An alloy (tinny) trimaran

[NeilR]

I've been reading this forum for a few years (when I have rare spare time) but have not been brave enough to post until now.
I'm interested in the feasibility of making a small trimaran out of alloy much like the most popular 'tinny' (monohull trailer boats used in Australia for fishing).
The vision is for a very stable, day cruiser for three adults/two adults and two children, that can be used much like a traditional 'tinny' - so sailed for fun, sailed or even motored to a fishing spot. I would want it to be easy to sail and dry. Speed is not of great importance and it will be equipped with an outboard motor. I would like the ability to launch at a beach and be able to cope with small waves. I imagine that furling sails would be a good idea, but I also like the idea of a windsurfer rig for some reason.
The choice of alloy is due to light weight, ruggedness (particularly with UV light degradation) and ease of service over time. I have access to a 3m CNC press and a 4m guillotine.
Has anyone heard of or seen such a boat?

[Mr Efficiency]

Originally Posted by NeilR

I've been reading this forum for a few years (when I have rare spare time) but have not been brave enough to post until now.
I'm interested in the feasibility of making a small trimaran out of alloy much like the most popular 'tinny' (monohull trailer boats used in Australia for fishing).
The vision is for a very stable, day cruiser for three adults/two adults and two children, that can be used much like a traditional 'tinny' - so sailed for fun, sailed or even motored to a fishing spot. I would want it to be easy to sail and dry. Speed is not of great importance and it will be equipped with an outboard motor. I would like the ability to launch at a beach and be able to cope with small waves. I imagine that furling sails would be a good idea, but I also like the idea of a windsurfer rig for some reason.
The choice of alloy is due to light weight, ruggedness (particularly with UV light degradation) and ease of service over time. I have access to a 3m CNC press and a 4m guillotine.
Has anyone heard of or seen such a boat?

I have never seen a production boat such as you describe, probably because of the limited market appeal. The UV bit I wouldn't think would be that important a consideration. I guess if you google trailable sailing trimarans, you might see something you like the look of, and take it from there.

[NeilR]

thanks for the reply. I have searched for a couple of years. The Windrider 17 comes close but is not available in my market as far as I know. The rest are really seem for 'serious' sailors, which I am not.
The UV considerations comes from a friends need to redo the gelcoat on his composite boat, whereas the alloy boat he has inherited from his father is just fine. Whatever I end up with will have to be stored outside in all weather.

[Mr Efficiency]

Originally Posted by NeilR

thanks for the reply. I have searched for a couple of years. The Windrider 17 comes close but is not available in my market as far as I know. The rest are really seem for 'serious' sailors, which I am not.
The UV considerations comes from a friends need to redo the gelcoat on his composite boat, whereas the alloy boat he has inherited from his father is just fine. Whatever I end up with will have to be stored outside in all weather.

A tarp will take care of that UV problem, would be better not to restrict your options to just aluminium, IMO.

[NeilR]

Well I am competent with composites and can vacuum bag and use core materials. I had thought that alloy may be more hardy, quicker and create less waste, as well as being lighter.