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Hobie Trifoiler

Designer: Greg Ketterman  ·  Builder: Trifoiler Inc./Hobie Cat  ·  First built: 1994
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About the Hobie Trifoiler

Revolutionary in its approach to recreational sailing, this unique three-hulled craft represents Hobie's bold experiment with hydrofoil technology from the 1980s. Unlike traditional sailboats that push through water, the Trifoiler was designed to lift completely above the surface on submerged foils, delivering an exhilarating flying sensation that few other sailing craft could match. Built for speed enthusiasts and adventure seekers, this boat excels in moderate coastal conditions where its foiling capabilities can truly shine. The distinctive three-hull configuration provides exceptional stability while allowing the craft to achieve remarkable velocities once airborne. However, the Trifoiler demands skilled handling and precise technique, making it better suited for experienced sailors rather than casual weekend cruisers. The boat's reputation centers on its thrilling performance characteristics and steep learning curve. When conditions align and the sailor's technique is dialed in, the Trifoiler delivers an almost addictive rush of speed and the unique sensation of sailing above the water. This specialized nature, combined with limited production numbers, has made the Trifoiler a sought-after collector's item among performance sailing enthusiasts who appreciate its pioneering approach to recreational hydrofoil sailing.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 22.00 ft / 6.71 m
Beam 19.00 ft / 5.79 m
Max Draft 2.33 ft / 0.71 m
Displacement 320.00 lb / 145 kg
Design & Construction
Hull Type Foiling Trimaran
Construction FG
Designer Greg Ketterman
Builder TriFoiler Inc./Hobie Cat
First Built 1994
Last Built 1999
Number Built 180
Related Sailboats Maine Cat 22
Owner Reviews

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Performance Ratios
Displacement/Length Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
 21.85
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
 0.49
Capsize Screening Formula The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
 11.12
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 5.79 kn
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 7.61 pounds/inch
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 0.42 ft / 0.13 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 215.00 ft² / 19.97 m²
E (Mainsail Foot) Hobie Cat
How It Compares

vs. Maine Cat 22

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Hobie Trifoiler ★
22.0 ft
Maine Cat 22
22.0 ft
Beam
Hobie Trifoiler ★
19.0 ft
Maine Cat 22
13.0 ft
Displacement
Hobie Trifoiler ★
320 lbs
Maine Cat 22
1 lbs
Performance
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Hobie Trifoiler ★
0.5
Maine Cat 22
4.1
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Hobie Trifoiler ★
11.12
Maine Cat 22
4.32
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Hobie Trifoiler ★
21
Maine Cat 22
76
Hull Speed
Hobie Trifoiler ★
5.8 kts
Maine Cat 22
6.2 kts
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