Astus 16.1 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The defining characteristic of the Astus 16.1’s performance is its exceptional form stability, derived from a beam that extends to 3.7 meters (12.1 ft) when the telescopic floats are fully deployed. Unlike traditional monohull dinghies of similar length, the 16.1 offers a massive righting moment that allows for a significant sail area of 17.2 square meters (185 sq. ft) without requiring the crew to hike out aggressively. Technical reviews from Multihulls World highlight a specific design choice that differentiates the 16.1 from its siblings: the omission of a central daggerboard in favor of small, built-in foils on each float. This configuration simplifies handling, particularly for families, and reduces the risk of grounding in shallow "creek crawling" environments, as the boat draws only 0.25 meters (0.82 ft).

Under sail, the boat feels light and responsive, aided by a rotating mast and a boomless, fully battened mainsail. This "beach cat" style rig allows for quick depowering and simpler gybes. However, the lack of a central foil means that while the boat is exceptionally stable and fast on a reach, its upwind pointing ability is slightly compromised compared to the later 16.5 model which reintroduced a central daggerboard. Owner anecdotes frequently mention that the 16.1 feels most at home in coastal "raids"—high-speed point-to-point journeys where its ability to take the ground and launch from a trailer in under 30 minutes provides a level of freedom few other 16-footers can match.

Popular Mentions & Media

While the Astus 16.1 lacks the widespread literary footprint of larger blue-water cruisers, it has maintained a steady presence in the European "coastal raid" community. It was a featured model in the 2010 Paris International Boat Show, where it was positioned as a safer, more stable alternative to the high-performance beach catamarans of the era. The boat has also appeared in editorial tests by the French publication Voiles et Voiliers, often used to demonstrate the "coastal trekking" potential of small multihulls. In the United Kingdom, the 16.1 gained a small but dedicated following through the editorial coverage and demonstration events hosted by Boats on Wheels, where it was praised for its "single-handed rigging" capability and its cavernous forward locker which allowed it to serve as a base for overnight camping expeditions on isolated beaches.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

The Astus 16.1 is a robustly built vessel, but its unique folding mechanism and lightweight construction require specific attention during a pre-purchase inspection:

• Telescopic Beam Sleeves: The aluminum tubes and their internal plastic sheaths can suffer from salt and sand buildup. If the floats do not slide smoothly, it may indicate internal corrosion or scoring of the aluminum. Buyers should test the extension and retraction multiple times to ensure the locking pins align correctly.
• Trampoline Tension: The large trampolines provide over 8 square meters of usable deck space but are subject to UV degradation. Check the lacing points and the integrity of the mesh, particularly where the trampolines meet the central hull.
• Aileron/Foil Wear: Since the 16.1 uses integrated foils on the floats rather than a central board, the bottom of the floats often takes the brunt of beach landings. Inspect the undersides of the amas for deep gelcoat gouges or structural wear that could lead to water ingress.
• Rudder Housing: Early Astus models were occasionally criticized for having somewhat utilitarian or "crude" rudder castings. Inspect the pintles and gudgeons for play, as a loose rudder assembly can lead to "hunting" behavior at the high speeds this boat is capable of reaching.

Community & Resources

Owners of the 16.1 are typically members of the Astus Boats Club, a French-based association that organizes rallies and technical exchanges. While much of the formal documentation is in French, the community is active in sharing modifications for the "Club" vs. "Sport" rigging configurations. For technical parts and historical specifications, Boats on Wheels remains a primary English-language resource, providing insights into the evolution from the 16.1 to the current VPLP-designed generation.

The Verdict

The Astus 16.1 remains a compelling choice for the sailor who prioritizes stability and ease of transport over absolute upwind pointing performance. It is a "pure" dayboat that removes the intimidation factor often associated with high-speed multihulls.

Pros:

• Incredible Stability: The 3.7m beam makes it nearly impossible to capsize under normal conditions.
• Rapid Deployment: Telescopic beams allow for road-legal trailering (2.5m) and on-water expansion in minutes.
• Shallow Draft: Integrated foils allow for sailing in water less than a foot deep.
• Simplicity: Boomless rig and lack of a central daggerboard make it an ideal platform for families and solo sailors.

Cons:

• Upwind Limitation: The absence of a central board results in more leeway than later models.
• Aging Hardware: Older units may require replacement of the original aluminum beam sleeves or trampoline lacing.
• Limited Production: With only 32 units built, finding a well-maintained example on the secondary market can be difficult.