Astus 18.2 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

Launched with its prototype at the Paris Boat Show (Nautic) in late 2010 and commencing production in 2011, the Astus 18.2 quickly established itself as a versatile addition to the Astus lineup. Astus Boats, founded by Jean-Hubert Pommois in France, built its reputation on creating high-performance, quality, and remarkably affordable trailerable trimarans. The design ethos of the 18.2 perfectly aligns with this vision, aiming to provide a simple, fast machine that is easy to transport. It is often referred to as the "little brother" to the successful Astus 20.2.

The naval architecture for the Astus 18.2 was primarily handled by Philippe Roulin, formerly associated with the renowned VPLP office. This collaboration resulted in a design optimized for efficiency and ease of use. A total of 37 Astus 18.2 units have been built, reflecting its niche appeal. During its production run, the model was offered in at least two primary versions: a "Leisure" version and a "Sport" or "Sport Open" version, the latter featuring a larger sail area to satisfy regatta enthusiasts. This adaptability allowed owners to choose a configuration best suited to their sailing ambitions.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As an 18-foot trimaran, the Astus 18.2 offers a distinct sailing experience characterized by stability, speed, and responsiveness. With a length overall of 18.01 feet (5.49 meters) and a generous beam of 12.63 feet (3.85 meters) when deployed, the boat benefits from the inherent stability of its multihull design. Its lightweight displacement of 573 pounds (260 kg) combined with a reported sail area of 182.99 square feet (for the Leisure version) ensures lively performance, particularly in lighter air.

Reviewers describe the Astus 18.2 as a "pleasure trimaran par excellence," comfortable for family day outings and capable of short coastal cruises. Despite being lightweight and well-canvassed, it's noted as being straightforward to handle, even for those new to multihulls. The boat provides "serene sailing," yet can become "more performance oriented" when the wind picks up, especially with the Sport version's larger rig. Its design prioritizes ease of rigging and personalized features, making it a dynamic yet manageable vessel for a range of sailing conditions.

Accommodations and Layout

Consistent with its design philosophy as an "ideal dayboat," the Astus 18.2's interior accommodations are minimalist, focusing on functionality and storage rather than extensive liveaboard comfort. The boat is primarily designed for day-sailing adventures, though it does feature a small cabin. This cabin is intended to house essential equipment and provide basic shelter for the crew, rather than offering standing headroom or extensive amenities.

For overnight stays, owners can improvise sleeping arrangements, such as utilizing the trampolines or placing inflatable mattresses on the cockpit floor. This design choice underscores the Astus 18.2's emphasis on portability and outdoor sailing enjoyment, making it a highly practical option for those who prioritize performance and trailerability over elaborate onboard living spaces.