Astus 22.5 Information, Review, Specs

Conceived by the French builder Astus Boats, known for pioneering innovative trailerable trimarans, the 22.5 synthesizes the company's commitment to quality, performance, and affordability. As a product of Astus Boats' collaboration with the renowned naval architecture firm VPLP Design, the Astus 22.5 benefits from a modern design perspective aimed at maximizing both speed and stability.

History and Design

The Astus 22.5 entered production in 2020, replacing earlier models like the Astus 22. Its creation is a direct outcome of Astus Boats' enduring partnership with VPLP Design, which commenced in 2016 and significantly shaped the brand's modern lineup. This collaboration has infused Astus trimarans with contemporary shapes and sportier lines, reflecting VPLP's expertise in offshore racing design. Jean-Hubert Pommois, founder of Astus Boats, oversees the core concept, while VPLP Design finalizes the plans, ensuring a focus on accessible performance multihulls.

Astus Boats' manufacturing ethos during this era is characterized by a dedication to practicality, simplicity, and efficiency. The Astus 22.5 is constructed using a vacuum infusion method, contributing to its light weight of approximately 1,433 pounds (720 kg), which is crucial for its trailerable nature. A defining characteristic, central to the Astus brand, is the use of telescopic carbon beams, allowing the trimaran's floats to fold. This innovative feature drastically reduces the boat's beam from over 16 feet to a road-friendly 8.17 feet, facilitating easy road transport and storage—a true "boats on wheels" concept. The design includes a rotating swing keel and rudder, further aiding shallow water access and transport.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Astus 22.5 is designed for sporty sailing performance and high-end speed, offering exhilarating experiences, especially when reaching under gennaker. With a reported sail area of 505.9 square feet and a light displacement, the trimaran exhibits a lively and responsive character. Its trimaran configuration, featuring high-volume floats (1150 liters each), ensures remarkable stability, allowing it to sail upright and handle strong winds impeccably.

Reviewers consistently praise the Astus 22.5 for its straightforward handling and balance. It is described as being a joy to sail, whether helming from the trampolines or inside the cockpit. The boat is capable upwind, though achieving optimal performance requires careful attention to backstay and mainsheet tension. The pivoting rudder and centerboard further enhance its versatility, allowing navigation in shallow waters. Its design prioritizes safety and stability, making it suitable for both adventurous sailors and families.

Accommodations and Layout

While primarily a performance-oriented trailerable trimaran, the Astus 22.5 offers surprising utility in its accommodations, making it viable for weekenders and coastal cruising. The cabin layout typically includes a V-berth forward, which can serve as a double bed, and two additional settees or quarter berths aft, providing sleeping arrangements for up to four persons.

Despite its compact size, the interior of the Astus 22.5 is noted for impressive headroom for a multihull of its length, and large side windows contribute to a light and airy feel. Owners can opt for additional comfort features, though the focus remains on practicality rather than luxurious finishes. The design incorporates storage solutions, and the boat offers a generous deck area of over 300 square feet, enhancing the living space above deck. While not extensive, the cabin provides sufficient shelter and basic amenities for overnighting, with space for a small galley and an anchor locker.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners and reviewers frequently highlight the Astus 22.5's exhilarating sailing performance and its remarkable stability as significant strengths. Many appreciate its "fun to sail" character and its ability to cover ground quickly, especially in reaching conditions. The trimaran's trailerable nature and ease of rigging, launching, and recovery are consistently praised, aligning with Astus Boats' "nomadism" concept, which offers unparalleled flexibility for exploring various cruising grounds. The vacuum infusion hull construction is also noted for contributing to its light weight and robust build.

While celebrated for its performance, some reviews suggest that turning can be a challenge in certain conditions, a characteristic sometimes associated with multihulls. However, the overall consensus points to a boat that successfully balances sporty performance with the practicalities required for a versatile coastal cruiser and family-friendly weekender. The strong community fostered by the Astus Boats Club association further enhances the ownership experience, allowing for shared knowledge and experiences among passionate owners.