Free Shipping in the US on Orders $75+
Item added to your cart
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:
| Astus 16.5, 18.2, 20.2, 22, 24 | 16’ – 24’ | Sport cruiser | Some models | ||
| Catri 25 | 25’ | Cruiser/racer | Y | ||
| Challenger | - | Day sailor | N | ||
| Pulse 600, Sprint 750 MKII, Dash 750 MKII, Cruze 970, Corsair 28, 37, 42 | 19’8” – 37’ | Sport cruisers | Y | ||
| Diam 24 | 24’ | Racer | N | ||
| Dragonfly 25, 28, 32, 35, 1200 | 25’ – 39’ | Luxury cruiser | Y | ||
| 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 | ||
| Mirage Island, Mirage Tandem Island | 16’7” – 18’6” | Convertible kayak/trimarans | N | ||
| Multi 23 | 22’ | Racer | Y | ||
| NEEL 45, 65 | 44’ – 65’ | Luxury cruiser | Y | ||
| Radikal 26 | 26’ | Sport cruiser | Y | ||
| Sea Pearl | 21’ | Camper cruiser | Y | ||
| SeaCart 26 | 26’ | Racer | Y | ||
| SeaRail 19 | 18’ | Day sailor | N | ||
| Triak | 18’ | Convertible kayak/trimaran | N | ||
| Warren Lightcraft | 15’6” | Convertible kayak/trimaran | N | ||
| Weta | 14’5” | Racer | N | ||
| 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.
- Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.
- Opens in a new window.
Boat Review: WindRider 17
By Thom Burns Every now and then I get to review a boat in which I’ve had very close involvement. The development of the WindRider 17 has really been fun to watch. The dealers around the country basically demanded the boat based on their feedback from customers who owned the original WindRider 16 and would be buyers of the WindRider 16 who declined to buy either because they wanted a little more carrying capacity, a second cockpit or both.
Jim Brown who designed the WindRider 16 and the 31’ and 37’ Searunner Trimarans designed this one with the WindRider factory team. He took copious notes and accepted a massive amount of input. I was wondering just what he would come up with initially. Then I saw the first prototype. I was impressed.
I’ve been sailing the prototypes now for two years every chance I get. Last summer Mike McGarry, the product manager, and I toured the final prototype through the Midwest. It was enthusiastically received everywhere. Design and Construction The WindRider 17 is rotomolded polyethelene which keeps the price down. All structural reinforcements are anodized aircraft aluminum. This allows the boat to be light and reasonably stiff. The amas telescope in and out with no disassembly. The nets are large, bolt roped to the hull and support optional stiff-backed seats. The center hull has an aft cockpit, the primary driving position, and a larger forward cockpit. The forward cockpit seats two and the hard seat reverses itself to face the driver.
The mast is light weight and rotates which dramatically improves the performance of the full-battened mainsail. The main jiffy reefs on the boom with one line. The optional jib is on a Harken roller furler. The sheets lead to two Harken cam cleats.
| |
Part of the innovation is how this boat is trailered. It slides on rails on and off the trailer. This perfectly centers the boat and all 320 lbs. is supported by four aluminum pads. The shrouds and nets stay permanently connected. This keeps the launch and retrieval time to a very manageable ten minutes for a solo sailor, less for a couple. This approaches runabout launch and retrieval times. Simplified Concept WindRider has strived to make their boats totally easy to sail. In order to do this, WindRider has eliminated the tiller unless you want one. You sit in a comfortable seat and steer intuitively by pushing your left foot to turn left and your right to turn right. Your facing forward without twisting around. There’s a single mainsheet or a mainsheet and jib both of which are running through cam cleats for ease of handling. All controls are within two feet of the driver.
The wide beam of the WindRider 17 gives it great stability. It is not impossible to tip this boat over under main and jib, but it’s close. You will not capsize this boat unless you work hard at it and refuse to release the main and/or jib sheet.
The carrying capacity on this boat is so great for a 17 footer that it will easily carry four adults and a couple of kids. The optional net seats are ergonomically well designed and comfortable. They feel like soft seats, not benchs. Performance Wow does this boat tack. It doesn’t get much easier than pushing your foot and stopping when the main fills on the opposite tack. For even faster tacks, back the jib for a moment as the boat sails through the wind. Jibes are a cinch compared to most small boats because the boom is way high over everyone’s head. Even if it’s not real smoothe, there are no headaches and no swim. The boat is quick, on the edge of fast. In ten knots we were going upwind at 7 to 8 knots. On a beam reach the speed picked up to 9 to 10 according to my GPS. In gusts to about 12 we were hitting 10.5 no problem. Later in about 15 knots of wind we were cruising at 12.5 in 2 plus foot chop and the boat was dry. No water in the boat, an occasional drop or two in the face, but no heavy duty spray. Conclusion
| Alexis Olson carrying on an animated conversation from the front cockpit on a chilly day in October. |
This is an exhilarating boat which is even more than what the builder and designer wanted. It is quick, it is fun to sail, it is easy to launch and retrieve. It will make a great day sailor. It will be a good camper sailor for the adventurous. It will be an excellent one design racer/cruiser for those who want to go quickly with ease. Where strength and agility will not determine the outcome of a little friendly race.
The thing that turns me on the most is how it empowers the young and the non-sailors who seem to intuitively pick up the nack of sailing. Try this boat, you won’t believe you’re only sailing a seventeen foot boat.
Thom Burns publishes Northern Breezes and Sailing Breezes Internet Magazines. Northern Breezes: 763-542-9707
WindRider: 612-338-2170 www.windrider.com
Welcome to our store
Item added to your cart
WR17 Trimaran Sailboat
Couldn't load pickup availability
The premier WindRider Trimaran is the most fun you’ll have on the water.
Down by the bay or out on the ocean, a WindRider 17 is your first-class ticket to fast and easy sailing. Enthusiasts of all ages and capabilities can rig and launch it. The mast weighs just 35 lbs for easy lifting, or can be raised with our exclusive pulley system (purchased separately). No more excuses… just get everyone together and get out there!
- Stable, comfortable ride holds up to 2 people in the cockpit and up to 3 on the trampolines
- Convenient storage anywhere: outside, moored, or on a beach or a trailer
- Nearly impossible to capsize
Purchase includes everything you need to sail:
- Seats and cushions
- Rotating mast and main sail
- Roller furling jib sail
- Built-in, hand-operated bilge pump
- 2 trampolines (one for each side of the main hull)
- All necessary rigging
- Hardware and control lines
The WindRider 17 gives you these standard WindRider features:
- Sporty styling that turns heads
- Hands-free, foot pedal steering
- Near-indestructibility
The most common accessories purchased with the WindRider 17 Trimaran are the trailer and motor mount. Additional recommended options include the reacher kit, windshield, mid-boom sheeting, center foot steering, lazy jack, and center-hand steering.
Subscribe to our emails
Be the first to know about new collections and exclusive offers.
- Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.
- Opens in a new window.
Great choice! Your favorites are temporarily saved for this session. Sign in to save them permanently, access them on any device, and receive relevant alerts.
- Sailboat Guide
Windrider 17
Windrider 17 is a 17 ′ 3 ″ / 5.3 m monohull sailboat designed by Jim Brown/Windrider and built by Windrider Sailing Trimarans starting in 2002.
- 2 / 26 Port Charlotte, FL, US 2013 Windrider 17 $5,750 USD View
- 3 / 26 Sarasota, FL, US 2015 Windrider 17 $8,000 USD View
- 4 / 26 Cedar City, UT, US 2019 Windrider 17 $8,900 USD View
- 5 / 26 California, US 2002 Windrider 17 $4,500 USD View
- 6 / 26 Port Charlotte, FL, US 2013 Windrider 17 $5,750 USD View
- 7 / 26 Sarasota, FL, US 2015 Windrider 17 $8,000 USD View
- 8 / 26 Port Charlotte, FL, US 2013 Windrider 17 $5,750 USD View
- 9 / 26 California, US 2002 Windrider 17 $4,500 USD View
- 10 / 26 Port Charlotte, FL, US 2013 Windrider 17 $5,750 USD View
- 11 / 26 Sarasota, FL, US 2015 Windrider 17 $8,000 USD View
- 12 / 26 California, US 2002 Windrider 17 $4,500 USD View
- 13 / 26 California, US 2002 Windrider 17 $4,500 USD View
- 14 / 26 Sarasota, FL, US 2015 Windrider 17 $8,000 USD View
- 15 / 26 California, US 2002 Windrider 17 $4,500 USD View
- 16 / 26 California, US 2002 Windrider 17 $4,500 USD View
- 17 / 26 Sarasota, FL, US 2015 Windrider 17 $8,000 USD View
- 18 / 26 California, US 2002 Windrider 17 $4,500 USD View
- 19 / 26 California, US 2002 Windrider 17 $4,500 USD View
- 20 / 26 California, US 2002 Windrider 17 $4,500 USD View
- 21 / 26 California, US 2002 Windrider 17 $4,500 USD View
- 22 / 26 California, US 2002 Windrider 17 $4,500 USD View
- 23 / 26 California, US 2002 Windrider 17 $4,500 USD View
- 24 / 26 California, US 2002 Windrider 17 $4,500 USD View
- 25 / 26 California, US 2002 Windrider 17 $4,500 USD View
- 26 / 26 California, US 2002 Windrider 17 $4,500 USD View
Rig and Sails
Auxilary power, accomodations, calculations.
The theoretical maximum speed that a displacement hull can move efficiently through the water is determined by it's waterline length and displacement. It may be unable to reach this speed if the boat is underpowered or heavily loaded, though it may exceed this speed given enough power. Read more.
Classic hull speed formula:
Hull Speed = 1.34 x √LWL
Max Speed/Length ratio = 8.26 ÷ Displacement/Length ratio .311 Hull Speed = Max Speed/Length ratio x √LWL
Sail Area / Displacement Ratio
A measure of the power of the sails relative to the weight of the boat. The higher the number, the higher the performance, but the harder the boat will be to handle. This ratio is a "non-dimensional" value that facilitates comparisons between boats of different types and sizes. Read more.
SA/D = SA ÷ (D ÷ 64) 2/3
- SA : Sail area in square feet, derived by adding the mainsail area to 100% of the foretriangle area (the lateral area above the deck between the mast and the forestay).
- D : Displacement in pounds.
Ballast / Displacement Ratio
A measure of the stability of a boat's hull that suggests how well a monohull will stand up to its sails. The ballast displacement ratio indicates how much of the weight of a boat is placed for maximum stability against capsizing and is an indicator of stiffness and resistance to capsize.
Ballast / Displacement * 100
Displacement / Length Ratio
A measure of the weight of the boat relative to it's length at the waterline. The higher a boat’s D/L ratio, the more easily it will carry a load and the more comfortable its motion will be. The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more.
D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³
- D: Displacement of the boat in pounds.
- LWL: Waterline length in feet
Comfort Ratio
This ratio assess how quickly and abruptly a boat’s hull reacts to waves in a significant seaway, these being the elements of a boat’s motion most likely to cause seasickness. Read more.
Comfort ratio = D ÷ (.65 x (.7 LWL + .3 LOA) x Beam 1.33 )
- D: Displacement of the boat in pounds
- LOA: Length overall in feet
- Beam: Width of boat at the widest point in feet
Capsize Screening Formula
This formula attempts to indicate whether a given boat might be too wide and light to readily right itself after being overturned in extreme conditions. Read more.
CSV = Beam ÷ ³√(D / 64)
Beam on trailer: 8.5’ Trimaran w/fixed keel.
Embed this page on your own website by copying and pasting this code.
- About Sailboat Guide
©2024 Sea Time Tech, LLC
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
- News & Trends
- Dinghy sailing
- Sport trimaran
- WindRider International
- Exhibitions
Sport trimaran WINDRIDER 17
Description
Other windrider international products.
- New Sailboats
- Sails/Trailers
| » » | |
WindRider 17 Trimaran
- General Information
- Ask us about this sailboat!
Everything you need to sail is included with our purchase: seats and cushions, rotating mast and main sail; roller furling jib sail; built-in, hand-operated bilge pump; 2 trampolines (one for each side of the main hull); plus all necessary rigging, hardware and control lines.
The WindRider 17 gives you these standard WindRider features:
- Sporty styling that turns heads
- Hands-free, foot pedal steering
- Near-indestructibility
- Nearly impossible to capsize
Specifications:
| Length | 17'4" / 5.3 m | ||
| Beam | 12'11 / 3.4 m | ||
| Beam on Trailer | 8'6" / 2.4 m | ||
| Weight (total) | 400 lbs. / 181 kg | ||
| Mast Height | 20' / 7.3 m | ||
| Total Sail Area | 96 sq ft. / 9 m2 | ||
| Addl. Sail Area w/ Jib | +43 sq ft. / +4 m2 | ||
| Draft | 18" / 46 cm | ||
| Capacity | 800 lbs. / 363 kg | ||
| Designer | Jim Brown & WindRider | ||
| Introduced | 2002 | ||
Contact us about this sailboat!
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
