Trilars

I took the Trilars out Monday for the first time for about an hour. The wind was shifting and light to moderate, maybe 8 or 10 MPH tops, so no real speed measurements could be made, but I think it'll be plenty fast for the light construction considering the cross bars would flex plenty on some gust.

It handles a lot like my Frolic2 in that you have to keep your speed up when tacking because Trilars has no weight to carry it through, so you have to be fast. I had to back wind the sail several times before I got the hang of tacking, and then in real light winds you have to jibe or help it around with a paddle which is easy enough to do, again, remember that it was light winds.

I got more spray from the main hull than the Amas when crossing wakes so all the fears of being soaked when the Amas come down are gone. They do slap a bit but nothing to get concerned about. No serious tendency to spear a wave with the main hul,l but I can see in a regular pattern of waves rather than wakes, it could be an issue though just a good soaking, not for handling with the foredeck installed.

When paddling, you tend to take the wakes at 90 degrees but when sailing the Trilars, you're always at an angle and the wind helps drift the splash inwards. Narrow beam and low to the water is the problem and will be inherent to the Trilars. The spray is no worse that any other craft when using double paddles with a partner out of sync. :>)

It took me 30 minutes to get it ready, and then it was a bit heavy for the wife and I to carry to the water. We ended up dragging the stern and lifting from the front crossbar. I'm glad I put a piece of aluminum on the skeg. Of course then you have to wade in to get it floating. I'll have to get a little trailer and keep in bolted together.

On the fun side, it's very nimble, a lot more than I expected for at Tri. Using the paddles was efficient enough that you would have no need for any other power under normal conditions. Stability is very good, even in a good gust of wind say 15 MPH. The rudder could be longer for better control at slow speeds, but it is effective once you start developing speeds faster than hard rowing. I think the Amas add enough lateral resistance that the rudder needs plenty of water flowing past it to push the stern around.

I have no photos of sailing the boat since my Son was supposed to show up and takes photos for us, but it didn't work out.

One sail doesn't make me a pro on the design, but for the cost, compact size and versatility, it's a keeper.

Jeff Blunck