corsair 27 trimaran review

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CORSAIR 27 Detailed Review

If you are a boat enthusiast looking to get more information on specs, built, make, etc. of different boats, then here is a complete review of CORSAIR 27. Built by Corsair Marine and designed by Ian Farrier, the boat was first built in 1986. It has a hull type of Trimaran Dbrd. and LOA is 8.23. Its sail area/displacement ratio 36.90. Its auxiliary power tank, manufactured by 15 L, runs on undefined.

CORSAIR 27 has retained its value as a result of superior building, a solid reputation, and a devoted owner base. Read on to find out more about CORSAIR 27 and decide if it is a fit for your boating needs.

Boat Information

Boat specifications, sail boat calculation, rig and sail specs, auxillary power tank, accomodations, contributions, who designed the corsair 27.

CORSAIR 27 was designed by Ian Farrier.

Who builds CORSAIR 27?

CORSAIR 27 is built by Corsair Marine.

When was CORSAIR 27 first built?

CORSAIR 27 was first built in 1986.

How long is CORSAIR 27?

CORSAIR 27 is 8 m in length.

What is mast height on CORSAIR 27?

CORSAIR 27 has a mast height of 10.16 m.

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• Thread starter Rum_Pirate
• Start date 2 Mar 2022

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Motor_Sailor

main groups.io Group There's also quite a few discussions on the Sailing Anarchy multihull forum. Search for' Farrier F27' instead of Corsair 27.  

Rum_Pirate said: About to purchase an older Corsair 27 folding trimaran built between 1986 and 1997. Sister vessel (not the one I am buying) : Will be replacing the standing rigging and the running rigging. Probably the trampolines The wiring might come in for replacement. Any other items/issues I should look out for in particular? The current storage charges will be reduced from US$2,336.00 to US$0.00. Is there a Corsair 27 folding trimaran Club? If there is please post link as I cannot find one. Click to expand...

choppy said: Great boats when looking for small tri I went down the dragonfly route ( more late build boats available at the time ) but if there is ever another tri would be a Farrier without doubt There is a yahoo group with ian's documents available (Inc what to look for on buying boat - specific all models & much discussion on the issues you mention A rarely open attitude to problems IE put it out there & fix it rather than hushing things up. Way to go --- Click to expand...

Rum_Pirate said: Got a link to that group? Click to expand...

fredrussell

Rum_Pirate said: …Any other items/issues I should look out for in particular? Click to expand...

fredrussell said: Mainly the envious scowls of monohull owners as you whistle past them. Pesky things! Click to expand...

Speeds of over 15 knots are well documented and easily achieved in a breeze. Perry Design Review: Corsair F-27 - boats.com Click to expand...

• 18 Mar 2022
• 25 Oct 2022

Rum_Pirate said: About to purchase an older Corsair 27 folding trimaran built between 1986 and 1997. Click to expand...

Have joined this ( first proposed in post # 2) : This is a digest for Farrier / Corsair Trimaran group.io . Very helpful.  

• 26 Oct 2022

Having a lighthearted competition for a logo in The Lounge under 'Logo' https://forums.ybw.com/index.php?threads/logo.589093/  

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Corsair F-28

The F-28 test took us to Saint-Malo (Brittany, France), where we met Guy Albaret, director of La Landriais Marines Services shipyard, which imports the Corsair trimaran line into France. The F-24, F-31, and now the F-28, designed by Ian Farrier, are made near San Diego, California. We may find ourselves, along the French coastlines, crossing, or perhaps being passed by one of the 35 Corsair F-series trimarans sailing there regularly

A small trimaran for having fun and enjoying your sailing…

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A Real Trailerable Multihull

In fact, the F-28's true role is to succeed the F-27, 450 of which were built. At first glance, you might not necessarily spot the difference with respect to any other sports cruising trimaran. There is nothing in the boat’s general appearance to suggest it is a trailerable folding trimaran. A closer look and a demonstration shows that it takes one person alone little more than 2 minutes to fold both cross arms holding the amas, almost effortlessly, so that the F-28 can be trailered easily. Three steps prepare an F-28 for trailering: 1. Releasing the shrouds through a lever system at the base of each shroud 2. Disconnecting the four lock bolts on the cross arms 3. Raising the cross-beams to fold the amas against the hulls very easily thanks to a patented system The side trampolines move with the amas to come alongside the central hull. This is a really surprising operation, except for those already familiar with Corsair trimarans. The F-24, F-27 and F-31 have been using this mechanism for ten years now. This goes to show the reliability, robustness and functionality of the folding system. Consequently, this is a 6 meters wide trimaran tha...

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The new Corsair is a fast cruising platform, light and bright belowdecks, but with a bit less elbow room than you'd find on a 36-foot monohull, and pricy. For many, these are worthy trade-offs.

Twenty years ago, when Corsair Marine first entered the U.S. market with the F-27 trimaran (which PS reviewed in September, 1990), “family” multihulls were not generally thought to have stellar sailing characteristics. They were difficult to tack. They did not sail well to weather. They required large parking places. In ensuing years, Corsair’s 24- to 31-footers have helped change the perception in the marketplace. These boats are fast, sail well, and are easily trailerable since they fold to 8′ 6″. The major shortcoming has been accommodations that are one cut above camping. The introduction of the Corsair 36 has allowed the company to step into the real world of “cruising comfort.”

Company History Corsair Marine was founded in 1983 by John Walton (of the Wal-Mart family), who envisioned production of a fast, easily trailerable trimaran. A compromise would be accommodations limited by the narrow beam of the main hull.

Walton convinced Ian Farrier, a talented multihull designer, to abandon a thriving practice in Australia, move to California, and execute his vision.

In a morning-long session with PS, Farrier, who sees the world only through multihull lenses, elaborated on the many reasons he considers multis preferable to monohulls, not the least of which is that, “Corsair boats are unsinkable. They have watertight compartments, so even if they pitchpole the crew can crawl inside a capsized hull and have air to breathe and protection from the elements. In a monohull, the crew will most likely be adrift in a liferaft.”

Walton and co-owner Paul Koch, also an Aussie, succeeded, despite the complicated, people-intensive construction process necessary to produce foldable boats capable of withstanding loads endured at sea and on the highway. A by-product was pricing that ratcheted the boat to the very high end of the market when measured on a cost-per-foot basis.

Prior to introduction of the Corsair 36 in February, 2003, the company’s line included the 24-, 27-, and 31-foot models. Boats were built primarily in Chula Vista, California, though the first six F-31s, introduced in 1992, were built at Tillotson-Pearson (TPI) in Rhode Island.

In 1994, Koch purchased Walton’s share and consolidated all of the manufacturing operations at the California plant, where boats are now built.

In its first two decades, Corsair has produced 1,260 boats; annual production is typically 72-75 boats, Koch says.

The 36-footer has been well-received; seven have been ordered since its introduction.

Design Though Ian Farrier is credited with the design of the first three models, and influenced the 36-footer, his affiliation with Corsair ended in the mid-’90s. Paul Koch says that a team of in-house engineers and outside consultants are responsible for the design of the 36.

All of the boat’s design elements— hull, deck, and sailplan—bear a strong resemblance to its predecessors, but the extra LOA allows more graceful lines. Her long, low profile is accented by a downward-sloping cabintop and long, narrow, dark windows. Viewed from the bow, the hull presents a fine entry. The amas also have a fine entry, and near-flat sheerline offset by very round shapes and downward curving bottoms.

However, the new model adds enough load-carrying capability to provide creature comforts suitable for extended cruising. She’s only 900 pounds heavier than the F-31, and performs as well under sail.

All of the Corsair boats, when folded, have the appearance of a giant Daddy Longlegs. The 36-footer also features a tilt-up rudder and shallow draft that allows her to anchor in less than two feet of water, or sail onto a beach. In tight quarters, she can be folded when at anchor.

With a folded beam of 9′ 10″ she’s wider than other models, so owners may be required to secure wide-load permits in some states. To assist owners in avoiding the expense of acquiring a trailer ($7,638), and, perhaps, more powerful tow vehicle, the company has organized fleets of truckers that transport the boats for $1.50 mile, including the cost of a driver.

After the introduction of hull #1 (the boat we tested), input from dealers and consumers at two boat shows brought about a few design modifications and refinements.

Deck and Rig Layout The organization of spaces and layout of gear on the C-36 is almost a carbon copy of its predecessors.

The cockpit is as big as those on monohulls of about the same LOA—wide enough to seat a crew of 4-6 comfortably, and narrow enough to allow a shorthanded crew to work large headsails. The regular cockpit seats are well-proportioned, and there’s additional seating set into both sides of the stern pulpit. These mesh-bottomed seats are good places to be while underway, since they’re elevated, clear of the action, and softer to sit on than fiberglass.

The cockpit is enclosed by a pulpit, and the path forward is atop the cabin or on the trampolines, so a certain amount of agility is required to move forward when necessary. Because of the narrowness of the main hull, shrouds are located on the amas, not close at hand, and the deck is devoid of handrails and lifelines. The trampolines fitted between the hull and amas provide a sturdy, though bouncy, platform.

Corsair outfits boats with high-quality hardware. On the 36, all of the deck gear, including winches, is supplied by Harken or Spinlock.

In its standard configuration she is fitted with Harken B40 self-tailing winches on the cabin top, two Harken B42.2 winches in the cockpit, and two Harken B32.2 self-tailing halyard winches on the mast. Working halyards at the mast instead of leading them aft to the cockpit makes sense, according to multihull sailors, because multihulls sail flatter, and a walk to the mast and back doesn’t present as much of a challenge as it does on a heeling monohull. It also reduces cockpit clutter and friction.

The mainsheet is located at the end of the boom and led to a Harken traveler track that spans the stern, an arrangement that produces excellent sail shape, allows the helmsman to trim the sail, and also reduces the amount of clutter in the cockpit. The system is fitted with a Harken Big Boat Series double-block and tackle led to cockpit winches.

To maximize performance off the breeze, a spinnaker control kit ($3,720) adds two winches in the cockpit, carbon fiber bowsprit , and sheets, blocks, control lines, and cleats necessary to complete the installation.

Corsair is constructing aluminum masts at its factory from extrusions produced by Sparcraft. Our test boat was equipped with a double-spreader rig with swept spreaders and stainless steel wire rigging. At the time of our test, Koch was considering replacing the double spreaders with singles, because, “the second set was redundant.” He has since made that change.

The standard rig is a 3/4 fractional. With the addition of spinnaker gear and bowsprit, a second stay is attached to the mast approximately one foot higher and terminated near the end of the sprit.

The rotating mast is deck-stepped on a ball atop a Delrin bearing that allows it to rotate 45 degrees. Its movement is controlled by a block and tackle arrangement and stainless steel ring on the aft side of the mast. The result is a significantly more aerodynamic presentation of the mainsail to the breeze, which translates to acceleration and speed when sailing to weather or on a reach.

Two steps on the stern provide access for swimmers. Since the rudder is transom-hung, an outboard is located off-center in a hull recess.

Belowdecks When Corsair stretched the F-27 to 31′, owners were rewarded with living spaces large enough to be marginally comfortable on an extended trip. With more stretching, the C-36 still doesn’t have as spacious a main cabin as a 36-foot monohull because of her narrow beam—but she closes the gap significantly.

The accommodations are an excellent example of what can be accomplished using fiberglass and other weight-saving materials, since virtually all of her components are exposed. In fact, there’s so much exposed white in the fiberglass and headliner that only the red cushions and cabin sole provide some relief from the brightness. In addition to concealing wiring, the headliner also acts as a sound deadener. It’s stuck to the overhead with hook-and-loop fasteners. We were concerned about sagging, but found it difficult to remove. If the glue behind the hook-and-loop tapes fails eventually, it will be easy enough to replace.

The area is well lit by two ports on each side of the cabin, and light entering from the companionway. Our test boat had hatches only over the head and the forward berth. In subsequent boats Koch has added a third in the main cabin.

Given more volume below, designers were able to increase standing headroom to 6′ 6″. The saloon measures nearly 6′ from companionway to the head on the port side. A proper C-shaped, elevated dining area, also to port, converts to a 6-foot berth, tapering in width from 41″ to 30″. The galley is to starboard, aft of a second settee that can double as a berth for a small person, and the V- berth.

Stowage space in the boat is at a premium. Although the amas have large storage areas for light gear, accessing those spaces can be a pain, as is true on all cruising trimarans.

The dining table is constructed of fiberglass, but finished to give the appearance of a shiny wood grain. Similarly, the vinyl sole looks like teak, but is a lightweight composite that comes with a 10-year guarantee. Since the boat has no nav station, the dining table is a likely candidate. Odds are, the VHF radio will be mounted on the companionway bulkhead, and instruments on the companionway hatch, close at hand to a navigator working below.

The galley on our test boat was equipped with an optional stainless steel, two-burner propane stove, and double stainless steel sink. A clever arrangement is a recessed faucet that pops up when needed. All are mounted in a fiberglass cabinet with a tiny storage area below. An insulated ice box is standard; refrigeration and pressure hot and cold water are available as options.

The head is a low-maintenance, smoothly finished fiberglass pan measuring approximately 40″ x 35″, consisting of a molded vanity/sink combination with a medicine cabinet outboard, toilet, and handheld shower. It will prove functional, utilitarian, and just large enough for average-sized adults. It will not be confused with the space on a typical 36-foot cruising monohull. The head shares space with a fiberglass shell housing the daggerboard. The shell is so well finished and fitted in as to be nearly invisible. (The daggerboard is constructed of balsa encapsulated in fiberglass.)

The V-berth offers accommodations for two in an enclosed area that has a hatch overhead and Halogen lights and ports on each side. The berth measures 6′ 4″ long on the centerline. It’s 5′ wide at the head, and fitted with 4″ thick cushions. The hull liner is a combination of fabric and shiny fiberglass. Storage and a holding tank are under the berth.

A second berth with a queen-sized mattress is located below the cockpit sole. It’s accessed via two hatches aft of the cockpit, in what would be called the lazarette area, or by removing companionway steps. Two ports provide ventilation at anchor. This is the most spacious sleeping area, and will be fun for kids to climb in and out of (especially since it also hosts the transparent escape hatch). However, the mattress will be ruined quickly if people climb down there with dirty or wet deck shoes, and the space will be noisy if used while underway.

A large storage area under the steps provides a bed for an optional diesel engine. In our view, the 20-hp outboard and a solar panel or two will be the better choice. Don’t overburden a butterfly.

Construction The high cost of Corsair’s boats is attributed to several factors, not the least of which are tooling costs associated with a boat that has more than 30 different moldings, including 10 in the deck and hull, and 11 in the areas belowdecks, as well as two amas, four akas (crossbeams), and all the precision-engineered parts that allow the whole thing to be folded up.

In addition, the company uses high-tech raw materials, including vinylester resins, carbon fiber, double-bias fabrics with Kevlar, and a vacuum-bagging and curing process that relies on precise blends of fiberglass, resin, and catalysts.

Since light weight and high performance are closely related, Koch says hull #1 was built to within 200 pounds of her design weight. Subsequent boats have been further reduced by 100 pounds, mostly by eliminating a set of spreaders and their related parts.

The lamination schedule consists of a layer of NPG gelcoat, a skin layer impregnated with vinylester resin to prevent blistering, and multiple layers of uni- and bi-directional fiberglass. Kevlar is laid in high-stress areas on the bottom, daggerboard trunk, and at bulkheads.

Akas are constructed of layers of fiberglass, carbon fiber, and foam, which increases stiffness. Additional strength and buoyancy in the amas is afforded by watertight bulkheads.

Performance PS editors have sailed most of the Corsair boats over the years, often in racing conditions, and can attest to their speed under sail and their strong construction. This time, we wanted to see if the company could add creature comforts without compromising performance.

Koch’s hopes were for a 15-knot cruiser. “I was surprised,” he told us, “when she sailed at 20 knots during early testing of a prototype in Australia.”

Aside from the long waterline and low wetted surface of the main hull, and the light overall weight of the boat, the biggest contributor to performance is the rotating mast, which supports a square-topped, full-battened mainsail with oversized roach. The advantage of the rotating mast is that it presents a clean, aerodynamic shape to the wind, as opposed to the slab of aluminum of a fixed spar. As we learned during our day-long test sail, trimming the main involves driver and trimmer coordinating their point of sail and mast position. In heavier air, “de- rotating” the mast brings it closer to the apparent wind, flattening the mainsail, and spilling wind to prevent heeling.

We sailed on Biscayne Bay in winds that built from 5 to 15 knots. We had a crew of six—one crewmember stretched out on the V- berth, another snoozing on the trampoline, and four of us trimming sails.

Several manufacturers were testing their new products to see how they performed, using a two-year-old Corsair F-31 as the rabbit. Koch’s goal was to compare the performance of the old and new boats.

From a mechanical standpoint, the boat is easily managed from the cockpit, except that the main is hoisted at the mast. The genoa is on a furler, and main and jib sheets are close at hand.

With Steve Marsh of the Finish Line, a dealer in Stuart, at the helm, we sailed close-hauled in 8-12 knots of wind with boatspeed consistently registering 8-10 knots. She sailed higher and tacked faster than other boats in the fleet, and as quickly as the F-31. She seems to pivot on her daggerboard, and tacked through 95-100°.

When the wind angle moved deeper than 35°, we hoisted a “screacher,” essentially a high-clewed, 180% drifter, and speed increased to 12-15 knots. She heeled 5-10°, carving through a modest chop on the surface. Performance in these conditions was as good or better than the F-31.

The sheeting angle of the headsail is adjusted via a canvas strap attached to the hull beams. It allows the clew position to be moved in and out, much like a barberhauler.

As the wind backed, we punched through small swells by elevating the height of the screacher tack, easing the tack line from the cockpit.

A big difference between monohulls and multihulls is that when a puff hits, most monohulls will use up some of that force by heeling to it, while a good multihull will stay firmly on its feet and use the force for acceleration. The C-36 does this admirably.

Steering through a jibe with a screacher on the sprit-equipped boat is challenging, since the screacher moves between forestay and furler. Once the boat is headed dead downwind and the boom centered, the jibe is completed by quickly turning to weather to fill the sail while the crew tensions the new sheet and the mainsail is eased.

The boat moved easily through the harbor at 5-7 knots with the quiet 20-hp. four-stroke outboard.

Price The current base price for the Corsair 36 is $199,000, including the 20-hp. motor, FOB Chula Vista. In reality, a well-equipped boat will cost closer to $215,000-$225,000, including sails and trailer ($7,638) but without race gear or spinnaker. Options include the propane stove with hot water system, ($875); pressure water ($2,275); Standard Eclipse VHF radio and antenna ($645); spinnaker control kit ($3,720), and screacher controls ($1,969), which require the spinnaker controls.

Conclusion When we first examined Corsair boats years ago, it was with a skeptical eye. While sailing characteristics weren’t questioned, folding tris are complex. We worried about the lightweight construction methods and durability; the toughness of the ama-aka combination; viability as a trailerable vessel, and high price.

Time has alleviated most of those concerns, even the ones about cost, because, in this case, you’re paying for things that work.

The C-36 is certainly fast. Not many boats this size, even other multihulls, will cruise easily at 12-15 knots. She’s also versatile. Her shallow draft offers opportunites to picnic on the beach, or anchor close to shore, away from the mooring field, and yet her foldability means that she can hover in crowded areas when necessary. And she can be towed down the highway for cruising or racing far afield.

Corsair says the boats can be rigged, unloaded, and ready to sail in an hour. Based on real-life observations, we think the time will vary with the size and physical prowess of the crew.

Cockpit seating is large enough to seat six comfortably underway or at the dock. Down below, it’s bright and clean-looking, but creature comforts don’t compare in size or appointments to a middle-of-the-road 36′ monohull equipped with nav station, wine rack, and entertainment center—if that’s your bag. On this boat, the entertainment is found underway.

The high initial cost for trailerable folding trimarans tends to produce sticker shock, since a similar-sized monohull can be purchased for 25% less. On the upside, well-maintained, newer used tris are selling for 75-85% of their original price.

This new boat will appeal to sailors who prefer sleekness and speed to “cushiness,” which is not the same as “comfort.” Aboard boats, comfort is linked to function, and by that definition she’s comfortable enough.

Contact – 877/FASTTRI, www.corsairmarine.com

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Trimaran Buying Tips: Choosing a trimaran that fits your needs

New buyers guide for trimarans.

What is the best trimaran? It is a tough decision to make. Trimarans deliver on a number of “product characteristics” that any marketing team can hang their hat on: speed, stability, versatility, unique trailerability in this case, and perhaps most of all safety . But that doesn’t necessarily tell you which is the best for you and your sailing plans. The truth is that many of our trimarans are multi-purpose vehicles, and so it’s hard to sort out which is a “better cruiser” or which is a “better racer” and so on – because many of them have the same terminology on our website , and fans of particular models on social media tend to use that weapon of choice for everything! Here’s some insight into how we see our own Corsair trimaran models .

Best for young families

The C o rsair Pulse 600 is fast, fun, and sporty-looking. That gives it great appeal with the kids. But it’s also the most easily trailerable – boasting trailer-to-water time of 20 minutes with a little practice. But here’s the thing: in the year’s since launching the Pulse 600 none that we know of have capsized in a normal sailing incident. Sure, someone might have dropped one off a dock – but these boats are stable. And with the greatest buoyancy to weight ratio of any of our tris, it’s virtually unsinkable. So even in the worst case scenario of being hit by another larger vessel, this is the boat to be in. It’s low to the water so men (or anyone) overboard can be retrieved most easily from this model. And it’s low-cost when it comes to ongoing expenses. The sporty looks might get you thinking this is our race boat, and it can be, but not like what’s next…

Read more: Sailing the Pulse 600 was just wicked fun!

Best for Fleet Racing

Corsair 760r.

This is the trimaran sailboat to choose when you have a family, or a crew you love to sail with, and racing is the priority. This trimaran IS more tender than a Pulse 600 – let nobody tell you otherwise. But the speeds are legendary and the excitement unmatchable. It’s still virtually unsinkable and is indeed a safe boat all-round. But when choosing a purely family daysailer it’s the Pulse 600 you want. For fleet racing, take the 760R .

View more: Corsair 760R Specifications

Best Inshore

Corsair 760 (standard).

The Corsair 760 standard version has a cabin, a place for a porta-potty, a small galley, and plenty of shelter when the sun or rain gets too much. This is the perfect island hopper – because it still has the remarkable speeds found on all 24ft variants of Corsair trimarans. But it truly is comfortable when you need a rest. She is also of ideal size for compact to trailer, tough, and astoundingly stable and versatile. These features have earned her the title Multihull of the Year 2018 . Read more .

Sailing the Corsair 760 – fast, fun, and easy!

Watch more: 4 Reasons our family LOVE Trimarans

Best Weekender

Corsair 880.

The first “big Corsair trimaran” – and so for short stays it’s the Corsair 880 you want. Designed for up to a week aboard, this sailing trimaran has separate cabins, a private heads, and a proper saloon and galley. Headroom is stunning for a 28 (or 29) footer and you get a helming experience much more apt for longer durations than what’s found on the Corsair 760 . This feels like a big sailboat and is. With a bit of practice you might launch this in 35-40 minutes. So there is more involved in getting from trailer to water than the trimarans listed above. But the rewards once you’re in the water are night-and day. This is a big step up from the 24ft range.

Read more: Corsair 880 To Be 2021 Best Sport Boat Of The Year By Cruising World

Best Racer/Cruiser racer

Corsair 970.

If the Corsair 880 is a Cruiser/Racer, then this is a Racer/Cruiser. The Corsair 970 trimaran is probably on level-pegging with the Corsair 880 on interior comfort. What separates the 970 trimaran is the raised helm options (great visibility and comfort for long periods on the helm) and racing practicality. The interior on this trimaran is more durable and appropriate for racers dragging sails in and out and putting in hard miles on a sailboat. So it does what the 880 trimaran does, but gives the racers more of what they’re looking for. That said, it’s still just 31 feet. So it’s a Category B or C racer/cruiser and qualifies for some offshore races in-between. How about offshore racing? – look to the Corsair 37 . But the 970 is one heck of a kick – this sailing trimaran is available in Sport, and Full Carbon construction. So that tells you something about how these boats are used and their capabilities.

Read more: Why The Corsair 970 Is The Perfect Trimaran For You?

Best Offshore Racer

We see this as the ultimate weapon. Famed for racing and cruising in northern climes, in the tropics and anywhere in between, the Corair 37 trimaran when in the right hands is unbeatable . Is this trimaran designed to fit for families? Probably not. Handling a Corsair 37 is for the experienced , and small children are probably not the kind of distraction you need entering and leaving port in a Corsair 37 – or in changeable weather. With smaller ones, you’d probably take a harder look at the Corsair 880 and 970 first. But if you’re not caught up in the hubbub of childcare this could be the outlet you need!

So I have made my choice of the most suitable trimaran for my sailing needs. Now what?

Trust us, we have received countless queries regardings the lead times for trimarans . Normally the standard lead time for trimaran is 5-6 months. Ohh why is it so long you may ask. It’s because as impressive as they look, the process of building a trimaran often requires extensive and detailed development and designs, as well as high quality tooling and extensive filling, fairing, and checking. Taking the trimaran design for example, we elected for CNC cut beam landings and strut mounts to ensure a sufficient accuracy of those hard-to-shape areas. These components have then been grafted into the traditionally framed plugs with careful precision and measurement. Then 3D scanners are set up to digitize all components and issue an accurate digital file, which we will then use to overlay with the original design. Deviations between them are detected using specialized quality assurance software. With everything in place, we will then finely tune the parts before a final scan to confirms inaccuracies were within tolerance.

How do we ensure quality in our final design?

How we are using technology to our advantage

So it’s not a flick of your fingers and it is ready on the market tomorrow, or next month. It’s not the case of how we build our Corsair range. Extensive lead times only prove that our trimarans are built to the best quality. However, most of the time it is 5-6 months, but some times there are already plenty of tris sitting on the water ready to go tomorrow. Talk to us early to see what the current situation is on our backlog.

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Corsair Cruze 970

• By Tim Murphy; Photos By Billy Black
• Updated: August 7, 2014

Since 1985 the Corsair 31 has been a familiar trimaran on the racing and cruising scene. At yards in Australia and California, 303 of that model were built, with subtle design tweaks over the years. This year, the Corsair Cruze 970 replaces the 31 — and it’s all for the better.

Longer amas, as well as bows that are more plumb and hull forms with less rocker, add 20 percent more buoyancy to this boat, while retaining similar beam dimensions. The result is a more stable platform. The keel and rudder for the original 31 had been optimized for boat speeds between 3 and 10 knots. Incorporating the lessons from those 300 boats, today’s 970 features much thinner, higher-aspect-ratio foils that are optimized for speeds in the teens and higher. (A note to those who haven’t sailed Corsairs before: Those boat speeds are real. Try it!)

Living spaces, both inside and out, are improved in the 970. Boat of the Year judge Mark Schrader was a dealer for Corsair years ago and raced the boats many miles. “They’ve added two very comfortable park benches in the cockpit,” he said of the 970. On the 31, he said, “there wasn’t really any place for more than four people to sit, stand or do anything without hugging each other.” The 31 was offered with either an aft cabin or an aft cockpit arrangement; the 970 deftly manages to make space for both, while also adding headroom in the cabin. Using careful building techniques, including vacuum bagging, Corsair has added more furniture in the cabin yet kept the weight the same.

As with other Corsairs, the amas of the 970 can be folded inboard for trailering. The well-refined mechanisms for doing so are the same as in the previous versions.

We sailed the 970 in light air. With the screacher up in 8 to 10 knots of breeze, we posted 6.6 knots just above 60 degrees apparent, then cracked off and made 7.6 knots. Steve Marsh, a Florida-based Corsair dealer, said you can sail 15 degrees closer to the wind with the blade jib. Propulsion on the boat we sailed is a Yamaha 9.9-horsepower outboard on the transom, with a steering arm affixed to the 970’s tiller and remote engine controls in the cockpit. The 970 offers no inboard option.

Several years ago Australia-based Seawind Yachts purchased the Corsair brand. These days both lines are built at a single factory in Vietnam. The construction quality is quite good — better than the California-built 31s, observed Schrader. The company offers a five-year warranty on the structure, as well as manufacturers’ warranties on installed hardware.

Schrader summed up the pleasures of this boat: “You can park it on the beach. You can run around on the trampolines. You can get into a foot and a half of water. It’s your platform to go park in some little lagoon somewhere.”

And yet, all that idyllic parking doesn’t account for even half the fun. Because in getting there, you’ll learn what boat speeds of 20-plus knots feel like.

Click here to see more images of the Corsair Cruze 970.

Tim Murphy, a CW editor at large and a 2014 Boat of the Year judge, is the co-author of Fundamentals of Marine Service Technology (ABYC, 2012).

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Little Sailboat "Nor'Sea 27" Wild Offshore Sailing to Tampa Bay! Corsair Trimaran 242 F-24 MKII COMMENTS Perry Design Review: Corsair F-27 On a typical Puget Sound day, the F-27 would sail boat-for-boat with the J/35 and easily outsail a J/40. Speeds of over 15 knots are well documented and easily achieved in a breeze. Upwind speeds of nine knots and better are also claimed. Heel angle rarely exceeds 12 degrees, making movement on board the F-27 easy. F-27 F-27 This unusual and innovative trimaran is not only fast, she can even fold up while still afloat. By. ... Unlike most builders, Corsair publishes its lamination for all parts; indeed, the documentation and control evidenced at Corsair is rather extraordinary in the sailing industry. ... Latest Sailboat Review. Sailboat Reviews. Dufour 44 ... CORSAIR F-27: A Fast Folding Trimaran First introduced in 1985, this trailerable trimaran quickly became a seminal boat in the world of multihull sailing. Designed by Ian Farrier, a Kiwi who emigrated to California (by way of Australia) with the specific goal of perfecting his concept of a production-built trimaran with folding amas, the F-27 is both an excellent high-performance coastal cruiser and a competitive one-design racing ... Should I Buy an F27 Trimaran? I am currently enthralled with getting a Corsair F27 trimaran. ... Hunter 27_75-84 Sandusky Harbor Marina, Ohio Feb 17, 2014 #12 A great go fast cruiser The only caution is that you have to load it light to keep it fast. It's surprising how much you will want to load for just an overnight! Corsair F-31 Corsair F-31. Ian Farrier's latest fold-up trimaran is bigger and fasterthan the popular F-27. Construction is generally good, though there havebeen some problems, and the wiring could be neater. Like the blips on a heart monitor, Corsair Marine has experienced several peaks and valleys since our review of the Corsair F-27 (September, 1990 ... Boat Review by Multihulls World of: Trimaran Corsair F 27 Finance your Corsair F 27. Available in issue # 135. Boat Test price 3.00€ Inc. tax. Purchase. So, the Corsair is American? Yes, but the story of these folding trimarans started on the other side of the planet, in Australia. It was here that in 1975, the architect Ian Farrier started to think about one of his obsessions - folding trimarans. Corsair vs Dragonfly Adrian Went's F-27 OLIJFE makes an impressive passage of 23 days from Cape Cod to Bishop Rock, England and then on up through the English Channel to Holland. 1989: The F-27 CORSAIR wins the multihull division of the Newport - Ensenada Race, the first time a production trimaran has done this. 1990: Two more F-27s cross the Pacific to Hawaii, one ... F-27 Trimaran Nothing sails as well as a tri and if you really love sailing you might give up some comfort. An F-27 is wonderful for a daysail or a few-week vacation but is not suitable for full-time cruisers. You should look at larger boats that have a more comfortable interior. Corsair F-27 Tri-Pawed Last 2021 MRSA Race Ride aboard the Corsair F-27 Trimaran Tri-Pawed as she navigates the last Magothy River Sailing Association (MRSA) Race of 2021. We started in the river and... Sailing the Bahamas 2017 4K Corsair F-27 trimaran Please view full-screen and 4K!Sailing the Bahamas on a Corsair F-27 trimaran. Locations in order of appearance:Gulf Stream crossing eastbound from MiamiBimi... Perry Design Review: Corsair F-28 By Bob Perry. August 25, 2000. With more than 450 F-27s built, we can hardly approach the new folding Corsair F-28 as a novel design. The Corsair group felt it was time to update the 12-year-old F-27. The new F-28 is longer, wider and lighter than the 27. Keep in mind that we are not looking at a new boat designed to fix the problems of an ... CORSAIR 27: Reviews, Specifications, Built, Engine If you are a boat enthusiast looking to get more information on specs, built, make, etc. of different boats, then here is a complete review of CORSAIR 27. Built by Corsair Marine and designed by Ian Farrier, the boat was first built in 1986. It has a hull type of Trimaran Dbrd. and LOA is 8.23. Corsair F-24 Boat Test In May 1999 Practical Sailor reviewed the then-new Corsair F-24 Mark II trimaran. Nearly 20 years later, were here to follow up with a focus on the Corsair F-24 Mark I, a boat that can represent a good value today since many newer designs have entered the market. The late Ian Farrier (1947-2017) designed fast, trailerable trimarans for more ... CORSAIR 27 LENGTH: Traditionally, LOA (length over all) equaled hull length. Today, many builders use LOA to include rail overhangs, bowsprits, etc. and LOD (length on deck) for hull length. That said, LOA may still mean LOD if the builder is being honest and using accepted industry standards developed by groups like the ABYC (American Boat and Yacht Council). 3 Small, Sporty Trimarans 3 Small, Sporty Trimarans. The experience provided by three hulls will be uniquely different aboard this trio of thoroughly modern trimarans, the Telstar 28, the Dragonfly 35, and the Corsair 31. A boat review from our November 2008 issue. When it comes to cruising multihulls, the trimaran often plays second fiddle. Corsair 27 Rum_Pirate said: About to purchase an older Corsair 27 folding trimaran built between 1986 and 1997. Have purchased a Corsair F-27, made in 1991. It was valued at circa US$20K. Am now a joint owner with 25% of the Corsair F-27. Told a friend - used to own 'AKKA' - of my purchasing a tri. Corsair Marine Trimarans Some Corsair trimaran models go from trailer to water in 25 minutes, and with practice even the largest boat models can be done in 40 minutes. Corsair 880 Trimaran | 2022 Boat Review by Multihulls World. Read Article. Corsair 880 - Drive Out, Fold Out, Thrill Out, Chill Out. Boat Review by Multihulls World of: Trimaran Corsair 28 Discover the boat review of Trimaran Corsair 28, its technical specifications, and all the classified ads for a pre-owned Corsair 28 with Multihulls World. ... This is a really surprising operation, except for those already familiar with Corsair trimarans. The F-24, F-27 and F-31 have been using this mechanism for ten years now. This goes to ... Corsair 36 Price. The current base price for the Corsair 36 is $199,000, including the 20-hp. motor, FOB Chula Vista. In reality, a well-equipped boat will cost closer to $215,000-$225,000, including sails and trailer ($7,638) but without race gear or spinnaker. Sailing Trimaran Buying Tips The first "big Corsair trimaran" - and so for short stays it's the Corsair 880 you want. Designed for up to a week aboard, this sailing trimaran has separate cabins, a private heads, and a proper saloon and galley. Headroom is stunning for a 28 (or 29) footer and you get a helming experience much more apt for longer durations than what ... Corsair boats for sale Some of the most popular Corsair models now listed include: 880, 760, 880 Sport, 760R and F-28R. Corsair models are available through yacht brokers, dealers, and brokerages on YachtWorld. The listings encompass a range of years, starting from 1991 models up to 2025. Find Corsair boats for sale in your area & across the world on YachtWorld. Corsair Cruze 970 Sailboat Review The sporty, foldable, trailerable Corsair Cruze 970 trimaran will routinely knock off double-digit boat speeds. Since 1985 the Corsair 31 has been a familiar trimaran on the racing and cruising scene. At yards in Australia and California, 303 of that model were built, with subtle design tweaks over the years. Corsair sailboats for sale by owner. Osoyoos BC 6 miles north of Oroville WA, Outside United States. Asking: $68,000. Sailboat Added 03-Jul-2019 More Details. Corsair F 31. Length: 31' Beam: 22' 6' Draft: 16"'. Year: 1998. catamaran gulet motorboat riverboat sailboat trimaran yacht