F-33 (2013) Information, Review, Specs

MultiHulls Direct Corp., founded in 2012 by Michael Mallory and the legendary Ian Farrier, has been the torchbearer for Farrier's groundbreaking multihull designs from its base in the Philippines. The F-33 (2013) stands as a testament to their commitment to perpetuating Farrier's legacy of crafting technically advanced, high-quality folding trimarans for a global audience, 8].

History and Design

The F-33's lineage traces back to the innovative mind of New Zealand designer Ian Farrier, a figure whose impact on multihull development is widely recognized, particularly for pioneering the concept of folding trimarans, 5]. Production of the F-33 by MultiHulls Direct Corp. commenced in 2013. Farrier's core design philosophy, meticulously executed by MultiHulls Direct, emphasizes speed, stability, ease of handling, robust construction, and critically, trailerability via his signature folding amas (outriggers), 5].

The F-33 was conceived as a more seaworthy and ocean-capable vessel than some of its predecessors, featuring significantly larger floats that enhance its stability and offshore credentials. MultiHulls Direct's role has been the precise and faithful execution of these highly engineered blueprints, leveraging skilled craftsmanship from their facilities in the Philippines. During its production, the F-33 saw various interpretations, including the F-33X, which boasts a wider center hull for increased interior volume and enhanced performance, and more race-oriented variants like the F-33R and F-33RX. The F-33 is notable for being one of the lightest production boats of its type.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a trimaran, the F-33 inherently offers exceptional stability and blistering speed, characteristics amplified by its design. With a length overall of 33 feet and a waterline length of 31.33 feet, the F-33 features a wide beam of 23.16 feet when deployed, contributing significantly to its form stability. Weighing in at a bare displacement of around 2,800 pounds (with variations up to 3,700 pounds depending on the specific model), it is a relatively lightweight vessel for its size.

The F-33 is equipped with a fractional sloop rig, featuring a rotating mast and a generous reported sail area of 654 square feet for the main and jib. This combination of light displacement, expansive sail area, and wide platform translates into exhilarating sailing performance, allowing the F-33 to achieve impressive speeds, with a theoretical hull speed of 7.5 knots. The boat's daggerboard keel system, offering a draft range from a mere 1.42 feet with the board up to 6.33 feet fully down, provides versatility for both shoal-water exploration and efficient upwind performance. Owners consistently describe the F-33 as a fast and comfortable cruiser, built to very high standards, offering a responsive and exciting sailing experience 2, 4, Builder Article.

Accommodations and Layout

While trimarans of this size typically prioritize performance over expansive interior volume, the F-33 (2013) is designed to offer a surprisingly comfortable and functional living space for a performance multihull. MultiHulls Direct emphasizes that the F-33, particularly the FMX 33 variant, is designed to be "easily the roomiest and most seaworthy folding trimaran in its class".

Interior headroom varies from approximately 6 feet 2 inches to 6 feet 4 inches depending on the specific interior layout. Some models of the F-33 can even achieve a headroom of 6 feet 8 inches. The design focuses on a "streamline interior" to maximize usable space. While specific details on the exact number of berths, galley configurations, or head arrangements often vary with owner customization and specific model variants, the overall layout aims for efficiency and comfort suitable for cruising. The vast cockpit area is often cited as a significant advantage, complementing the internal living space. The construction of the F-33 involves epoxy foam core hulls and carbon/glass fiber beams, extensively vacuum bagged, contributing to a high-quality finish and robust structure.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the F-33 (2013) generally laud the boat for its performance, versatility, and the unique advantages offered by its folding trimaran design. The F-33 is frequently praised for its robust construction and technical sophistication, making it a highly regarded vessel in the multihull community. The ability to trailer the boat is a significant draw, offering unparalleled freedom to explore diverse waterways and simplifying maintenance and storage, a feature consistently valued by owners.

The focus on high-quality construction, including vacuum-bagged epoxy foam core hulls, suggests a durable and well-built vessel. While specific "common problems" are not widely documented, the continuous refinement of Farrier designs, such as the implementation of improved bowsprit stop systems to eliminate pin wear, highlights a commitment to addressing potential issues and enhancing longevity. The F-33's design is well-suited for sailors who seek a fast, responsive, and stable platform that does not compromise on the practicalities of a trailerable cruiser.