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
NEEL
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
Cabin: Yes
Length: 45’ – 65’
Cost: $$$$$
Use: Luxury cruiser
WETA
A fan favorite, Weta trimarans are fast, stable, and remarkably easy to rig. This single-sailor tri has a capacity of up to three, and the ease with which it can be transported and stored makes this a great, versatile boat for beginners. The Weta was named Sailing World’s 2010 Boat of the Year, and one ride is enough to know why: simply put, the Weta is an absolute ton of fun to sail regardless of skill level.
At a glance:
Models: Weta
Cabin: No
Length: 14’5”
Cost: $$$$$
Use: Racer
CORSAIR
The high-end Corsair trimaran definitely holds its own in the categories of versatility, performance, and convenience. Boasting a rigging time of 30 minutes from trailer to sailor, the Corsair 42 – whose convenient folding amas makes trailering possible – is a simple option even for single sailors, though cabin space is suitable for two adults. These boats are wicked fast, capable of reaching speeds of 20+ knots, and were made for skilled sailors seeking solid construction and high performance vessels, not for beginners.
At a glance:
Models: Pulse 600, Sprint 750 MKII, Dash 750 MKII, Corsair 28, Cruze 970, Corsair 37, Corsair 42
Cabin: Yes
Length: 19’8” – 37’
Cost: $$$$$
Use: Sports cruisers
WindRider
Built for the sailor who wants to maximize the joys of sailing while minimizing any hassle, WindRider trimarans are notoriously fast, very safe, and a blast to sail from start to finish. With several models that can hold between 1 and 6 riders, including adaptive designs to allow participation from sailors of all levels of mobility, there’s something to suit every sailor’s needs. The WindRider 17, an exhilarating ride perfect for families or camper sailors, has been known to reach speeds of up to 20mph. This easy day sailor goes from trailer to sailing in under 30 minutes and is sure to fit in perfectly with whatever adventures you have planned.
At a glance:
Models: WR 16, 17, Tango, Rave V
Cabin: No
Length: 10’11” – 18’3”
Cost: $$$$$
Use: Day sailor
DRAGONFLY
The Danish-built Dragonfly trimarans come in a variety of models ranging from 25’ – 35’, all known for their spry performance, comfortable ride, and ease of use. Every model comes equipped with the unique “SwingWing” feature, a motorized system that can unfold the amas even while the boat is already underway – making it accessible to marinas and slips, and even makes trailering possible. Perfect for those who don’t want to sacrifice their comfort for high performance, the Dragonfly can breeze along at 13 knots while remaining one of the quietest compact cruisers out there.
At a glance:
Models: Dragonfly 25, 28, 32, 35, 1200
Cabin: Yes
Length: 25’ – 39’
Cost: $$$$$
Use: Luxury cruiser
CATRI
Designed for both safe cruising as well as for high speed racing, Catri trimarans will make your day. Especially noteworthy is the Catri 25, a stable yet wildly fast foiling trimaran with accommodations for up to 6 people. With profiles optimized for speeds of 25+ knots when foiling, this is no beginner’s sailboat. The special attention paid to stability in the foil design allows the Catri to be a single sailor vessel, even at foiling speed, with no special physical abilities. Whether you’re taking a small crew for longer rides at shuddering speeds or bringing the whole family along for a shorter, but still thrilling sail, the Catri is truly one of a kind.
At a glance:
Models: Catri 25
Cabin: Yes
Length: 25’
Cost: $$$$$
Use: Cruiser/racer
ASTUS
A popular brand of trimaran in Europe, Astus has recently made its way to the US market to the delight of sailors on this side of the pond. Designed to offer maximum pleasure with minimum hassle, all models of Astus trimarans are fast to set up, quick on the water, inherently stable, and always a joy to sail. Their outriggers are mounted on telescopic tubes for easy stowage and towing, and can even be extended and retracted on the water for access to narrow passageways and monohull slips in marinas. With models in all sizes and price points, Astus trimarans are a great option for any sailor.
At a glance:
Models: Astus 16.5, 18.2, 20.2, 22, 24
Cabin: Some models
Length: 16’ – 24’
Cost: $$$$$
Use: Sport cruisers
HOBIE ADVENTURE ISLAND
Great for beginners and adventurers alike, the Hobie Mirage Adventure Island series is nothing if not just plain fun. With the option to use as a kayak or as a very basic trimaran, the Hobie is transportable, versatile, unintimidating, lightweight, and wonderfully affordable. The pedal system known as “Mirage Drive” allows a person to pedal the kayak using their legs for an extra kick of movement in slow winds. Amas tuck close to the main hull for docking or car-topping, adding serious ease and convenience to the exhilarating experience of the Hobie.
At a glance:
Models: Hobie Mirage Adventure Island, Mirage Tandem Island
Cabin: No
Length: 16’7” – 18’6”
Cost: $$$$$
Use: Convertible kayak/trimarans
SEA PEARL
Best known for its use in camp cruising excursions, the Sea Pearl offers a roomy main hull and particular ability to sail in very shallow waters, making beaching and launching a breeze. The lightweight Sea Pearl trimaran is easy to tow, and the larger-than-expected cabin opens this vessel up for overnight adventures with plenty of storage space. The simple design makes the Sea Pearl notoriously low maintenance, and the ease it takes to rig and sail it add to the overall delight of owning this boat.
At a glance:
Models: Sea Pearl
Cabin: Yes
Length: 21’
Cost: $$$$$
Use: Camper cruiser
FARRIER
Quick, lightweight, roomy, and trailerable, Farrier trimarans are made for versatility to fit every sailor’s needs. Different Farrier models are available in plan or kit boat form for those who appreciate building their boat themselves, but of course, also as the full production sail-away boat for the rest of us. Single-handed rigging and launching takes under 10 minutes from start to finish, minimizing hassle and getting you on the water fast. All non-racing Farrier designs use a minimum wind capsize speed of 30 knots or more to ensure safety for all those aboard. Add the roomy cabin and high speed capabilities to the equation and you’ve got a boat that is great fun for everyone.
At a glance:
Models: F-22, 24, 25, 82, 27, 28, 31, 9A, 9AX, 9R, 32, 33, 33R, 33ST, 36, 39, 41, 44R
Cabin: Yes
Length: 23’ – 39’4”
Cost: $$$$$
Use: Sport cruisers/racers
SEACART
One of the biggest names in the game, SeaCart is internationally noted for its high performance trimarans that far exceed expectations for a production boat of its size. The SeaCart trimaran performs as brilliantly off the water as it does on with its super-light and efficient harbor folding system, making light work of trailering. Notoriously easy to manage and maintain, the SeaCart 26 One Design is the ultimate day racing trimaran, designed for both course and inshore/coastal distance racing. Absolutely worth the international buzz it has garnered, the SeaCart is a thrill from beginning to end.
At a glance:
Models: SeaCart 26
Cabin: Yes
Length: 26’
Cost: $$$$$
Use: Racer
MULTI 23
A high performance racer class, the Multi 23 is a lightweight, powerful trimaran known for its wicked speed of up to 25 knots. Multi trimarans of both available configurations were designed to give beach cat thrills and speed without any of the stability or seaworthy concerns. Open ocean sailing is no issue for the Multi’s big bows, which do their job to keep her stable. Built for sailors with a need for speed, the Multi makes a perfect weekend boat for racers, especially those with a taste for boat camping.
At a glance:
Models: Multi 23
Cabin: Yes
Length: 23’
Cost: $$$$$
Use: Racer
TRIAK
Another dual outrigger sailing kayak/canoe design, the Triak trimaran was designed to be effortless and fun, especially for beginners. Paddle the kayak with sails furled, use the foot pedals for an extra kick of momentum, or sail with just the mainsail – the only boat in its class to feature an asymmetrical spinnaker – for exhilarating speeds and a blast on the water. Car-top the Triak anywhere for a quick sail or plan for a week long expedition, but always count on having a great time on this easy little boat.
At a glance:
Models: Triak
Cabin: No
Length: 18’
Cost: $$$$$
Use: Convertible kayak/trimaran
SEARAIL
SeaRail trimarans are known for being affordable, light weight, trailerable trimarans that offer the perfect combination of exciting and relaxing experiences to a wide range of sailors. Whether it’s day sailing with your family, resort or camper sailing, SeaRail trimarans are ideal leisure vessels. Leave the hassle to the other boats – the SeaRail takes you from trailer to sailor in 15 minutes. But don’t let its reputation as a leisure tri fool you: if speed is what you want, rest assured that the SeaRail can deliver that as well.
At a glance:
Models: SeaRail 19
Cabin: No
Length: 18’
Cost: $$$$$
Use: Day sailor
WARREN LIGHTCRAFT
Warren Lightcraft trimarans, another example of a convertible kayak-to-sailboat option, are known for their aesthetically pleasing designs that are also, as the name implies, very light for simple transportation and ease of use. Convert the kayak into a fast, high performance sailboat in just minutes, fly around on the waves all day long, then simply car-top the 68lb Warren for a maximum enjoyment, low-hassle day on the water. Perfect for sailors and paddlers of all skill levels, the Warren Lightcraft is the best of both worlds and an absolute joy to sail.
At a glance:
Models: Warren Lightcraft
Cabin: No
Length: 15’6”
Cost: $$$$$
Use: Convertible kayak/trimaran
DIAM 24
Built strictly with racing in mind, the Diam 24 is a light, powerful one-design class trimaran and a notoriously exceptional performer. Boasting blistering speeds of up to 30 knots, Diam trimarans are not intended for beginners. For racers who crave the very best in terms of intense speeds, smooth handling and impeccable performance, the Diam is the red-hot one-design racing tri for you.
At a glance:
Models: Diam 24
Cabin: No
Length: 24’
Cost: $$$$$
Use: Racer
RADIKAL 26
For the sailor who prefers the finer things in life, the Radikal 26 delivers. Perfect for bringing the whole family out for a day on the water, this high performance, trailerable sailing trimaran strikes the most luxurious balance between quicksilver speeds and a smooth, comfortable ride. The Radikal 26 trimaran is as convenient to transport and set up as it is pleasant to sail, with a folding system that minimizes rigging hassle and also makes this a trailerable tri. Built for a fast and comfortable sail rather than a hold-onto-your-seats thrill, one-the-water safety and overall pleasure makes the Radikal 26 what it is.
At a glance:
Models: Radikal 26
Cabin: Yes
Length: 26’
Cost: $$$$$
Use: Sport cruiser
CHALLENGER
A solidly-built, single-handed trimaran, the Challenger also doubles as an adaptive design – meaning it is made to accommodate sailors of all levels of physical mobility. Best suited to lakes, the Challenger is a very safe, seaworthy boat for sailors of all ages and experience levels. Add to this the ease of owning, transporting and maintaining the Challenger trimaran and what you get is a simple, fun sailboat perfect both for beginners and those seeking a cheap thrill alike.
At a glance:
Models: Challenger
Cabin: No
Cost: $$$$$
Use: Day sailor
At a glance comparison:
| MODELS | COST | LENGTH | USE | CABIN | |
| ASTUS | Astus 16.5, 18.2, 20.2, 22, 24 | $$$$$ | 16’ – 24’ | Sport cruiser | Some models |
| CATRI | Catri 25 | $$$$$ | 25’ | Cruiser/racer | Y |
| CHALLENGER | Challenger | $$$$$ | - | Day sailor | N |
| CORSAIR | Pulse 600, Sprint 750 MKII, Dash 750 MKII, Cruze 970, Corsair 28, 37, 42 | $$$$$ | 19’8” – 37’ | Sport cruisers | Y |
| DIAM | Diam 24 | $$$$$ | 24’ | Racer | N |
| DRAGONFLY | Dragonfly 25, 28, 32, 35, 1200 | $$$$$ | 25’ – 39’ | Luxury cruiser | Y |
| FARRIER | F-22, 24, 25, 82, 27, 28, 31, 9A, 9AX, 9R, 32, 33, 33R, 33ST, 36, 39, 41, 44R | $$$$$ | 23’ – 39’ 4” | Sport cruisers/racers | Y |
| HOBIE | Mirage Island, Mirage Tandem Island | $$$$$ | 16’7” – 18’6” | Convertible kayak/trimarans | N |
| MULTI 23 | Multi 23 | $$$$$ | 22’ | Racer | Y |
| NEEL | NEEL 45, 65 | $$$$$ | 44’ – 65’ | Luxury cruiser | Y |
| RADIKAL 26 | Radikal 26 | $$$$$ | 26’ | Sport cruiser | Y |
| SEA PEARL | Sea Pearl | $$$$$ | 21’ | Camper cruiser | Y |
| SEACART | SeaCart 26 | $$$$$ | 26’ | Racer | Y |
| SEARAIL | SeaRail 19 | $$$$$ | 18’ | Day sailor | N |
| TRIAK | Triak | $$$$$ | 18’ | Convertible kayak/trimaran | N |
| WARREN LIGHTCRAFT | Warren Lightcraft | $$$$$ | 15’6” | Convertible kayak/trimaran | N |
| WETA | Weta | $$$$$ | 14’5” | Racer | N |
| WINDRIDER | WR 16, 17, Tango, Rave V | $$$$$ | 10’11” – 18’3” | Day sailor | N |
Did we miss one? Let us know. Tell us what you sail and what you like about each boat in the comments below.