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

880 Construction Update 6

Ok, so as you have seen in the last few updates the Corsair 880 trimaran is really starting to take shape now. At this stage in the game tape measures and calipers are our go to tool. Everything is getting checked and rechecked, we really need to nail this deck, so many other parts are relying on an accurate deck mold in order to properly marry up with the other components. We cannot stress enough how critical this stage is!

Another aspect of these checks is to check the ergonomics and practicality of the design. After all this is the first time we have sat inside the cockpit and walked the deck of what will end up being a 1:1 scale model of the real thing. So we have laid out mock ups of the hardware and work our way around the systems and usage of the boat, all the while making sure everything works, is comfortable and practical. During this exercise we were just blown away at how spacious this boat has turned out, remember this is a trailerable 29′ trimaran. Check out the images below and see just how big that cockpit is, in a few of the shots I am sitting in the cockpit as I would sailing and have included my legs in the shot to give you a sense of scale, i’m 5’11” btw.

What is the Corsair 880?  LEARN MORE>>

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While work continues on the hull and deck of the trimaran Corsair 880, beam plugs are shaping up nicely. The beam plugs have been constructed in a very similar manner to the larger plugs. This begins with designing the framework on the 3d model before exporting these to a CNC machine to be precision cut and then assembled. These frames are then covered, glassed and filled and fired before a final top coat is applied and a mold is taken. The beams on a folding trimaran are under an incredible amount of load, a lot of engineering goes into the design and internal structure required to keep these impressive structures in tact.

What is the Corsair 880?  LEARN MORE>>

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Multihull Central’s entry in the Geelong Race Week’s Festival of Sails, resulted in a win with the new Corsair 760 trimaran taking out top honours in the Multihull Series on OMR handicap.

Skippered by Stephen Medwell and crewed by Greg Goodall and Multihull Central’s Corsair Product Manager, Michael Meehan, the Corsair 760 sailed to victory after consistent results in a wide range of conditions, from very light breezes in the passage race, through to fresh North Easterlies on the final day fighting off tough competition against other trimarans and multihulls. The Corsair 760 finished with a 1st in the passage race, then another first and two seconds during the weekend’s racing at Geelong.

Read the full article on Sail-World HERE>>

Learn more about the Corsair 760 trimaran HERE>>

Why wait when you can test sail the Corsair 760 right away ?

The United States Sailboat Show, held on Oct 04-08, 2018, is one of the greatest opportunities for you to come learn more about Corsair trimarans (and their big brother Seawind Catamarans).

Better than a boat show

Most of the time, boat shows are a way for you to talk to a representative and have all your questions answered. It’s only a way of gathering more information that’s not available on the Internet. You also get the bonus of seeing and touching the real boat. But, this year United States Sailboat Show will be very different for all that would be trimaran lovers out there. This year you can take a Corsair trimaran for sail!

Let’s face the truth: A boat might look nice and comfortable at the dock. But its look can’t determine its performance, handling and quality.

No more time wasted on waiting for the test sail after-the-boat-show. You can join the test sail in just 2 hours. Come to Seawind/ Corsair dock A1 and claim your test sail slot. Or book now online to ensure you get the time you desire.  Get all your questions answered and boat tested on the water in just one single day!

Corsair 760 – the winner of all under 40-foot multihulls

Corsair 760 has won the Multihull of the Year in early of 2018 in the under 40-foot category. This is the recognition of Corsair trimarans’ brilliant design and high quality.

Learn more: 5 reasons why the Corsair 760 trimaran is your Multihull of the Year 2018 >>

“It’s a great little family boat perfect for that weekend away and still able to cater for all skill levels on the racing scene”, said skipper Daniel Van Kerckhof, current F18 Australian Champion. “The little Corsair handles superbly and is quite damn comfy.”

Test sail a Corsair 760 right away at the Annapolis United Sailboat Show. Book your schedule now!

The Corsair 760R

This is another version of the winner Corsair 760 trimaran. The Corsair 760R is an evolution of the standard and the “Sport”. The tall rotating aluminum wing mast (optional carbon) make a great combination with high modulus shrouds. The hull has the cuddy minimized and the cockpit enlarged, expanding more room while minimizing weight at the same time.

The Corsair 760R is currently nominated for the SAIL Best Boat 2019, held by the SAIL Magazine.

To get a real taste for the Corsair trimarans, book your test sail slot today!