Sailing Performance & Handling
The Bandit 870 is defined by its power-to-weight ratio, a direct result of Pierre Roland’s influence. With a displacement of approximately 1,900 kg and a tall 13-meter rig, the boat is exceptionally responsive in light airs. According to editorial analysis from Multihulls World, the Bandit 870 was designed to provide the sensations of a racing machine with enough stability for family outings. The hull features a high-volume central hull and buoyant amas (outer hulls) designed to resist nose-diving when pressed hard downwind.
Under sail, the boat tracks with precision thanks to a deep retractable daggerboard, which allows for impressive upwind angles that most cruising catamarans cannot match. The helm is typically reported as light and communicative. Because of its narrow waterline on the main hull and the lack of a heavy keel, the 870 accelerates rapidly in gusts. Owners and testers often note that the boat reaches double-digit speeds with minimal effort, and in offshore conditions, its ability to maintain high average speeds makes it a capable passage-maker for experienced sailors who understand the nuances of trimaran sail trimming.
Interior Comfort & Variations
Unlike many performance-first multihulls that offer "spartan" accommodations, the Bandit 870 provides a genuine, albeit compact, cruising interior within its central hull. The layout is optimized for a crew of two to four, featuring a forward V-berth and a central saloon where the settees can serve as additional bunks. The use of white gelcoat finishes combined with light wood accents helps mitigate the inherent "tunnel" feel of a narrow trimaran hull.
The interior includes a compact galley area and a dedicated space for a marine toilet, though headroom is limited by the aerodynamic low-profile coachroof. The Bandit 870 was produced alongside its smaller sibling, the Bandit 800, which shared a similar design language but offered significantly less interior volume. While the 870 remained the flagship, variations in production often centered on the "Sport" versus "Comfort" packages, with the former featuring carbon fiber reinforcements and upgraded hardware for regatta racing, while the latter focused on pressurized water systems and upgraded upholstery.
Popular Mentions & Media
The Bandit 870 received its most significant media coverage during its debut at European boat shows, where it was hailed as a "new player" in the folding trimaran market. Its launch was a featured story in the French publication Voiles et Voiliers and received a technical deep-dive in Multihulls World, which praised its "intelligent" approach to the demountable beam system. While it hasn't achieved the mass-market ubiquity of brands like Corsair or Dragonfly, it remains a "cult classic" in the French multihull community, frequently appearing in regional "Raid" style racing events.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
Prospective buyers of a Bandit 870 should focus their inspection on the structural integrity of the multihull-specific components.
- Beam Connections: The Bandit 870 utilizes a beam system that allows it to be disassembled for transport. The connection points between the aluminum or composite beams and the hulls should be checked for "working" (movement) or stress crazing in the gelcoat, which may indicate loose bolts or structural fatigue.
- Daggerboard Trunk: Given the boat’s performance nature, the daggerboard trunk is a high-load area. Inspect the trunk for impact damage from groundings and ensure the lifting mechanism operates smoothly without excessive play.
- Sandwich Core Integrity: As a vacuum-infused sandwich construction, the hull is stiff but can be susceptible to delamination if water ingress occurs through poorly bedded deck hardware. A moisture meter test on the decks and amas is highly recommended.
- Rigging Tension: The 13-meter mast exerts significant pressure on the mast step and the shroud terminals on the amas. Look for any deformation in the deck area surrounding the mast step.
Community & Resources
The primary resource for Bandit owners is the broader French multihull community. While there is no dedicated English-speaking owner's association, technical support and historical data are often found through the Multihull Solutions network or by contacting the designer's office, Pierre Roland Architecture Navale, for original sail plans and rigging specifications.
The Verdict
The Bandit 870 is a sophisticated, niche trimaran that prioritizes speed and modern aesthetics over cavernous living space.
Pros:
- Exceptional Speed: Capable of outperforming almost any monohull of similar length.
- Designer Pedigree: Pierre Roland’s naval architecture ensures a balanced and safe offshore hull form.
- Versatility: The demountable nature allows for seasonal trailering or more affordable dry-dock storage.
Cons:
- Limited Headroom: The interior is functional but cramped for long-term liveaboard use.
- Complexity: Managing a high-performance rig and folding/demountable beams requires more maintenance than a simple keelboat.
- Market Rarity: Finding used models outside of Europe can be difficult due to limited production runs.
