Tiwal 3 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The genesis of the Tiwal 3 can be traced directly to the founding of Tiwal in 2012, marking its official launch and the debut of the company's pioneering inflatable sailboat concept. Co-founder Marion Excoffon's vision was to create a boat that was not only enjoyable to sail but also incredibly easy to transport and assemble. This led to the revolutionary idea of an inflatable hull, which became the cornerstone of the Tiwal 3's design philosophy. Tiwal's manufacturing ethos, maintained throughout its history, emphasizes user-friendly design; the Tiwal 3 is renowned for its rapid assembly, typically taking less than 20 minutes to set up without specialized tools. This focus on practicality has been central to its success, allowing sailors to transition from bag to water with unprecedented speed. The Tiwal 3 is the foundational model for the company and remains a significant offering, maintaining its original design principles while serving as a benchmark for subsequent models.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Despite its inflatable nature, the Tiwal 3 is engineered to deliver genuine and exhilarating sailing sensations. Owners and reviewers consistently praise its responsiveness and agility, noting that it "turns on a dime" even in light winds and takes off quickly on the water. Its lightweight construction, with a displacement of just 110 lbs and a length overall of 10.5 feet, contributes to its very quick characteristics, even in light air, making it a "very light boat" where any wind is felt significantly, offering an entertaining ride. Sailors find it a "very forgiving boat" that still provides "very good performance characteristics," sailing much larger than its actual size. The Tiwal 3 features a cat rig with a reported sail area of 75.0 sq ft, ensuring simplicity and ease of control, which makes it an easy boat to sail for beginners while still being fun for experienced sailors. Its robust design allows it to tolerate being "pummeled by large waves" without filling with water, suggesting a surprising degree of resilience for an inflatable craft.

Accommodations and Layout

As an inflatable dinghy, the Tiwal 3 does not offer traditional enclosed accommodations. Instead, its design focuses on an open, clear deck tailored for active sailing. The layout prioritizes ergonomics and functionality, providing a comfortable and non-slip surface thanks to EVA foam pads on the deck. The boat's 5.33-foot beam is effectively widened by the inclusion of hiking rails, which provide essential leverage and comfort for sailors, particularly when sailing in stronger breezes. These features contribute to a design that, despite its minimal structure, offers a stable and secure platform for sailing. The overall design emphasizes simplified controls and ease of use on the water, allowing for a direct and engaging sailing experience without the complexities of a larger vessel's interior.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Tiwal 3 frequently highlight its exceptional portability and ease of assembly as primary strengths. The ability to store the entire boat, including mast and sail, in two carrying bags (each weighing approximately 62 lbs) and set it up in about 20 minutes is a consistently praised feature, making spontaneous sailing accessible without the need for trailers or dedicated storage. Many owners appreciate its versatility, noting its suitability for a variety of locations, from lakes to coastlines, and its ability to be launched from otherwise inaccessible spots. The boat's responsive handling and "playful" sailing characteristics are frequently mentioned, with owners describing it as "very fun to sail" and surprisingly quick. Its robust construction has also been highlighted as a positive attribute, with some describing it as "bulletproof". For those new to sailing, the Tiwal 3 is often cited as a great entry point, while experienced sailors find it a rewarding and convenient option for quick outings. The "attention" it garners while sailing is an unexpected but frequently enjoyed aspect of ownership.