corsair 24 trimaran review

Corsair 880 review by a Corsair 24 MKII owner

This was written by one of our owners. he has a corsair 24 mk-ii that he keeps in newport, ri..

I thought I would share that I headed out to Wareham yesterday to check out the Corsair 880 . I did not get to sail on it, my intention was only to see and touch and get a sense of the design and space of the cabin.

I have to say I was blown away. The cabin is huge. It’s been over a year since I’ve been in an F31, but the cabin felt bigger than a 31 to me. The standing headroom is amazing, I’m 5’10” and I’m pretty sure that there were at lease 4″ of extra clearance for me, maybe more. There is gobs of storage space. One thing that blew me away is how it is aft-cabin *AND* aft cockpit. I have always been frustrated by this dilemma in choosing between F-boats less than 32′. I’d say the under-cockpit cabin is about the width of a double-bed, but the length of a queen.

Given that, I was ever more blown away by the sheer space in the cockpit. It is HUUUGE!!! I love the aft traveler, so the cockpit is uninterrupted, and the aft sheeting point on the boom so you can roller-reef, and do not need to move the sheet block forward & back like on my F24. I can’t get over how much space there is in this cockpit, it is surprisingly wide and long. I would estimate that 5 people could sit on one side with real elbow room, and plenty of room for someone to move around in the cockpit while there are people on both sides, without anybody having to get out of his way. It gets even wider at the aft end, and it is so big that it didn’t even occur to me to try sitting out on either of the “beach chair” extensions.

One really cool unusual feature of the boat is the water-facing windows. If you’ve noticed the big black spots under the forward beams, they are tinted Lexan windows. Inside the cabin, they are at about shoulder-height for me. Apparently it is really cool to watch the water rushing by while under sail from the leeward one, and then the windward one gives you a view of the horizon from under the flying float.

This boat is kicking off live with an interesting story too. Corsair is lending it to a couple that does one of those Youtube channels about their sailing adventures while they wait for a Seawind catamaran to be built. So, we will get to see what living aboard an 880 is like. Their names are Billy and Sierra, and their channel is Tula’s Endless Summer . They are currently getting extensive training on F-boats from Bob and Ira at The Multihull Source, as this is a much higher-performing boat than what they’ve sailed in the past, and (I have to say it…) “With great power comes great responsibility…”

Many thanks to Billy for taking me out to the boat and letting me climb around for a while, and Bob for giving us the OK and for some nice conversation and perspective afterwards.

Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!

Related posts, corsair 880 trimaran | 2022 boat review by multihulls world.

Corsair 880 – Drive Out, Fold Out, Thrill Out, Chill Out

How To Set Up A Cosair Trimaran

The Corsair Nationals 2021 – Once again a huge success to the trimarans community!

Corsair 880 Trimaran COMPLETE TECHNICAL TOUR

The next Trimaran Sailing Clinic hosted by Windcraft will be at the Fort Walton Yacht Club in the Florida Panhandle May 5-7, 2017. However we are completely fully booked up for that clinic. The next one with spaces available will be the weekend of October 14-15. In our clinics 16 students will see their sailing skills improve dramatically over the two days of the course which is taught by world class multihull sailor and coach Randy Smyth. Students of all levels are introduced to Randy’s highly effective techniques for optimizing sail trim, and learn how best to hoist, jibe and douse a spinnaker, as well as how to tack a screacher upwind. Call or email us  for more information.

Find Us on Facebook

Proven Design

At last — a one-design cruiser-racer that the whole family can sail and enjoy! The Corsair 24 Mk.II is a compact, easily trailerable, folding trimaran that is ideal for cruising and level racing. A new design by Ian Farrier, the Corsair 24 is a tough, light-weight sport boat that is exceptionally fast, responsive and safe to sail. Though based on simple and original concepts, well-proven over many years, the Corsair 24 incorporates innovative features and refinements that make it especially exciting and fun, as well as affordable to own. With its roomy cabin and optional cruising amenities, the Corsair 24 also becomes a highly mobile pocket cruiser. But it’s the amazing performance–with 20-knots plus speed capability–that sets the Corsair 24 apart. In early racing debuts it has won the open classes in the U.S. Corsair Nationals of 1995 and the 1994 Australian Trailerable Multihull Championships. It has also shown fleet beating performance in its first National Offshore One Design (N.O.O.D.) regatta in San Francisco Bay — overtaking and passing in one heat all other monohull and multihull racers in the regatta. Yet, so well designed is the Mk.II that even in the toughest conditions you only need a crew of three (or less) to obtain top performance.

Cruising Accommodations

The Corsair 24 has a surprisingly large and roomy cabin. There’s even standing headroom under the large pop-top companionway hatch, which can be rigged with a weather enclosure fitted with either windows or screens. Spacious decks and nets give everyone plenty of room to spread out. The Corsair 24 converts easily into an overnight family cruiser. An optional galley module that includes a sink, stove, water tank and pump provides basic amenities, and there’s also space for a portable head. When daysailing or racing, these units can be removed easily to save space and reduce weight. The two single settees in the cabin and a large V-berth forward sleep four in comfort. This was recently demonstrated by a mom and dad and their two children who happily cruised the coast of Maine for a week in a new Corsair 24.

Efficient Rig

The Corsair 24’s rakish and distinctive rig features a rotating aluminum mast, the first to come standard on a Corsair trimaran. This spar rotates as mainsail trim is adjusted to differing points of sail so that the apparent wind sees only it’s most narrow profile. This greatly reduces mast-generated turbulence around the mainsail luff and significantly improves sailing efficiency, especially while reaching. The degree of rotation can be controlled with simple tackle. As in all other Corsairs, the mast is easily raised or lowered by one person using the trailer winch or one of the jib sheet winches. The boom includes internal 6:1 outhaul and 4:1 cunningham tackle with control lines led to the cockpit for effortless mainsail adjustments. There is an optional bowsprit for flying an asymmetrical spinnaker and screacher.

A new and flexible sail plan gives the Corsair24 excellent all-round performance in a wide range of conditions and is easy to handle. It sports a fully battened square-top mainsail, which places more sail area aloft to take best advantage of light air. Yet, in heavy wind gusts the square head twists in a way that automatically de-powers the sail–an important safety feature! The working jib may be either hank-on or roller furled. With the optional bowsprit installed, the Corsair 24 can fly an easy-to-handle asymmetrical spinnaker or screacher for exhilarating performance at a yet higher plane. The screacher is a light weight, close-winded sail used in racing to obtain extra power on reaches and when going to windward in lighter air. Equipped with a roller furler, the screacher is also the perfect lazy man’s spinnaker–easy to roll up or roll out–and is great for cruising. This versatile sail plan gives the Corsair 24 sailor great choice of sail selection for all conditions plus a speed potential exceeding 20-knots.

Underwater Appendages

The Corsair 24 employs a single, carbon-reinforced daggerboard situated in the main hull to counter leeway when sailing to windward. This simple and trouble-free board is an efficient foil of uniform section that minimizes drag while enhancing lift, boat speed and overall performance. The daggerboard’s trunk doubles as a compression post under the mast, further contributing to structural integrity of the boat while saving both weight and cost, one of many examples of design efficiency in the Corsair 24. The daggerboard is easily raised and lowered with control lines leading to the cockpit. The transom-hung, kick-up rudder also features an efficient foil for balanced helm and superior control in all conditions. Along with the retractable daggerboard it also gives the Corsair 24 superb shallow water capability and even makes sailing off a sandy beach a breeze.

Farrier Folding System TM

With the exclusive Farrier Folding System, the Corsair 24’s floats (amas) can be folded in a minute or two for convenient docking in standard-width marina slips or take-it-anywhere trailerability. The Corsair 24 is light enough to be towed behind a medium size family car or truck. On the water, with floats extended, the Corsair 24 provides the pleasure and comfort of low-heel sailing. This system is easily handled by one person and is by far the quickest and simplest multihull folding method available. Even when folded, the Corsair 24 is stable and is readily maneuvered with a 3 to 5 horsepower outboard motor. From trailering to sailing can take less than 20 minutes, including time to raise the mast and set up the rig.

Construction Details

The Corsair 24 is built to the designer’s exacting specifications using the highest quality materials. Like all other Corsairs, the new Corsair 24 is of foam sandwich construction. The inner and outer fiberglass skins and the rigid, polyvinyl foam core are hand laminated and vacuum bagged to ensure perfect bonding as well as an ideal glass-to-resin ratio. The beams are reinforced with multiple layers of uni-directional carbon fiber for great strength and fatigue resistance. The result is an optimum combination of light weight and strength for a tough, safe, beautifully finished boat that will perform superbly, last for years and command high resale prices. Engineered with an eye towards efficient production as well as outstanding sailing characteristics, the Corsair 24 now offers the best value at the lowest price in a performance folding trimaran.

Multihulls that Make Sense

There’s never been a better time to enter the exciting world of the modern multihull. The Corsair 24 fleet is growing rapidly, with over 300 now sailing . Thanks to its efficient design and innovative engineering the Corsair 24 enables sailors to get into a fast, fun and quality-built multihull sailboat at the lowest price offered in a very long time.

Specifications

Design specifications and line drawings are available here .

Copyright© 2007 by Donald Wigston. All rights reserved.

• Forum Listing
• Marketplace
• Advanced Search
• All Topics Sailing
• General Sailing Discussions
• SailNet is a forum community dedicated to Sailing enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about sailing, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, repairs, reviews, maintenance, and more!

Corsair 24 Mk II as a first boat?

• Add to quote

I am pretty new to sailing and was recently offered a mid 90s Corsair 24 Mk II. Is this boat fairly easy to sail, or would it be a handful for someone with limited sailing experience? Opinions?  

they are tanks dispacing a whopping 6000 lbs and it has a 50/50 ballast ratio,so thats 3000 lbs of lead and scrap metal(yup) resined into the full length keel.it reminds me of a lighter dispacement allegra.i wouldnt hesitate to sail wayyyy out into the wild blue yonder with a boat of her leangth and displacement.you cant go wrong with it on paper,but lets see what some people who have actually owned one have to say.  

Just to clarify I was talking about a Corsair 24 Mk II trimaran. http://www.multihull-maven.com/Boats/Corsair_24_Mk_II  

ahh i see the mid 90's part now, yeah those are slightly lighter displacement and maybe a little faster,lol. completley differant animal i know nothing about!  

trevorN A Corsair 24 can be easily single-handed if you acquire some experience. Perhaps taking an experienced multi sailor along for a few sails to start with? Just remember, things can happen VERY quickly on a fast tri.  

I had MkI for some time. Very lightweight boat. In my experience, it is great for sailing in calm seas with decent wind. The problem I encountered was that whenever wind was good - seas were quite un-calm, and when seas were calm - there was not enough wind. Also, depending on your sailing style, there does not seem to be such thing as "relaxed sailing" in a trimaran. You must always remain alert and ready to let out the mainsheet least this thing pitch-pole or some such. Can't just "set it and forget it". Certain maintenance items (in particular folding system) are a bit outside the usual scope of maintenance of a basic keelboat. If you are careful owner that likes things to work properly - it's a hassle. If you subscribe to "if it ain't broke don't fix it" - no issues. For me it was a fun sailboat for a while, but I didn't like it long term and would not buy another similar tri again.  

ok it seems you guys are mono hull sailors! Brak you are so wrong these boat do not heel no more then 15% ! they are fun fast if you dont mind the camping style of the inside it is a perfect go anywhere boat! I am a multihull sailor right now I own a CAT i do and will own a Corsair one day! this boat is very safe it will handle 30mph or more winds but everyone has a limit on them self when the wind picks up u reef its all easy! these boats will do circles around Monos! in a 7 knot breeze these boats will do 10knots or more depends on the skipper!  

ImASonOfaSailor said: ok it seems you guys are mono hull sailors! Brak you are so wrong these boat do not heel no more then 15% ! they are fun fast if you dont mind the camping style of the inside it is a perfect go anywhere boat! I am a multihull sailor right now I own a CAT i do and will own a Corsair one day! Click to expand...

I almost bought one 15 years ago as my first post beachcat boat. Wish I had. You can handle it as your first boat, but you'll need to respect it and respect the weather until you learn what you are doing. NOt much more to say than that. Find a good mentor. Have fun.  

I wish I had the option of owning that boat... There is one in a marina near me, they are surprisingly small up close, almost look like oversized beach cruisers. I imagine the cuddy cabin is very tight, but then again you don't buy a 24' corsair for extended cruising, you buy it to go FAAAAAAAST!!!  

Brak are u seriously saying that your corsair tacked between 175 degrees? Seems a tad exaggerated no? I have sailed a corsair 27 and it went upwind just fine. Monohulls are optimized, typically, for pointing. If you are capped at hull speed, the only way to go fast is to improve pointing. However every racer knows that pinching upwind is slower than bearing off a few degrees and keeping speed up. Same goes for multis. You may lose 5 degrees of pointing, but your higher overall speed means you go faster even upwind than a mono. Polars and all...  

looking for trade my freedom 30 1989 for and corsair trimarans 24 thank FAFA from PR  

• ?            
• 173.9K members

Top Contributors this Month

Corsair F24 MkII

Sailboat specifications.

• Last update: 1st April 2020

Corsair F24 MkII's main features

Corsair f24 mkii's main dimensions, corsair f24 mkii's rig and sails, corsair f24 mkii's performances, corsair f24 mkii's auxiliary engine, corsair f24 mkii's accommodations and layout.

Similar sailboats that may interest you:

Great choice! Your favorites are temporarily saved for this session. Sign in to save them permanently, access them on any device, and receive relevant alerts.

• Sailboat Guide

Corsair 24 MKII

Corsair 24 MKII is a 24 ′ 0 ″ / 7.3 m trimaran sailboat designed by Ian Farrier and built by Corsair Marine between 1996 and 2003.

Rig and Sails

Auxilary power, accomodations, calculations.

The theoretical maximum speed that a displacement hull can move efficiently through the water is determined by it's waterline length and displacement. It may be unable to reach this speed if the boat is underpowered or heavily loaded, though it may exceed this speed given enough power. Read more.

Classic hull speed formula:

Hull Speed = 1.34 x √LWL

Max Speed/Length ratio = 8.26 ÷ Displacement/Length ratio .311 Hull Speed = Max Speed/Length ratio x √LWL

Sail Area / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the power of the sails relative to the weight of the boat. The higher the number, the higher the performance, but the harder the boat will be to handle. This ratio is a "non-dimensional" value that facilitates comparisons between boats of different types and sizes. Read more.

SA/D = SA ÷ (D ÷ 64) 2/3

• SA : Sail area in square feet, derived by adding the mainsail area to 100% of the foretriangle area (the lateral area above the deck between the mast and the forestay).
• D : Displacement in pounds.

Ballast / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the stability of a boat's hull that suggests how well a monohull will stand up to its sails. The ballast displacement ratio indicates how much of the weight of a boat is placed for maximum stability against capsizing and is an indicator of stiffness and resistance to capsize.

Ballast / Displacement * 100

Displacement / Length Ratio

A measure of the weight of the boat relative to it's length at the waterline. The higher a boat’s D/L ratio, the more easily it will carry a load and the more comfortable its motion will be. The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more.

D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds.
• LWL: Waterline length in feet

Comfort Ratio

This ratio assess how quickly and abruptly a boat’s hull reacts to waves in a significant seaway, these being the elements of a boat’s motion most likely to cause seasickness. Read more.

Comfort ratio = D ÷ (.65 x (.7 LWL + .3 LOA) x Beam 1.33 )

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds
• LOA: Length overall in feet
• Beam: Width of boat at the widest point in feet

Capsize Screening Formula

This formula attempts to indicate whether a given boat might be too wide and light to readily right itself after being overturned in extreme conditions. Read more.

CSV = Beam ÷ ³√(D / 64)

First called CORSAIR F-24 Mk II (until 2000).

Embed this page on your own website by copying and pasting this code.

Discover Related Sailboats

• About Sailboat Guide

©2024 Sea Time Tech, LLC

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

• BOAT OF THE YEAR
• Newsletters
• Sailboat Reviews
• Boating Safety
• Sailing Totem
• Charter Resources
• Destinations
• Galley Recipes
• Living Aboard
• Sails and Rigging
• Maintenance
• Best Marine Electronics & Technology

Quick Look: Corsair Dash 750

• By Alvah Simon
• Updated: December 23, 2009

With enhanced performance and improved livability, the 24-foot-long Dash 750 trimaran replaces the popular Corsair F-24 Mark II. It weighs less than 2,000 pounds and folds up to a street-legal width of 8 feet 2 inches, so this trailerable trimaran will appeal to the backwater gunkholer as well as the need-for-speed junkie.

Using a clever hinging system for the hulls, a convenient tabernacle for the mast, and a retractable bowsprit, the Dash 750 requires only a wrench and 30 minutes to rig. Load some weekend supplies into the twin-berth interior, complete with stove, sink, portable toilet, and 12-volt electricity supply, and head out for a relaxing weekend of beach camping, or rendezvous with kindred spirits for some blistering class racing. And blister it will, for the Dash 750 simply rips. Are you ready to match boat speed to wind speed, knot for knot, well up into the 20s? Simply said, the Dash 750 is portable, affordable, fast, and fun.

LOA 24′ 3″ LWL 24′ 1″ Beam 18′ 2″/8′ 2″ Draft 5′ 5″ Sail Area 305 sq. ft. Weight 1,824 lb. Water 3 gal. Fuel 3 gal. Engine 5-hp. Nissan outboard Designer Corsair Marine Price $88,975 Corsair Marine (877) 327-8874 www.corsairmarine.com

• More: 2001 - 2010 , 21 - 30 ft , corsair marine , day sailing , multihull , Sailboat Reviews , Sailboats , trimaran
• More Sailboats

New to the Fleet: Pegasus Yachts 50

Balance 442 “lasai” set to debut, sailboat review: tartan 455, meet the bali 5.8, route planning in the face of climate change, how to rig everything in your favor, imtra named employee-owned company of the year.

• Digital Edition
• Customer Service
• Privacy Policy
• Email Newsletters
• Cruising World
• Sailing World
• Salt Water Sportsman
• Sport Fishing
• Wakeboarding

• New Sailboats
• Sailboats 21-30ft
• Sailboats 31-35ft
• Sailboats 36-40ft
• Sailboats Over 40ft
• Sailboats Under 21feet
• used_sailboats
• Apps and Computer Programs
• Communications
• Fishfinders
• Handheld Electronics
• Plotters MFDS Rradar
• Wind, Speed & Depth Instruments
• Anchoring Mooring
• Running Rigging
• Sails Canvas
• Standing Rigging
• Diesel Engines
• Off Grid Energy
• Cleaning Waxing
• DIY Projects
• Repair, Tools & Materials
• Spare Parts
• Tools & Gadgets
• Cabin Comfort
• Ventilation
• Footwear Apparel
• Foul Weather Gear
• Mailport & PS Advisor
• Inside Practical Sailor Blog
• Activate My Web Access
• Reset Password
• Customer Service

• Free Newsletter

Ericson 34-2 Finds Sweet Spot

How to Sell Your Boat

Cal 2-46: A Venerable Lapworth Design Brought Up to Date

Rhumb Lines: Show Highlights from Annapolis

Solar Panels: Go Rigid If You have the Space…

Leaping Into Lithium

The Importance of Sea State in Weather Planning

Do-it-yourself Electrical System Survey and Inspection

When Should We Retire Dyneema Stays and Running Rigging?

Rethinking MOB Prevention

Top-notch Wind Indicators

The Everlasting Multihull Trampoline

What Your Boat and the Baltimore Super Container Ship May Have…

Check Your Shorepower System for Hidden Dangers

DIY survey of boat solar and wind turbine systems

What’s Involved in Setting Up a Lithium Battery System?

The Scraper-only Approach to Bottom Paint Removal

Can You Recoat Dyneema?

How to Handle the Head

The Day Sailor’s First-Aid Kit

Choosing and Securing Seat Cushions

Cockpit Drains on Race Boats

Re-sealing the Seams on Waterproof Fabrics

Safer Sailing: Add Leg Loops to Your Harness

Waxing and Polishing Your Boat

Reducing Engine Room Noise

Tricks and Tips to Forming Do-it-yourself Rigging Terminals

Marine Toilet Maintenance Tips

Learning to Live with Plastic Boat Bits

• Sailboat Reviews

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

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Log in to leave a comment

Latest Videos

Safety At Sea For You & Your Family – The Joe...

What’s The Best Vinyl Window Cleaner for Your Boat?

40-Footer Boat Tours – With Some Big Surprises! | Boat Tour

Electrical Do’s and Don’ts

• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell My Personal Information
• Online Account Activation
• Privacy Manager

• 0 No item in your cart
• SUBSCRIPTION
• Classified Ads
• Technical Specifications
• Destinations
• Address book

• All the magazines

CORSAIR 880 - A brilliant toy for gliding across the water

The Corsair 880? A compact trimaran that’s great for both cruising and racing.

The side trampolines offer plenty of lounging space - and the opportunity for some very effective hiking out.

The carbon mast comes as standard - in the Sport version, the spar is 28” (70 cm) longer.

Folding a float doesn’t even take a minute.

Practical info

• Builder : CORSAIR MARINE INTL
• Technical specifications

• Finance your Corsair 880
• Articles about the Corsair 880
• Available in issue # 185

Boat Test price $5.00 Inc. tax

Add several tests to your cart

and get an extra discount!

This modern and ambitious trimaran has a reputation to uphold: it is the new variation of the mythical Corsair F27, one of the most popular cruising trimarans in the world. Highly anticipated in 2020, the 880’s original launch schedule was hampered by Covid. However, connoisseurs quickly understood that this little steed would not disappoint…

Test location: Follonica, Italy Conditions: Westerly 10 to 15 knots, slight sea

The Corsair 880 is without doubt the multihull that we’ve had the hardest time testing. Back in the spring of 2020, an appointment was made on Lake Garda to discover the first model delivered in Europe. Our plan seemed very attractive until Covid got involved. Discussions with the Seawind/Corsair team included options in Switzerland, Germany, and Italy again. And then nothing more. A long period of watching began in Australia and the United States thanks to our correspondents. The first 880 delivered in France at the beginning of the summer of 2021 just escaped us... but finally, the first Italian model – hull #16 in the series – welcomed us with open arms – the linking arms of course! The appointment was made with the Trimarani Italia team, in the marina at Scarlino, just south of Follonica. We were here on a superb stretch of water protected by the island of Elba. To top it all off, the weather was great, and the forecast heralded a good thermal breeze - what more could we have asked for?

Folding floats

This beast features three inverted bows, a respectable freeboard height and a rather discreet ...

To read in full, Buy the boat test

What readers think.

Post a comment

No comments to show.

Share this article

Follow us on, vous avez ajouté " " à vos favoris., vous avez supprimé " " de vos favoris., in order to add this article to your favorites, please sign in..