Tramp/Eagle Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The story of the Tramp/Eagle began in 1980, marking the official start of its production. Designed by Ian Farrier, who would become synonymous with high-performance, trailerable trimarans, the Tramp was his inaugural production design. Farrier's design philosophy centered on creating vessels that were not only fast but also safe and strongly built. This ethos is evident in the Tramp, with reports suggesting Farrier considered them "overbuilt by hand, in solid fiberglass," a testament to their robust construction.

The Australian builder, Haines Hunter, known primarily for its high-quality fiberglass powerboats, briefly ventured into multihull production during the 1980s, producing the Tramp in 1982 and the Super Tramp in 1983. This collaboration showcased Haines Hunter's capacity for diverse and innovative construction, aligning with their reputation for quality design and craftsmanship during that era. The original Australian-built model was simply known as the Tramp, while a racing variant featuring a taller mast was marketed as the Super Tramp. For the American market, Pyramid International produced a version known as the Eagle. Later, a variant redesigned by Farrier and produced by Ostac featured a small cuddy cabin, offering slightly more interior shelter.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of 19.5 feet and a slender 18-foot waterline, the Tramp/Eagle is a remarkably light vessel with a displacement of just 1400 pounds. Its design, featuring a fractional sloop rig and a reported sail area of 209 square feet, allows it to achieve a theoretical hull speed of approximately 5.69 knots. As a trimaran, it inherently benefits from the stability and speed offered by its three-hull configuration, especially when compared to monohulls of a similar size. Owners frequently describe the Tramp as a "swift, secure fun little boat." The original Haines Hunter Tramps were noted for their heavy build quality, with solid fiberglass construction contributing to a feeling of security on the water. Its triple rudder setup further enhances control and maneuverability. The daggerboard keel system provides flexibility for shallow water access, with a minimum draft of just 0.33 feet when retracted, extending to 4 feet when fully deployed, making it highly versatile for exploring various waterways.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its compact size, the interior accommodations of the Tramp/Eagle are designed for utility and basic comfort, suitable primarily for daysailing or short overnight trips. While specific headroom figures are not consistently available, the primary design focuses on a functional cockpit and minimal cabin space. The early Tramp and Super Tramp models generally featured a large, safe cockpit area, complemented by extensive netting on the amas (outriggers) and several practical storage areas. Some later variants, such as those produced by Ostac, were redesigned by Farrier to include a small cuddy cabin, offering a modest enclosed space for shelter or very basic sleeping arrangements. The emphasis of these early folding trimarans was on performance and the unique advantage of trailerability rather than expansive living quarters.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Haines Hunter Tramp and its variants consistently praise its robust construction and lively sailing characteristics. The general consensus highlights the boats as being exceptionally well-built, with Ian Farrier himself noting that they were "overbuilt by hand, in solid fiberglass," which has contributed to their enduring quality over decades. Many find the Tramp to be a "swift, secure fun little boat," appreciated for its performance and stability on the water. The heavy build quality of the Australian-made Haines Hunter Tramps is also frequently noted, ensuring a solid feel underfoot. The folding mechanism, a revolutionary feature at the time, is highly valued for simplifying transport and storage, allowing owners to easily trailer the boat to different sailing grounds. Common sentiments revolve around its reliability and enjoyable sailing experience, making it a cherished choice for those seeking a practical yet exhilarating small trimaran.