Tri Hull Question

[pkrainert]

I was just wondering why so many people seem to dislike Tri Hull boats? I have never ridden in one myself so I dont know how they handle or what problems they have. I see them on craigslist fairly often for a good price so was just wondering why they are so cheap.

 

[fishrdan]

Re: Tri Hull Question

Being a former trihull owner and trihull hater I can answer that question.

Waves will slam into the concave areas of the bow making a very rough ride. On my old 16.5' SeaSwirl anything over a 2' chop made for a rough and wet ride. When the boat hit 3-4' waves just right, it would create a bone chilling shudder through out the boat

If you are only going out in nice conditions I don't see a problem with them, but if you are going to be out in snotty conditions look for a V-hull.

 

[pkrainert]

Re: Tri Hull Question

Ahh gotcha. I go out when ever I can regardless of the conditions... so I dont think a tri hull is for me.

 

[ziggy]

Re: Tri Hull Question

When the boat hit 3-4' waves just right, it would create a bone chilling shudder through out the boat

3-4 footer in a 16' trihull? that sounds pretty exciteing. i had my v hull in 2-3 footers a couple weekends ago. did the same thing, shuttered bad. stuffed the bow 2 times too. the lake was solid whitecaps and i was the only fool out. if it'd a been an open bow i'd probably a sunk it the first bow stuff.
my last boat was a trihull. while it beat me to a degree in rough seas. i personally liked the ride. maybe it was just my hull design i don't know. but it ran pretty good in the rough and seemed to skip over the waves w/o a horrible slam. don't think i'd a took it in 3-4 footers though. wouldn't take my 19' hardtop out either though (unless ya make a mistake like i did with the weather a couple weekends ago).
the good traight of the trihull is that they are real nice and stable. used mine for fishing and waterskiing. it felt great in a turn, not to flat, not to much lean. someday i have hopes of restoreing my 72 trisonic 16' trihull with a 165hp L6 mercruiser i/o....
i also go out when ever i can..... i've got full cover for the trisonic and the aristocraft. and i use it....

 

[pkrainert]

Re: Tri Hull Question

I see, I figured that they would be more stable. Maybe I will have to ride in one or drive one before I count them out. It just seems like in my area tri hulls are always way cheaper and more abundant.

 

[turborich]

Re: Tri Hull Question

My first boat was & is a tri hull. I have not had it on the water yet since I'm still fixing her up. I was curious as to why most people didn't like them as well. I have not taken mine out yet so I can't say how she rides. My friend who has been boating for years told me that tri hulls are good stable boats. He said that they are great for fishing since they are very stable & that they are great in calmer water. He did say that they are not so good in rough water though. This doesn't really matter to me since I only plan on using her on nice calm days at the lake, I'm not going to try to take her out on a day where there are 20 mph winds!

As far as the tri hulls being fairly cheap on craigslist, I personally think it's because most tri hulls are older boats. 60's, 70's & very early 80's for the most part. Are they even made anymore???

I picked mine up for $300 bucks & by the time I'm done fixing her up, even with the outdrive & interior parts, I shouldn't have any more than the $300 bucks into her as I found a parts boat & salvaged what I needed & sold the rest. It worked out good for me.

I really think the tri hulls are neat looking boats!


I think if you can find a really good deal on a tri hull then go for it, what the heck, if you don't like it then sell it & try to make a few dollars!