Slickest folder ever

[garydierking]

Check out Frank Smoot's new tri:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C8kUq4BouS0

[jamez]

Thats pretty darn cool

[Doug Lord]

Sure is! Thanks, Gary....

[daiquiri]

Brilliant! Thanks for the video.

[upchurchmr]

Great Video, where is the web site or other information.

That video was 9 months ago, what has happened since?

Edited: I just found an article on Duckworks by Dr Frank, but it does not reference the folding amas Gary showed.

http://smalltrimarans.com/blog/?p=6960

Interesting comments by a guy who tried a bunch of different options.

Frank's website: http://www.diy-tris.com/

[beachcraft]

Yes, thank you for the video Gary. I am impressed. Where can we see more of Frank's boat?

[yipster]

sails very well and is that a crab claw on a hinging bullpit

[upchurchmr]

I don't know about "sails very well". It obviously sails, but how well? The combination of the folding system and the relatively small lateen style (crab claw?) rig do not seem suited to the righting moment capability of such a wide trimaran.

I looked at Frank's web site and nothing was reported on this iteration of his boat, so I sent a message inviting him to join the thread and asking about his experience and conclusions.

The hinging bullpit (?? never heard the term before) looks clever, but probably suited to a kayak or canoe without floats due to its limited support for lots of sail.

Hopefully Frank will join and educate us.

I sure would like to know the weight difference between this folding system and his sliding system.

[rapscallion]

Clever!

[Tug]

Looks fun...

[P Flados]

Given the comfort level (plastic lawn chair) and the easy of setup, this really could be great for a lot of "just for fun" sailors.

The other application that came to mind would be adapting this to a raid boat. Perhaps just a little bigger main hull (more freeboard for both cargo lockers and for keeping things dryer on board) and and better rig (no need for quick up & down) would be sweet. Definitely this would be more focused on the sit back, relax and enjoy to the extent possible.

[upchurchmr]

Gentlemen,

Frank Smoots said he is in the process of updating his website to show the new boat.
A comment from Frank, - the new "quick" rig at 90 sq ft is "better" than the 124 Laser rig he had before. Still hoping he will join the thread and explain more.

However, the quick rig should be very handy for a kayaker if it was sized correctly for the individual application. One string to set it up and one to sheet it in. Can't get any simpler than that.

[DIY Tri Guy]

Hi everybody - Sorry if I'm a bit late, but I only just found out about this post, thanks to an email from Marc. I'd be delighted to answer any questions anyone may have. I haven't yet posted any info about this boat, the folding amas, or the E-Z-Up mast & sail on my web site (www.DIY-Tris.com) but I plan to do so very soon. The sail rig works well in early tests, though it hasn't been tested beyond wind speeds of about 15 mph. The ama / aka combo works even better than my earlier ones, where the aka tube simply bolted onto the main hull. This folding arrangement, while a slight bit heavier, is also stiffer and stronger. And the 21 lb foam-core amas certainly don't cause much gravity loading. Well, before I get too carried away, let me stop here so I can find out what it is that you may actually want to know.

Cheers - Frank

[yipster]

Originally Posted by upchurchmr

The hinging bullpit (?? never heard the term before)

you may got me there.. think i crosmixed the term for a say "sermon chair" up front
what was the correct maritime expression for that spot again?

[upchurchmr]

Maybe we should let DIY Try Guy name it, since its his boat and he just joined the thread. I don't think I have ever see anything quite like it.