Argonauta 27 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The genesis of the Argonauta 27 is deeply rooted in the collaboration between John Olin's Tremelino Boat Co. and naval architect Dick Newick, a partnership aimed at making high-performance trimarans accessible to a wider market. Introduced in 1986, the Argonauta 27 followed Tremelino's iconic "Tremolino" model, further solidifying the builder's reputation for producing innovative fiberglass multihulls based on Newick's acclaimed designs. Newick's design philosophy emphasized lightweight construction and elegant simplicity to deliver exceptional speed and an exhilarating sailing experience.

A notable design feature, and one of the Argonauta 27's key strengths, is its ingenious aft-folding akas (crossbeams) which allow the boat's substantial 20-foot sailing beam to be reduced to a trailerable 8.5 feet. This practical innovation greatly enhances the boat's versatility, enabling owners to transport it more easily by road. While primarily known as the Argonauta 27, some records suggest that the model may have seen slight variations in dimensions during its production run into the 1990s, with references to both 26 and 27-foot versions.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a Dick Newick-designed trimaran, the Argonauta 27 is inherently built for speed and responsive handling. With a length overall of 27 feet and a waterline length of 26 feet, combined with a light displacement of approximately 2,400 pounds, the boat is poised for agile performance. The reported sail area of 376 square feet, coupled with a fractional sloop rig, suggests a powerful sail plan capable of driving the boat efficiently in a variety of wind conditions.

The Argonauta 27's trimaran hull form, featuring a daggerboard and three rudders, provides excellent stability and control, especially when sailing at speed. The deep 4.5-foot maximum draft, achievable with the daggerboard deployed, enhances its upwind performance, while the minimum draft of 1.18 feet allows for access to shallower anchorages and easier trailering. Owners of Newick designs often praise their balanced helms and direct responsiveness, attributes that would likely be prominent in the Argonauta 27's sailing characteristics. The wide 20-foot beam at sea contributes significantly to its stability, allowing it to stand up to wind and maintain a comfortable, level sailing attitude.

Accommodations and Layout

While the Argonauta 27 prioritizes sailing performance, its interior offers functional, if compact, accommodations suitable for coastal cruising or weekend adventures. The main cabin, situated directly behind the sailing cockpit, typically features a primary bunk for sleeping. Given the boat's emphasis on speed and its trimaran hull form, interior volume is efficiently utilized, providing essential amenities without the expansive living spaces found on larger monohull cruisers.

Specific details regarding headroom are not widely available, suggesting a more modest standing room consistent with a performance-oriented 27-foot multihull. The construction in solid fiberglass hints at a durable, low-maintenance finish typical of its era. Storage solutions would likely be designed for efficiency, catering to gear necessary for short-to-medium range trips. Ventilation would typically rely on deck hatches and opening ports, common for boats of this type and period.

Owner's Perspectives

The Argonauta 27, like many of Dick Newick's designs and boats from Tremelino Boat Co., continues to foster a dedicated and passionate owner community. Owners are often drawn to the boat's unique combination of Newick's celebrated design pedigree and its practical trailerability. The enduring appeal of the Argonauta 27 is evident in the active engagement of enthusiasts who restore these vessels, sharing their experiences and knowledge through online forums and communities. This strong communal support underscores the boat's robust construction and timeless design, making it a cherished possession for those who value its speed, simplicity, and the distinctive joys of trimaran sailing.