Windrider 17 Information, Review, Specs

The Windrider 17 emerged as a natural progression from Windrider Sailing Trimarans' successful foray into rotomolded kayaks, a manufacturing process that allowed the company to produce durable and affordable watercraft. Launched in 2002, the Windrider 17 was shaped by the expertise of multihull pioneer Jim Brown, renowned for his SeaRunner designs. Brown's philosophy centered on creating stable, user-friendly multihulls, and the Windrider 17 embodies this ethos, leveraging rotational molding for its robust polyethylene hulls and anodized aircraft aluminum for structural reinforcements, ensuring a lightweight yet strong construction. The design incorporates a rotating mast and a fully battened mainsail, enhancing its sailing characteristics. Jim Brown himself has discussed various aspects of the Windrider 17's design, including insights into its keel.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Windrider 17 is characterized by its remarkable stability, largely attributed to its trimaran hull form and wide beam of 11 feet. It is widely considered a forgiving platform, making it difficult for sailors to inadvertently capsize. This inherent stability contributes to a dry ride, even when navigating two-foot chop. The boat is capable of spirited performance, with reports of reaching speeds of 10.5 knots in winds around 12 knots and up to 12.5 knots in 15 knots of wind. A distinctive feature of Windrider trimarans, including the 17, is its foot pedal steering, which allows for hands-free control, simplifying the sailing experience. However, some owners have noted that the Windrider 17 can be challenging when sailing directly into the wind, with its upwind performance sometimes described as less than stellar.

Accommodations and Layout

While primarily designed as a day-sailing trimaran, the Windrider 17 offers a surprising degree of versatility for a boat of its size. With a length overall of 17.33 feet, it is designed to comfortably accommodate up to four people. The open nature of its trimaran platform provides both "dry and wet seats," catering to various preferences during an outing. Notably, the design includes "onboard sleeping possibilities," hinting at a basic yet functional capacity for overnight adventures, distinguishing it as a "mini cruising trimaran." Given its rotomolded polyethylene construction, the interior is minimalistic, prioritizing durability and ease of maintenance over elaborate finishes, consistent with Windrider's aim to provide accessible sailing.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners frequently praise the Windrider 17 for its robust construction, with the rotomolded plastic hulls being described as "extremely tough." The quality of the factory sails and the functionality of the roller furling system are also commonly highlighted as positive aspects. Many owners appreciate the boat's stable and easy-to-sail nature, making it an excellent choice for beginners, families, or those seeking a relaxed sailing experience.

However, owners also point out certain limitations. A frequently mentioned weakness is the boat's performance when sailing to windward, with some describing it as "notorious for not going to windward." Another recurring observation relates to the motor mount on the left ama occasionally dragging in the water on a starboard tack in breezy conditions. Jim Brown, the designer, has also openly discussed potential "cracking issues" in the hulls and aspects of the keel design that he might modify if given the chance. Despite these points, the Windrider 17 fosters a dedicated community of enthusiasts who value its simplicity, durability, and the sheer enjoyment it provides on the water.