Bandit 870 Information, Review, Specs

This trimaran stands out not only for its performance-oriented design but also for its practical features, including a folding mechanism that reduces its beam for easier transport and dockage. It has garnered attention within the multihull community, notably being featured in Multihulls World magazine, solidifying its reputation as a significant entry in the compact trimaran market.

History and Design

The Bandit 870 marked Multido's entry into the marine industry, with its production beginning in 2010. The company, operating under AELMOR SAS, leveraged a unique production model combining French design with manufacturing capabilities in Vietnam. The boat's genesis appears to be closely tied to a vision for high-performance yet accessible multihulls. The Bandit 870 was preceded by a prototype, the Bandit 800, which was released in 2006, with a few units delivered before the 870's official introduction.

The design of the Bandit 870 is attributed to Pierre Roland, a naval architect known for his background as an offshore sailor. Roland's experience undoubtedly influenced the trimaran's design, prioritizing practical performance and robust capabilities suitable for open water. Multido's philosophy, as evidenced by the Bandit 870, is rooted in maximizing the efficiency, speed, and seaworthiness inherent in trimaran configurations. The design features elegant crossed arms and modern, high-volume floats (amas), contributing to its successful architectural design. The hull is constructed from solid fiberglass, as is the deck, ensuring a robust build.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a performance-oriented trimaran, the Bandit 870 is engineered for speed and stability. Its three-hull configuration inherently offers enhanced stability and reduced wetted surface area compared to monohulls, contributing to superior speed and a comfortable motion in varied sea conditions. The boat is equipped with a fractional sloop rig and boasts a reported sail area of 613 square feet, including a mainsail of 409 sq.ft and a Solent of 205 sq.ft. It also has options for a gennaker and spinnaker for downwind performance. With a displacement of 4,189 lbs (1,900 kg), it is a relatively lightweight vessel for its length, further contributing to its agile performance.

A notable feature of the Bandit 870 is its centerboard keel, which is a pivoting lifting keel. This design allows the trimaran to navigate both coastal and inland waters by reducing its draft to a minimum of 1.48 feet, while offering a maximum draft of 5.91 feet for optimal upwind performance. This versatility makes it suitable for exploring shallow anchorages as well as handling more open conditions. Owners seeking coastal cruising in areas like the English Channel and the Atlantic, with potential for longer voyages to destinations like the Canary Islands or Cape Verde, have found the Bandit 870 appealing. The folding capability, which reduces its beam from 22.64 feet to 11.81 feet (3.6m), further enhances its practicality for trailering or tighter marina berths.

Accommodations and Layout

While detailed specifications on interior volume for the Bandit 870 are limited in structured data, grounded search indicates that the trimaran offers a surprisingly spacious interior for its size. Reviews suggest a rigorous and successful architectural design that provides good space within the main hull. Typically, the layout of a trimaran in this size range focuses on efficient use of the central hull for living space, often featuring a forward V-berth, a small galley, and a compact head compartment. The emphasis in trimaran design is often on creating comfortable accommodations while maintaining light weight and performance.

Given its overall length, the interior is likely designed for efficient use of space, prioritizing functionality for overnight stays or weekend trips. While specific details on materials and finish quality are not widely documented, Multido's general approach suggests a focus on practical performance, implying a robust and functional finish rather than elaborate luxury. The "high-volume amas" mentioned in reviews also suggest that the side hulls contribute to the overall feeling of space, though they are primarily for buoyancy and stability, not typically for extensive accommodations.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Bandit 870 generally praise its performance characteristics and innovative folding design. The ability to fold the amas for transport or narrow dockage is a frequently appreciated feature, offering significant logistical advantages. The trimaran's speed and stability under sail are also key selling points, aligning with the designer's intent for a performance-oriented multihull.

While specific owner forums or extensive problem lists are not widely publicized, the general sentiment points towards a well-conceived design that delivers on its promise of spirited sailing. Anecdotal evidence suggests owners value its capabilities for coastal cruising and enjoy its direct connection with the water. As with any sailboat, regular maintenance would be expected, but no widespread or systemic issues are commonly reported in public discussions. The Bandit 870 appeals to sailors who appreciate the unique blend of speed, stability, and versatility that a compact, folding trimaran offers.