Astus 16.5 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

Launched in 2016, the Astus 16.5 marked a pivotal moment for Astus Boats, being the first model developed in partnership with VPLP Design, a firm at the forefront of modern multihull architecture. This collaboration aimed to combine Astus Boats' established philosophy of practicality, simplicity, and efficiency with VPLP's expertise in high-performance design, ushering in a "new era" for the builder. The design goals for the 16.5 focused on creating a high-performance, efficient boat with a modern hull shape that offers exceptional stability, largely due to its 500-liter floats.

True to Astus Boats' core concept, the 16.5 incorporates the brand's signature telescopic carbon beams., 5] This ingenious feature allows the trimaran's floats to fold in, drastically reducing its beam for effortless road transport and storage without the need for complex dismantling., 5] This "boats on wheels" approach makes the Astus 16.5 remarkably easy to rig, launch, and recover, embodying the company's commitment to delivering dynamic sailing without the complexities often associated with larger multihulls. The Astus 16.5 is available in two versions, "Leisure" and "Sport," both built using infusion technology, with the Sport version offering a larger sail area for enhanced performance.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Astus 16.5 is celebrated for its high-performance characteristics coupled with user-friendliness, stability, and safety. It provides a notably more comfortable ride compared to many beach catamarans and smaller trimarans on the market. The boat's design allows for sporty and fast sailing, with anecdotal reports indicating that sustained speeds of 16 to 17 knots are achievable in good wind conditions. Its easy handling is a core aspect of the Astus concept, making it appealing to a wide range of sailors, from beginners to those seeking a more spirited experience. The trimaran configuration inherently offers significant stability, contributing to a secure and enjoyable sailing experience.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its compact size, the Astus 16.5 prioritizes a spacious and functional cockpit over extensive interior accommodations. The central hull features a large cockpit designed to comfortably accommodate three to five persons, making it well-suited for daysailing with family and friends. While detailed interior specifications are limited, the design focuses on maximizing open space and ease of movement within the cockpit area, aligning with its purpose as a performance-oriented trailerable trimaran rather than a full-fledged cruising vessel.