This was a thorough redesign rather than a facelift. Astus introduced new moulds, a different hull and floats, a revised coachroof, and modified crossbeams. Compared with the earlier boat, the 20.2 has a slightly wider beam and more ama volume—changes the builder used to sharpen stability while making the boat more practical to trailer.
Design and Construction
The 20.2 was a clean-break development of the 20.1, which had found 75 buyers and established the format. Its hull, floats, and coachroof share nothing with those of its predecessor.
Astus also reworked the crossbeams around a telescoping folding system. Offset channels allow the amas to slide inboard, reducing the beam to 7ft 10in for trailering; afloat, they extend to 13ft 11in. Folded, the 20.2 is narrower than the 20.1. Unfolded, it is wider, and its floats have more volume.
Construction varies by version. The standard Leisure hull is hand-laid polyester, while the infused Sport version saves 132lb, reducing displacement from 925lb to 793lb. The Raid version displaces 992lb.
The deck is glued to the hull along an outward-turning flange, then glassed over inside. The amas use the same method to guarantee watertight integrity. Neither the crossbeams nor the bowsprit pierces the hull anywhere.
Rig, Performance, and Handling
The 20.2 carries a fractional sloop rig that two people can step easily. One person can also manage it with a gin pole. The Sport version adds a shroud, cunningham, and telescopic tiller extension.
The gennaker flies from a continuous-line furler at the end of a retractable bowsprit. The standard sail plan provides 226ft² in Leisure and Raid trim, with a SA/D of 32 and D/L of 98 under 300lb of crew.
In flat conditions, the boat proved remarkably stable and easy to sail upwind. Testers found it predictable on the wind and capable of more than 6 knots on a close reach. With the true wind aft of the beam, the gennaker pushed boatspeed to 10 knots. One owner later reported reaching 17 knots in ideal conditions.
Writing in Multihulls World, reviewers said the Sport version took off in the slightest gust. They also noted that the trimaran is more stable than a centreboard monohull while still performing well in light weather.
Cabin, Cockpit, and Stowage
Despite its size, the 20.2 is a legitimate cruising boat. The small cabin sleeps two and shelters four at mealtimes. The Raid version adds a slightly larger cuddy with seating for four and a small galley, providing plenty of shelter for beach cruising or camping.
The cruising versions use an offset centerboard to make cabin access easier. Forward of the mast, a storage bin holds a light anchor and rode. Testers found that the cockpit benches and outboard tramps provided plenty of room for the crew, and a lockable front locker came as standard.
Options included a mattress and bunk plank, fixed porthole, balcony, swim ladder, mainsheet traveller, and a Plastimo Iris 100 compass that mounts easily on the door for accurate bearings.
Trailers, Sails, and Other Equipment
Ownership largely centres on trailering and the choice of optional equipment. Astus offered non-braked and braked road trailers with a CE certificate and 750kg PTAC; a spare wheel and support were also available.
The standard safety kit was intended for coastal day use and included:
- Life jackets
- Flares
- Signal mirror
- Flashlight
- Bucket
- Extinguisher
- Anchoring kit
- Flags
- Sounding lead
- First-aid kit
- Warning triangle
- Fog horn
- Paddle-boathook
Sail options included 17m² or 20m² gennakers with a bowsprit and furler, or a 25m² asymmetrical spinnaker with deck hardware. Buyers could also choose Dacron sport sails at a price deduction instead of Pentex.
Known Constraints
The boat’s known constraints are inherent in the design rather than faults. Its safety kit is rated for navigation under 6 nautical miles with four people aboard. Although the boat folds for trailering and storage, it remains a 13ft 11in trimaran when fully extended afloat.
The amas depend entirely on glued-and-glassed joints for watertight integrity. Any breach at the flange or inside an ama would undermine watertight integrity and the buoyancy volume of 550 litres that the floats and central hull provide.
The Verdict
The Astus 20.2 is a thoughtfully re-engineered small trimaran. Rather than carry over the 20.1’s parts bin, Astus gave it a dedicated new hull, fuller floats, and a genuinely narrower trailering footprint. It combines the stability expected of a multihull with sport-boat pace, yet folds compactly enough for storage at home. In Raid form, it also offers real overnight shelter.
Pros
- Wider, more voluminous amas than the 20.1, with a narrower folded width
- Infused Sport hull saves 132lb compared with the hand-laid Leisure version
- Glued-and-glassed deck and ama joints provide watertight integrity
- Telescoping crossbeams reduce beam to 7ft 10in for trailering
- Stable and quick: testers recorded 10 knots under gennaker, while one owner reported 17 knots in ideal conditions
Cons
- Safety kit is limited to navigation under 6 nautical miles with four people
- Ama watertightness depends wholly on glued internal glass joints
- No longer available from the builder
