Designate an Assistant SkipperMake sure more than one person on board is familiar with all aspects of your boat’s handling, operations, and general boating safety. If the primary navigator is injured or incapacitated in any way, it’s important to make sure someone else can follow the proper boating safety rules to get everyone else back to shore.
- Develop a Float PlanWhether you choose to inform a family member or staff at your local marina, always be sure to let someone else know your float plan. This should include where you’re going and how long you’re going to be gone.A float plan can include the following information:
- name, address, and phone number of trip leader
- name and phone number of all passengers
- boat type and registration information
- trip itinerary
- types of communication and signal equipment onboard, such as an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) or Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)
- Make Proper Use of LifejacketsDid you know that the majority of drowning victims are the result of boaters not wearing their lifejackets? Make sure that your family and friends aren’t part of this statistic by assigning and fitting each member of your onboard team with a life jacket prior to departure. Wear it!
- Avoid AlcoholPractice boating safety at all times by saving the alcohol for later. The probability of being involved in a boating accident doubles when alcohol is involved and studies have shown that the effects of alcohol are exacerbated by sun and wind.
- Learn to SwimIf you’re going to be in and around the water, proper boating safety includes knowing how to swim. Local organizations, such as the American Red Cross and others, offer training for all ages and abilities. Check to see what classes are offered in your area.
- Take a Boating CourseBeginning boaters and experienced experts alike need to be familiar with the boating safety rules of operation. Boater education requirements vary by state; however, some require validated completion of at least one boating safety course. Regardless of your individual state’s requirements, it’s always important to be educated and prepared for every circumstance that might arise. You can learn boating safety rules by taking a local community course or online course to help educate yourself.
- Consider a Free Vessel Safety CheckTake advantage of a free vessel safety check from the US Coast Guard. They offer complimentary boat examinations to verify the presence and condition of certain safety equipment required by state and federal regulations. Free of charge, they’ll provide a specialist to check out your boat and make helpful boating safety tips and recommendations. They also offer virtual online safety checks as well.
Give it up for the multihull sector of the boating industry.
Any industry insider will easily see how fast growing that sector currently is. In fact, it is the fastest growing sector if the number of new cruising boat manufacture and sales is anything to go by.
Far from the prejudice of the earliest days, multihulls now seem to be the in-thing and you don’t have to look far away before you’ll see the next catamaran, trimaran yacht for sale.
Sales of catamarans are booming with each passing day. Trimarans, on the other hand, are like a niche within another niche.
Most trimarans are high performing vessels. These sailing yachts are usually designed for purposes ranging from racing to recreational use. This article will provide readers with a brief but comprehensive introduction into the world of trimarans.
So, what then is a trimaran boat in the first place?
What is a Trimaran Yacht?
According to Wikipedia, a trimaran is also known a double outrigger. Trimaran yachts are multihull yachts comprised of the main hull and two other smaller outrigger hulls (which may also be called floats).
These three parts are the basic components of every trimaran sailboat. Each of the outrigger hulls is connected to the main hull with lateral beams.
While most trimaran yachts are usually sailing yachts designed for recreational and racing purposes, some others are still designed to be used as ferries and warships.
(NOTE: Have you been looking for a Trimaran Yacht? Check out this 2006 Racing Trimaran Tantrum Too, a fun & fast competitive seaworthy racer & offshore cruiser. Winner of the ‘2018 Bintam Trophy’ and holder of ‘Around Bintam Record’. Learn more here!)
The name trimaran was coined from ‘tri’ and ‘maran’
The ‘trimaran’ name has its origin in two words. It was formed from ‘tri’ and ‘maran’. While ‘tri’ means three, the ‘maran’ part means wood or tree.
Trimarans have a kind of interesting design and architecture that makes them exceptionally fast and powerful. It is thus the preferred vessel for most lovers of speed and water adventure.
Trimarans have been around since 2000 BC
Although today’s popular sailing trimarans did not get mainstream acceptance until the 60’s and 70’s, these vessels have been in use and existence long before global acceptance, dating back to about 2000 BC.
In fact, the earliest trimarans are still very much in use today.
The development started with the Austronesia people.
Today, traditional fishermen of the maritime region of Southeast Asia, Micronesia, Madagascar, as well as, the Polynesia regions still use trimaran sailboat similar to the first trimarans.
Trimarans are composed of three main parts
We’ve mentioned this in our description of what a trimaran yacht is.
Every trimaran would have a main or center hull and then two other small outrigger hulls attached to the center hull with lateral beams.
These three components form the basic design for all trimarans and modern trimaran sailboat designs always take this trimaran base.
The center hull is the main hull and is also known as vaka. The two stabilizers on the sides are known as the outrigger hulls, or ama(s).
The main hull offers the most buoyancy
The amas are mainly there to offer more stability to the vessel. Most of a trimaran yacht’s buoyancy is provided by the center or main hull.
This arrangement no doubt offers more flexibility to the design.
Because there is usually a wide separation between the hulls, the trimaran yacht requires only a little buoyancy to keep the yacht stable. This reason is why you’d rarely find trimarans having their outrigger hulls or amas in the water.
Trimarans offer better stability and a super stellar performance
Trimarans, when compared to catamarans which are composed of only two hulls, are more stable.
They offer a better stability and a stellar performance which have even been improved with new technologies infused into the design of these boats.
Trimarans are lightweight and are the preferred choice for boat aficionados and connoisseurs.
The stellar performance advantage which is made possible by the design makes trimarans some of the fastest boats when it comes to yacht racing.
They are perfect for sports sailing and are often winners in water races and competitions.
2006 Racing Trimaran “TANTRUM TOO”
Different types of trimarans
There are basically just two types of trimarans. These are the regular trimaran and the open trimaran.
Instead of plating, the open trimaran rather has a trampoline in between the hulls.
Trimaran yacht advantages over monohull yachts
When compared to single-hulled yachts, trimarans no doubt have some advantages. Some feature differences also exist.
A trimaran, when compared with a monohull of the same length would have a shallower draft. It would also have a wider beam and a less wetted area.
The trimaran though will be able to fly more sail area compared to the single-hulled yacht.
Because of the wider beam, the trimaran has a better straight-line performance when compared with a monohull.
The trimaran can sail in shallower waters and can still perform well while maintaining its stability in the face of stronger winds.
Trimarans are almost unsinkable
Trimarans have a kind of design that is considered almost unsinkable.
This is because even when it is filled with water, the buoyancy of a single outrigger hull or ama can easily keep the entire yacht afloat.
The ama offers greater resistance to the boats and unlike monohulls, trimarans rarely sink.
Because of the high level of safety and stability, sailors with restricted mobility often prefer some special types of trimarans.
Trimarans are like the bridge between catamarans and monohulls
Catamarans, as well as monohulls, have their areas of excellence. Nevertheless, trimaran yachts have certain capabilities which have made them seem like the bridge between monohulls and catamarans at which there is little or no compromise.
Trimaran sailboats are excellent for high speed.
Trimarans generally have moderate weight carrying capability, moderate space below the main deck, and a larger deck area.
The cross deck design between the amas and the main deck is another advantage.
Catamarans usually have large empty gaps in their cross deck bridges.This complexity then necessitates the need for stronger structures, implying more weight, and higher costs. A trimaran yacht would usually have a much smaller cross deck.
There will be a shorter gap between the hulls and the empty space would not extend through the entire yacht’s length.Because of these, less structural weight is required and heavier loads can also be carried on the cross deck.
While catamaran and trimaran yachts are usually built for different purposes, the most obvious difference out of racing is usually the center hull.The center hull of a trimaran yacht will be much larger than the catamaran hulls.
Trimarans are easy to trail, they have a kind of superior handling and are easier to tack, compared to catamarans.
They are easy to manhandle ashore due to their lightweight design.
The lightweight design also makes it easier to use small and inexpensive engines when motoring. With a trimaran yacht, you’d be getting a stellar performance that will get you higher speeds.
If you want more excitement and thrill, perhaps a trimaran yacht such as the racing trimaran Tantrum Too will be very much suitable for you. Tantrum Too is a 12.7m trimaran yacht designed as a concept yacht for a fast ocean cruiser and cruising trimaran.
2006 Racing Trimaran “TANTRUM TOO”
If you’re in the market for a good buy, the trimaran yacht for sale is currently available on auction. You can register here so you can tender your bid for this cruising trimaran.
The purpose of this article is not to pick the better yacht between a trimaran yacht and a catamaran, or a trimaran and a single-hulled boat.
Each of these different watercraft has different areas where they excel. Your choice will most likely have to do with the purpose for which you’re buying.
If you’ve discussed with your sailing crew and have decided to choose a trimaran as your next yacht, all well and good, you’re in for a lot of thrills and fun.
(NOTE: Have you been looking for a Trimaran Yacht? Check out this 2006 Racing Trimaran Tantrum Too, a fun & fast competitive seaworthy racer & offshore cruiser. Winner of the ‘2018 Bintam Trophy’ and holder of ‘Around Bintam Record’.Learn more here!)
