Tremolino Information, Review, Specs

The story of the Tremolino is rooted in a collaboration between Tremelino Boat Co. founder John Olin and designer Dick Newick, with production commencing in 1982. Newick's design philosophy for the Tremolino centered on creating a lightweight, strong, and exceptionally fast trimaran that was also accessible. A particularly ingenious aspect of its original design was the intention to utilize the rig and, notably, the hulls of a Hobie 16 catamaran for the amas (outriggers), allowing owners to transition from a beach cat to a performance trimaran by adding a new central hull. This approach democratized access to multihull speed for families looking to upgrade. Tremelino Boat Co.'s ethos under John Olin was to bring these innovative designs to a wider market, offering both factory-built boats constructed from durable fiberglass and comprehensive plans for home builders. The company's commitment was to Dick Newick's vision of efficient multihulls that delivered thrilling sailing without undue complexity. Over its production life, variations such as the "Tremolino II," "T-Gull 23," and "T-Gull 25" emerged, maintaining the core performance characteristics while potentially offering design refinements.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Tremolino, with its trimaran hull type, fractional sloop rig, and daggerboard keel, is celebrated for its lively sailing performance. While performance ratios are not typically applied to small multihulls of this size, the boat's design clearly prioritizes speed and agility. Owners consistently describe it as a very fast sailboat, capable of delivering exhilarating sailing experiences. With a hull speed calculated at 6.14 knots, it offers impressive performance for its length. Its lightweight construction and efficient hull forms allow it to accelerate quickly and maintain speed in varying conditions. Anecdotal accounts suggest the Tremolino offers a balanced and direct feel at the helm, proving to be an engaging vessel for those who appreciate responsive handling. Some early models reportedly exhibited the three hulls acting somewhat independently, a characteristic some owners considered normal for the type, contributing to its unique feel on the water. The daggerboard keel provides excellent upwind performance and allows for a shallow minimum draft of 1.08 feet, making it versatile for exploring shallow anchorages.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its primary role as a performance daysailer and light weekender, the Tremolino's accommodations are minimal, designed more for shelter and basic overnighting than extended cruising. The boat's 22.83-foot length overall and trimaran configuration mean that interior volume is focused on functionality rather than expansive living spaces. Descriptions by owners suggest it functions well as a "two couple daysailer and one couple overnighter," implying a simple cuddy cabin that likely offers a single berth or minimal sleeping arrangements. There is no reported maximum headroom, underscoring its design as a performance multihull where much of the living space is experienced in the cockpit or on deck. Interior finishes, while not extensively documented, would likely align with the pragmatic and performance-oriented design, prioritizing durability and lightness.

Owner's Perspectives

The Tremolino has cultivated a passionate and dedicated owner community, with active online groups like "tremolino@groups.io" serving as hubs for shared knowledge and experiences. Owners consistently praise the boat's solid construction, timeless design, and, above all, its exceptional speed and the sheer fun of sailing it. Many appreciate the balance it strikes between thrilling multihull performance and relative simplicity of handling. The enduring appeal of the Tremolino is evident in the fact that boats built decades ago are still actively sailed and sought after on the used market. While specific recurring weaknesses are not widely reported, some owners of older models have discussed general maintenance issues common to boats of their vintage, such as addressing waterstay tension. Overall, owner sentiment points to high satisfaction for those who prioritize performance, ease of handling, and the unique, direct connection to the water that a trimaran offers.