A 28'-33' monohull or multihull yacht for transport, for inland and offshore sailing...

Discussion in 'Boat Design' started by Quadcat, Nov 20, 2025.

  1. Quadcat
    Joined: Aug 2022
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    Quadcat "navigare necesse est, vivere non est necesse"

    For many years, I've been considering my next yacht for a family of 6-8 people.
    I've been sailing since I was 15.
    I live inland, practically the same distance from the Baltic Sea as from Croatia (the Mediterranean Sea). I love Masuria, the jewel of Polish lakes... I recommend it to anyone who hasn't been there.
    That's why I'm looking for the most versatile solution and yacht... I assume there's no perfect yacht and never will be.
    But I have some thoughts:
    1. The best yacht is the one you build yourself, knowing its advantages and disadvantages;
    2. A monohull is generally the cheapest to buy and build; the weight of the hull plus ballast unfortunately limits transport.
    3. Multihulls of this size can still be folded. I'm referring to the Farrier trimaran designs (F-28...32) and the J. Hrebień HX-28 catamaran. And, for the same length, they weigh less than monohulls.
    Additionally, they have buoyancy chambers, positive buoyancy, and are faster (I'm not talking about racing yachts).

    Why transport it...?

    If you have a place to store it, it's worth considering. It eliminates the cost of storage and, therefore, a major overhaul.

    I know, you can always charter...

    What do you think?
    Let me know...

    Regards
    Tom
     
  2. Rumars
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    Rumars Senior Member

    I would say the actual family composition is the most important factor. If you are two adults with four small kids its completely different from six adults and two kids.
    Just consider this: with six adults you can operate a big demountable catamaran, even if it means you transport it on three trailers (one for each hull plus mast parts, one for cabin and beams). With four small kids you can accommodate them on a small boat for a while, then they loose interest or start operating the boat themselves, a 28' mono or tri that can be launched and rigged single-handed is more appropriate.
    Ultimately you can't put 8 adults on a 28ft boat other then for day racing.
     
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  3. gonzo
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    gonzo Senior Member

    As a shipwright, I would consider that as an option. Most amateurs either abandon the project or take decades to build it to a, at most, fair standard.

    That depends on the design. What is the maximum load you can transport?

    A centerboard monohull can have shallow draft to give access to hidden anchorages. There are boats like the Macgregor that use water for ballast. A 26 foot can be towed with a car.
     
  4. Quadcat
    Joined: Aug 2022
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    Quadcat "navigare necesse est, vivere non est necesse"


    Yes, you're right. You need to know what you want. If it's going to be a longer sailing trip (up to 2 weeks), then 2-4 people is the maximum on a yacht of this size. This is different for occasional or so-called "one-day" sailing.

    As for transportation... it's difficult to tow three trailers just for vacation... it's possible, but assuming the sailing period is a few months.

    Of course, I agree that the sailing area limits the number of people for a safe journey. For example, for area A = 2 people, B = 4, C = 6, or D = 8 people.
     
  5. Quadcat
    Joined: Aug 2022
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    Quadcat "navigare necesse est, vivere non est necesse"


    I've owned two monohull yachts and one catamaran. The tilting centerboard solution, which means no permanent or water ballast, only partially solves the problem. The total weight of the trailer with the yacht is 3.5 tons. A much larger, lighter, large-hull yacht can be transported. This translates into comfort while sailing... My wife doesn't like heeling very much, as we're married and enjoy spending time together, so I don't want to eliminate her from our vacation plans.

    I must say that I'll be focusing my search on multihulls... and most are unsinkable, which is very important.

    Despite the many designs I considered building myself, such as those by Jaunusz Maderski (Polish designer of the Pasja 800 and 950), and after analyzing them, I can say that each of these yachts has its advantages and disadvantages. However, for me, multihulls still have more advantages.
     
  6. gonzo
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    gonzo Senior Member

    I don't agree that most are unsinkable. Maybe the notion comes from the fact that they will float upside down, at least for a while. Remember the Titanic.
     
  7. fallguy
    Joined: Dec 2016
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    fallguy Boat Builder

    Many are unsinkable, but they can all capsize.
     
  8. Quadcat
    Joined: Aug 2022
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    Quadcat "navigare necesse est, vivere non est necesse"

    Absolutely...they all can capsize. Monohulls with central ballast will generally roll back over, assuming they don't take on water and sink.
    A catamaran capsizes...it remains as a raft.
    Trimarans with folding outriggers, such as the Farrier (I consulted the sailing instructions), theoretically have the ability to turn over if the arms with the outriggers are properly folded.
    In practice, however, if there are large waves or rough seas, the situation can vary. But it is possible.
     
  9. fallguy
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    fallguy Boat Builder

    I’d say you have a better chance of getting hit by lightening than capsizing and righting a trimaran in the same outing.
     
  10. montero
    Joined: Nov 2024
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    montero Senior Member

    I have plan to build very cheap 33' power cat for 2+2 family and I'm stuck a little with road transport options . Need to make another driving licence and I will pay extra for every km I traveled .
     
  11. skaraborgcraft
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    skaraborgcraft Senior Member

  12. fallguy
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    fallguy Boat Builder

    Where in Poland, Montero? And why Montero?
     
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  13. montero
    Joined: Nov 2024
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    montero Senior Member

    I live in Warsaw . Why you asking ?
    One friend of mine moved to Szczecin and earn there also good money . But I'm not great fan of Baltic sea .
    montero nick :
    In younger years my friends use to called me Paco from fast guitar playing . Once I've started spending lot of time with 4x4 they started to call me Paco Diesel Montero . And no its not connected with Mitsubishi cars ;)
    In polish language Monter is some mechanic or electrician .
     
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  14. fallguy
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    fallguy Boat Builder

    My grandfather and grandmother, of blessed memory, were both from Czaszyn.

    …why I asked
     
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  15. montero
    Joined: Nov 2024
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    montero Senior Member

    To stay on the topic . If you use here e.g. Jeep Cherokee and light trailer ( trailer gross weight 750kg ) you are obligated to pay extra fee for every km of the route even if the car and trailer are empty .
     

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