Astus 20.5 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Astus 20.5 emerged in 2018 as a product of Astus Boats' ongoing commitment to innovation in the trailerable multihull market. This model represents a significant evolution, being born from a second collaboration with the prestigious VPLP Design agency, known for their work on high-performance sailing yachts. The design carries forward the successful features of previous models like the Astus 20.2, while introducing contemporary refinements.

Astus Boats, founded by Jean-Hubert Pommois in 2004, has consistently focused on creating high-performance, quality, and affordable trimarans. Their manufacturing ethos emphasizes practicality, simplicity, and efficiency, aiming to provide a dynamic sailing experience without the complexities often associated with larger multihulls. A defining characteristic of Astus designs, including the 20.5, is the incorporation of telescopic carbon beams, which allow the floats to fold. This ingenious feature drastically reduces the boat's beam for easy road transport and storage, central to the "nomadic" sailing concept championed by the builder. The Astus 20.5 is offered in two primary versions, Leisure and Sport, with the Sport model featuring a larger sail area of 24m² (approximately 258 sqft) for enhanced performance.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a light-displacement trimaran with a length overall of just under 20 feet and a waterline length of 19.36 feet, the Astus 20.5 is engineered for spirited performance and nimble handling. Its trimaran configuration inherently provides a high degree of stability, making for a secure and comfortable ride even when sailing fast. Owners and reviewers consistently describe the boat as "tremendous fun" and "fast yet undemanding sailing".

With a reported sail area of 226.04 sqft for the standard version and 258.33 sqft for the Sport model, combined with a displacement of just 1036 lbs, the Astus 20.5 is responsive and accelerates quickly. It is well-suited for a variety of sailing activities, from lively day sails and coastal rallies to competitive club racing. Its design allows for easy trailing and simple "camper-cruising," highlighting its versatility. The boat's hull speed is estimated at 5.9 knots, a respectable pace for its size.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its primary role as a trailerable day sailor and weekend cruiser, the Astus 20.5 offers more modest accommodations compared to monohulls of similar length. The interior is designed to be functional and efficient, typically featuring a small cabin that can accommodate two adults in double berths. Some configurations may include a basic kitchen unit and notable storage spaces, essential for weekend excursions.

The interior layout can vary, with "Race or Cruise" options available, suggesting some flexibility in how the limited space is utilized. While headroom is not explicitly generous, the design prioritizes maximizing usable volume for its size. The focus remains on providing a comfortable base for short-term stays rather than extensive live-aboard capabilities, aligning with its "camper-cruising" appeal.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Astus 20.5 frequently commend its blend of performance, ease of use, and affordability. It is widely regarded as a boat that is "accessible to everyone," fulfilling the desire for a dynamic sailing experience without the complexities of larger multihulls. Many appreciate its inherent stability and the lively performance that a trimaran offers. The core appeal lies in its exceptional trailerability and ease of rigging, launching, and recovery, which aligns perfectly with Astus Boats' "nomadism" philosophy, allowing sailors to explore diverse cruising grounds.

While the Astus 20.5 is praised for its fun sailing characteristics and convenience, owners acknowledge its limitations in terms of extended live-aboard comfort or serious offshore work due to its compact size. However, for its intended purpose of day sailing, weekend cruising, and coastal racing, the Astus 20.5 is consistently viewed as a successful and highly enjoyable multihull, fostering a passionate community of owners.