Would Robinson Crusoe want to sail a Crusoe Craft Trimaran? What a silly question … Of course he would! Not on the open ocean, of course. But I’m sure he would have loved having this boat for coastal cruising, fishing, diving and exploring all around that island he was marooned on.

What’s that? You’ve never heard of the 18-foot “Crusoe Craft trimaran?”

Well, I hadn’t heard of it either … at least, not until I received an email from Guy Joubert, who is the creative entrepreneur behind the Crusoe Craft Trimaran.

Guy sent me the press release announcing this new small tri (which I’m reprinting verbatim below). He has also produced a very short, yet very cool marketing video (the first one here) that is pure fun. Hint: if you’ve never thought about taking a small tri to somewhere where there is crystal clear, aqua blue water, then this trimaran video is just for you :-)

Press release March 2010: Innovative Eco-Friendly 18ft Modular Trimaran Launched in South Africa

Crusoe Craft, an all-African designed and built 18-foot Exploration Eco Trimaran, was launched in Cape Town, South Africa this week. Inspired by traditional East African outriggers, the Crusoe range occupies a much-ignored niche in small craft sailing worldwide: that of the inshore waterman.

Suitable for day trips or long hauls, this durable hybrid electric/low emission four-stroke, folding exploration craft can be totally customised, through a variety of modular configurations, to suit the requirements of most recreational or professional inshore water-users. These include adventure sailors, fishermen, divers, surfers, kiteboarders, photographers, journalists, researchers and more.

All three available boat options have been configured to the ultimate trailer load weight, allowing for incredible range for size on both on-road and long-range off-road sojourns. The vessel load capacity of 360 kg comprises a maximum of 19 sealed options and four self-draining stowage areas, some of which are lockable. Accessories include a breathable deck tent, waterproof stretch tent, and photography, fishing, diving and surfing rack solutions.

“Even the entry level craft has all the upgrade attachment points to enhance the boat’s capabilities for short or long undertakings,” explains Crusoe’s founder and MD, Guy Joubert.

Eco specs include the wide beam, flat hull profile and a fine entry bow, which produces very little wake. Tremendous reserve buoyancy and a shallow draft (230 mm unloaded and 280 mm fully loaded) further compliment inshore efficiency for sailing in lagoons and shallow rivers. Moreover, a virtually indestructible Teflon rubbing strip keel addition means the Crusoe Craft will survive the odd reef scrape and can be dragged up the beach or slipway when necessary.

When converted to 100% ‘green’, all Crusoe Craft can be outfitted with a Torqeedo electric hybrid outboard, the equivalent of a 6-8 hp outboard. A bank of two or four deep cycle batteries drives the powerful but silent electric motor and a small, low emission Paguro 3000 diesel genset (housed midships) doubles up as a diesel electric motor or battery charger on longer trips. “Optimised for all sailing conditions, we expect speeds of up to 10–15 knots in strong winds and cruising speeds of around 6-10 knots due to her fine hull shape and reserve buoyancy,” furthers Guy. “There are also a variety of paddle and rowing solutions, and with the aft guiding platform the craft is ideal for our gondola inspired paddle system.”

Though the Crusoe Craft can take up to a 15 hp motor on open water, the boats are specified with a 9.9 hp 4-stroke Yamaha outboard which is capable of outrunning waves when launching through surf. “However she will still slip along comfortably using an economical 4 hp 4-stroke engine, which is perfectly suitable for longer trips,” adds Guy. “Crusoe is also virtually impossible to capsize due to her multi hull configuration and easy short handed sail design.”

The Crusoe 18ft Tri is the concept of Cape Town entrepreneur Guy Joubert and his design collaboration with Wayne Robertson of Wayne Robertson Yachts. An avid surfer and fisherman, and frequent visitor to East Africa, Guy has taken an ancient concept and refined it to suit the modern waterman. Wayne has been involved in the construction and design of many award winning sailing vessels and multihulls ranging from 38’ to 62’ and also manufactures composite parts for the aviation industry.

“With the Prototype and our first two orders under construction, we plan to showcase our first boat on the water at the Cape Town Boat Show on 10 October 2010,” says Guy. “Interested parties are welcome to join me on a tour of the Eastern Cape Garden route on a Crusoe Craft after the show to explore some of our lesser-known inshore treasures.”

For full specifications, further info or dealer enquiries please visit http://www.crusoecraft.com