Typhoon 25 (Trimaran) Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Typhoon 25 emerged from Sailcraft Ltd. in 1969, a company co-founded by celebrated boatbuilder Reg White and designer Rodney March. While White and March were instrumental in the creation of the iconic Tornado catamaran, the Typhoon 25 itself benefited from the design expertise of both Reg White and the esteemed multihull designer Derek Kelsall. Kelsall, known for his groundbreaking work in multihull design, collaborated with Sailcraft on various projects.

The design philosophy behind the Typhoon 25 was one of modularity and efficiency. It was specifically conceived as a central hull that could be purchased by owners who already possessed a Tornado catamaran, thereby utilizing their existing Tornado rig and its slender hulls as "floats" or amas for the trimaran configuration. For those without a Tornado, Sailcraft Ltd., also a builder of the Tornado, offered a complete package. This approach underscored Sailcraft's manufacturing ethos, which embraced innovative design and the early adoption of fiberglass construction for high-performance multihulls, a testament to their forward-thinking approach. The company, which operated until 1986, consistently focused on speed, intelligent design, and pushing the boundaries of multihull capabilities.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Sailcraft Typhoon 25 stands out due to its remarkably light displacement of just 272 pounds (123 kg), making it an exceptionally agile and easily driven vessel. This ultralight construction, combined with its trimaran hull form, suggests a boat capable of exhilarating performance in light winds, quickly accelerating and maintaining speed. With a fractional sloop rig reported to have 409 square feet of sail area, it possesses ample power for its weight.

Its centerboard keel design allows for a minimum draft that, while not explicitly stated, would be extremely shallow when the board is raised, enhancing its ability to explore shallow anchorages and facilitate beaching. At 1.75 feet with the board down, it retains excellent directional stability. As with many small multihulls, traditional performance ratios like sail area to displacement or ballast to displacement are not typically applied, as their design principles prioritize speed and stability through form rather than heavy ballasting. While specific anecdotal sailing characteristics are not widely documented, its design points to a boat that would be responsive to the helm, stable at speed due to its outriggers, and generally well-suited for nimble handling in various conditions, consistent with Sailcraft's reputation for performance multihulls.

Accommodations and Layout

Information regarding the interior accommodations and layout of the Sailcraft Typhoon 25 is scarce, reflecting its primary design as a compact, performance-oriented trimaran rather than a spacious cruiser. Given its extremely light displacement and a length overall of 25 feet, the interior space would likely be minimalist, designed for basic shelter and perhaps overnighting. The boat's specifications do not list a maximum headroom, further suggesting that standing headroom would not be a feature.

Based on its dimensions and the typical arrangements of small trimarans of its era, the interior would likely consist of a simple cuddy cabin in the main hull. This space would primarily offer protection from the elements and a place for minimal storage. It is probable that sleeping arrangements would involve a V-berth forward, possibly with some basic provisions for cooking or a chemical head, though amenities would be highly rudimentary to keep weight down and maintain the boat's performance characteristics. The focus would have been on maximizing the sailing experience, with accommodations serving only essential needs for day-sailing or very short coastal trips.