880 production underway!

The first of our new 880 series has finally started production. With hull and deck now fully infused, we have actually begun weighing parts which are coming in per estimates and in some cases under estimated weights. This is part of our tight weight control program for the 880 model.  This positive news comes as a result of a last-minute decision to change our process to the more costly infusion process. This was done primarily as it delivers a far more consistent weight and structural result with a reduced carbon footprint due to the reduced emissions and consumable waste. We have also managed to optimize the deck laminate by replacing certain structural areas with carbon fiber instead of straight more commonly used e-glass. This gives us a carbon ratio of approximately 20% on this model resulting in a lighter, stiffer final product. Our first deck came out of the mold at just 166 kilograms, a good 11 kilo’s under our earlier predictions so positive news from production!

The last of the tooling components for the construction of the all-new trimaran Corsair 880 were completed this week.  That means molds for the hulls, deck, floats, beams, and all internal components are now in place.  The parts will now be repositioned to their choreographed production station, ready to start construction of the first Corsair 880 trimaran.

Shown here is the main hull mold, which gives the new model its advanced underwater shape.

The following images show the deck components – this gives the cockpit it’s broad shape, and the foredeck on the central hull.  That foredeck mold also reveals the place where the toilet will sit below deck, and the recess for the waste tank.

The black components are the internal parts for the Corsair 880 trimaran.  Shown here is the internal mold that reveals the shape underneath the settee.  And the next black part is the other side of the main hull – the galley.

Finally, the molds for the new aerodynamic beams are shown, along with the assembled beam.

Corsair is now embarking on a new stage of production as we build the prototype Corsair 880 trimaran.  So look out for exciting updates as the very first boat is built!

The busy Corsair Marine factory is full to the brim making multihulls.  So many of the key tooling components for the Corsair 880 are being constructed outside of the main facility and then shipped or driven in.  It was an exciting day today as the first of such components shipped out.

Seen in the first picture is the port half of the main or central hull mold.  Note that the tooling for this boat is supported by extremely durable and stiff steel framework – reflecting our intention to make every single boat to the same high standards, and have molds intended to match the long lifespan that all Corsair models should have.  It also means these molds are stong enough to be shipped, or moved frequently.

In the second picture is the foredeck mold of the main/central hull.   The large structures which here point upwards (the mold is “upside down” in this shot) are actually recesses for the toilet and waste tank.

Back in the Corsair factory, tooling work has begun on the masts for the Corsair 880.  Both mast options will be from Carbon Fibre – the Sport mast being 13.8 metres, and then the standard 12-metre mast.  Carbon masts offer obvious performance benefits, but also help keep the overall weight of the boat down, and make trailering, mast raising, and general handling of the mast an easier operation.  Seen in the 3rd photo below is the first mold for this crucial component.

What is the Corsair 880?  LEARN MORE>>

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Why choose a trimaran over a monohull?:

Safety

The first item on this list might surprise you.  But trimarans are exceedingly safe – in fact many, including all of the Corsair trimarans, are virtually unsinkable.  They’re foam cored, and relative to the displacement of the boat, the buoyancy of the materials is very high. Even were a Corsair to be fairly well destroyed (think passenger ferry) the remaining debris would remain at the surface providing something to cling onto. But there are some other interesting stats as well.  Kids love trimarans – the nets make for great fun.  And were they to fall into the water its reassuring that there are so many places for a person (or child) overboard to grab onto – see the net lines and the beams themselves in the picture to the right.  There are also good places at the main transom to haul out a wet, heavy, miniature crewmember.

Speed

No gimmicks. Trimarans simply deliver stunning speed without foils, wings or electronic aids. Speed might have slipped from number 1 factor to number 2 in recent years – and given the advent of foiling monohulls you might think that’s fitting.  But consider the costs involved in foiling monohulls and you’ll quickly find that Corsair trimarans have a far greater dollar-to-knot ratio. Operationally, trimarans are now seen as almost conventional in high-speed terms.  So you can clock up 20-knot plus speeds with a boat that has a 35-year track record of success and safety, and without the need for professional crew.

Stability

While you, the reader are no doubt the hardiest of sailors, there’s also no doubt that not everybody you sail with will be! Corsair trimarans, and most others, have a max heel angle of 12-14 degrees depending on the model.  That’s “flat sailing” in monohull terms.  And it means that rudders and daggerboards keep a reassuring grip and the speed therefore feels more effortless on the helm.  That surefootedness transfers over to your crew – they’ll detect the confidence in the boat and the skipper.

Small Marina Footprint

To achieve anything like the speed, and just a bit of the stability and comfort underway, you’d need a relatively large monohull by comparison.  But due to the folding mechanism, a Corsair trimaran keeps a very modest marina footprint.   Better still, they can be lifted (when folded) and are therefore easy to keep ashore.  Want to keep your boat in the water but worried about growth on the floats/pontoons?  Anti-fouling wraps from 3M are available from Corsair dealers – remarkably long lived, these are easily replaceable, and maintain a very quick surface.  Boat bags, which keep growth away from the floats and main hull, are available for mooring and marina use.

Above Deck Space

Anyone with children will immediately identify with this one – Corsairs are fantastic for their wingnet and bownet space.  When unfolded, the huge beam provides pound-for-pound the best boating platform around.  The nets are often used as sleeping hammocks in extremely hot climates – not just for an afternoon nap, but actually during the night.  And most trimarans can be fitted with a bimini, sail shade, or canopee when the sun is strong.

Trimarans are Synonymous with Trailerability

In the next article, we’re taking a deeper look at trailering trimarans through an interview with the undisputed supremo in trailering tri’s – our very own dealer Werner Stolz from Germany.  Trailerability is absolutely central to creating a new holiday experience every year, and for the racers it opens up a whole new world of high speed multihull regattas.  That’s why Corsair trimarans are built light – of course it improves your sailing speed, but it also keeps your trailering weight down and reduce road risk.  And that’s why the floats fold underneath – so your boat doesn’t get longer on the trailer when folded.  For those who don’t want to commit to the same sailing grounds every year there’s no better solution than a Corsair folding trimaran.

Read more:

Trimaran docking made easy

Corsair 28R won third place in Kieler Woche 2019

Corsair 880 design news

We are proud to introduce the new 24 foot sports boat Corsair 760R, aimed to be our ultimate regatta boat!

Keeping true to the 760 range, the new 760R version offers an identical underwater profile and sail plan however  features a huge full length cockpit, perfect for day boaters and racers alike. This 24 foot sports boat 760R was displayed and tested during this year at the Miami international Boat Show and was met with rave reviews.

Fast, fun and affordable this 24′ sports boat is the perfect day boat for families, friends and racers alike. Keeping true to the 760 range the new R version offers an identical underwater profile and sail plan however features a huge full length cockpit at the loss of internal volume and comforts.

Have a look at the Corsair 760R sailplan below:

➡View Corsair 760R model page here: https://corsairmarine.com/trimarans/corsair-760-r/

➡Read more: Moreton Bay Multi regatta

Corsair trimarans fold on water, off water and with effortless ease. Most models fold within the width of similar-lengthed monohulls! This allows a level of versatility unachievable in a conventional trimaran due to the huge beam required for high performance sailing. Simply put, in our 30 year experience, for a trimaran to be viable for most users, it must be able to fold with ease and not increase its length when folded.

Here’s how we fit a boat with 6.8m beam into into a 2.5m berth.

Four upper solid aluminum compression struts, eight solid aluminum lower struts, 32 high-tensile Nitron pins, 64 high load grp bearings and four 1/2″ bolts. Sounds complicated – but to the contrary in practice it is extremely simple and easy. Hats off to the designers of this rugged and unbeatable system – exhaustive engineering and R&D has gone into the geometry and development of this design. And after 30 years and 3000 trimaran sailboats on the water (see Corsair History) we can safely say this folding system is bulletproof!

You will notice all of the equipment listed above are structurally solid, high load materials. No ropes or wires are involved in the structure of the floats and beams on our trimarans. At best, ropes allow for stretch, but at worst, fatigue and failure. Not only does the solid aluminum system offer supreme strength and reliability but it also produces an extremely stiff sailing platform.

The system geometry has been balanced perfectly, allowing a constant arc of the cap shrouds and constant buoyancy displacement across the waterline. This balance has been fine-tuned over the years and now on our newest trimaran models is perfected. The displacement consistency allows the float to be folded by one person with minimal effort. You can fold and unfold in seconds! On our smaller models (such as the Corsair 760) you don’t even need to touch the cap shrouds to fold.

After unfolding the system, the skipper simply tightens 4 bolts and off you go. You are up and running in under 2 minutes! The geometry of the solid folding system produces minimal loads on the four removable beam bolts used to hold the system in place when sailing. No need to adjust nets or rigging, you just lock down the bolts and it is all set… The next time you unfold and set sail without a second thought, pause for a second and consider the detail and engineering that has enabled your sail to be so effortless and worry free!

Now that you have a better understanding of how the folding system on our trimarans works. Check out our quick guide on how to set up a Corsair trimaran (featuring the Corsair 880).

Read more:

16 great reasons why so many sailors are choosing Corsair Trimarans

5 reasons why the Corsair 760 is your Multihull of the Year