Astus 16.1 Information, Review, Specs

Built by Astus Boats, a company founded in 2004 by Jean-Hubert Pommois, the Astus 16.1 reflects a commitment to innovative, accessible sailing. Pommois's vision was to create high-performing yet practical vessels that could be easily transported and set up, a concept central to the Astus brand.

History and Design

The Astus 16.1 was launched in 2006, following the initial success of the Astus 20.1, and remained in production until 2011, with 32 units sold during its run. The designer for the Astus 16.1 is noted as Stéphan Vallet, working within the framework established by Astus Boats founder Jean-Hubert Pommois. The company's manufacturing ethos during this era prioritized practicality, simplicity, and efficiency, aiming to deliver a dynamic sailing experience in a highly transportable package. The Astus 16.1 was specifically conceived as a "family-friendly dayboat offering maximum pleasure with minimum hassle".

A defining characteristic of Astus trimarans, including the 16.1, is their "boats on wheels" concept, facilitated by telescopic carbon beams that allow the floats to fold. This significantly reduces the beam of the boat, making it exceptionally easy to rig, launch, and recover for road transport and storage. The 16.1, like its larger sibling, was designed without a traditional centerboard, instead incorporating built-in foils on each float, further simplifying its setup and handling.

Sailing Performance and Handling

At 16.73 feet (5.1 meters) in length overall and with a wide beam of 12.14 feet (3.7 meters) when deployed, the Astus 16.1 is designed for exhilarating performance and remarkable stability. With a reported sail area of 185 square feet, including a 11.7 m² (approximately 126 sq ft) main and a 5.5 m² (approximately 59 sq ft) furling jib, it is equipped for lively sailing. An optional 15 m² (approximately 161 sq ft) furling gennaker further enhances its light-wind capabilities and speed.

The trimaran design inherently provides greater stability than a monohull, allowing the Astus 16.1 to achieve higher speeds effortlessly and maintain a low angle of heel, even when reaching under gennaker. Owners and reviewers highlight its simplicity and ease of handling, making it an ideal choice for those new to sailing or seeking a boat that is straightforward to manage. Its light displacement of 529 pounds, combined with its efficient multihull design, means it can be easily towed and maneuvered by hand on its trailer. The boat's design also focuses on enabling it to reach a wider range of locations within a day, thanks to its speed advantage.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its compact size, the Astus 16.1 is primarily configured as a dayboat, prioritizing a spacious cockpit and ease of use over extensive interior accommodations. It features a large cockpit with rigid seating, providing ample space for up to three people for day sailing (Design Category C).

Despite its focus on open-air enjoyment, the Astus 16.1 does offer practical storage solutions. Forward, there is a generous cuddy space or large storage area under the forward hatch, which is ample for stowing sails, anchors, lines, fenders, and even camping equipment. This cuddy has the potential for a single berth, allowing for intimate overnight stays or providing a sheltered spot for gear. The boat is primarily constructed from fiberglass, ensuring a durable and low-maintenance hull and deck.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners frequently praise the Astus 16.1 for its blend of performance and practicality. Many appreciate its ease of towing, launching, and rigging, which truly embodies the "trailerable trimaran" concept. The simplicity of its design, including the built-in foils on the floats replacing a traditional centerboard, is often cited as a significant advantage for both new and experienced sailors.

The trimaran's inherent stability and speed are consistently highlighted as key strengths, offering an exciting yet secure sailing experience. While designed as a dayboat, the generous forward storage area, capable of accommodating camping gear or even a single berth, adds to its versatility for short excursions. Owners value the Astus 16.1 as a fun, accessible, and low-maintenance multihull that delivers on its promise of maximum pleasure with minimum hassle.