Small Trimaran Classifications (Non-Official)
Contributor Michael Waters offered some ideas regarding Small Trimaran classification.
Michael suggested the following “Code Groups” … where small trimaran info would into a proper classification. He noted that the blog listings could be more “systematized” and I think it’s a good idea. I may do this at a future date.
He also noted that the Multihull Forums are a total mess in this regard, as there ARE no groups, and a sailor talking about a small day tri is often forced to make comments alongside another sailor with totally different needs, such as information about a larger cabin boat, for example.
Michael suggests these 4 Groups all within “Small Trimaran” ranges:
14′ – 18′+ Class D
19′ – 22′+ Class C
23′ – 26′+ Class B
27′ + Class A
Other than Length and Type, proposed classes would stay unrestricted to
include all variations of rig, vaka and ama design, etc.
EACH group would have a 2 letter suffix added for various types:
DS = daysailer
PR = Pure Racer
AC = allrounder with cabin
Such classifications would make for a potential of 11 sizes/groups (as there would be no AC type for Class D).
If you’d like to add or suggest anything regarding this then please contact me (Joe – the “Small Tri Guy”): moreinfo AT smalltrimarans DOT com … and share your thoughts.
November 20th, 2008 at 3:18 pm
Hi Joe,
In say, class d day sailor are there ‘rules of thumb’ reference points for the length of the aka’s and ama’s in relation to the Vaka?
What multiple uplift would you get in sail size as an average over a monohull and finally. if you do know, what if you wanted a main, mizzen, gennaker where should the masts be in relation to the vaka – if I have the correct terminology – in other words the main central boat?
Could you point me to any info in this area? Is it you:)
Kind regards
Mark
November 20th, 2008 at 8:57 pm
Hi Mark,
Since the above “classifications” are all unofficial and theoretical, then there are no rules of thumb per se. The size of trimaran amas, akas and vaka hull are relational to every boat’s individual design. Ama length is also one of many design specifications for each boat.
Amas that are “too long,” or “too narrow,” would negatively affect trimaran performance and ability to sail. Trimaran designers critically access these factors, among many others, when creating a new sailboat.
As to sail rigging, the positions of the main, mizzen, etc., are designed in relation to a boat’s center of lateral resistance … which also takes into account the centerboard (or daggerboard). In other words, each boat is designed differently.
Where would you “find” such information? I would suggest looking up books on Multihull Design” on Amazon. I know Chris White has one. Another name that comes to mind is Thomas Firth Jones. Those books (among others) should talk about many of the “how-to” and “why” issues involved in multihull design.
November 21st, 2008 at 10:40 am
Thanks Joe. Thats my Xmas book list sorted!
December 27th, 2008 at 4:13 pm
What about a NT for “nautical trek” or MC for “micro-cruiser” class? And I won’t speak of a CCNCAAPW, for “completely-crazy-no-comfort-at-all-permanently-wet” class :-D
But there is a lot of difference between an Astus 18 and a modified canoe…