Corsair 28 RS Information, Review, Specs

Corsair Marine, founded in 1984, built its reputation on specializing in lightweight composite trailerable trimarans. The company, originally established in San Diego, California, focused on creating boats that combined multihull performance with the practicality of a folding system for easy trailering. While Ian Farrier was the original designer for many of Corsair's early models, the Corsair 28 RS, first built in 2012, emerged after the formal design relationship with Farrier concluded in 2000. Despite this, the 28 RS carries forward the core principles of Farrier's innovative multihull designs, known for their speed and efficiency.

During the production era of the Corsair 28 RS, Corsair Marine's manufacturing operations had been relocated to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, following its acquisition by Australian boat builder Seawind Catamarans in 2010, 13]. This transition leveraged combined expertise in multihull construction, maintaining Corsair's ethos of using lightweight composite materials for high performance and durability. The 28 RS itself is a sport-oriented variant of the Corsair 28 line, which commenced production in 1997. The Corsair 28 also featured variations, including a "Racer" (R) version and options for standard or taller rigs. The "RS" designation on the 28 RS signifies its enhanced "Race Sport" focus.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a trimaran, the Corsair 28 RS offers a distinct sailing experience, characterized by high speeds and impressive stability. With a length overall of just over 28 feet and a waterline length of 26.25 feet, she is designed to be exceptionally efficient through the water, boasting a hull speed of 6.87 knots. However, like many performance trimarans, the 28 RS is capable of achieving much higher speeds, often exceeding 20 knots, by harnessing the power of its multi-hull design and lightweight fiberglass construction, 27].

The fractional sloop rig of the Corsair 28 RS contributes to easier tacking, which is advantageous for both cruisers and racers. Its design allows it to sail flat and fast, providing a secure and exhilarating experience, and minimizing heeling typically associated with monohulls. A key advantage of the Corsair 28 RS is its trailerability; its patented folding mechanism allows the outer amas (hulls) to retract, significantly reducing the beam from 20.01 feet to 8.25 feet for convenient road transport and storage, Builder Article]. The transition from trailering to sailing is notably quick, taking approximately 30 minutes.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its emphasis on performance and trailerability, the Corsair 28 RS provides practical accommodations for comfortable overnight cruising. The interior of the Corsair 28, a closely related model, is described as roomy, offering amenities necessary for extended stays. Typically, the layout includes sleeping accommodations for four, alongside a galley area that can feature a 2-burner stove.

While specific headroom dimensions for the 28 RS are not explicitly detailed in all specifications, owner observations for the Corsair 28 suggest that standing headroom may not be available for all individuals. The layout of the earlier F-28, which the 28 RS builds upon, notably improved upon its predecessor (the F-27) by featuring an aft cockpit and moving accommodations further forward, enhancing the overall living space. Owners often note that, like many sportboats, the Corsair 28 RS can be challenged by limited stowage space.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of Corsair trimarans, including models like the 28 RS, frequently praise the brand's commitment to solid construction and the comfortable motion these boats exhibit, even in a seaway. The high-performance capabilities, versatility, and the unique trailerability offered by the folding mechanism are consistently highlighted as major strengths, appealing to a wide range of sailors from performance racers to cruising families. The active global community of Corsair owners further enriches the ownership experience, with regattas and sailing "Safaris" frequently organized.

However, some recurring feedback from owners of similar sized Corsair models points to common compromises. For instance, the desire for more stowage is a frequently mentioned point for sport-oriented trimarans. Additionally, while robust, some owners of the broader Corsair line have noted occasional maintenance points, such as the need for re-bedding original deck fittings over time, though specific issues related to the 28 RS are generally positive regarding overall structural integrity.