Command 10 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Command 10 is characterized by its ultralight displacement and high-performance geometry. With a Displacement-to-Length (D/L) ratio typically hovering around 90, the boat is remarkably responsive, capable of double-digit speeds in moderate breezes. Technical data from the designer’s archives indicate a Sail Area-to-Displacement (SA/Disp) ratio of approximately 25.5, placing it firmly in the high-performance category. Owners frequently cite its "near-level sailing" as a primary comfort factor; unlike monohulls of similar length, the trimaran resists significant heeling, providing a stable platform even when pushed.

The vessel employs a fractional sloop rig, which simplifies sail handling for short-handed crews by utilizing smaller headsails. Handling is further enhanced by a kick-up centerboard and transom-mounted rudder, allowing the boat to navigate extremely shallow waters with a minimum draft of roughly 2.3 feet. This versatility is noted in early reviews found in archives of Pacific Yachting, which emphasize the design’s "windward ability and maneuverability," a rare trait for multihulls of that era. Unlike many early "non-folding" trimarans that suffered from sluggish tacking, the Command 10’s wide, shallow center hull provides the buoyancy and pivot point necessary for crisp transitions through the wind.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a 33-foot multihull, the Command 10 offers a surprisingly voluminous interior, a result of Farrier’s decision to utilize a "fat" main hull relative to his more slender racing designs. The layout typically accommodates 5 to 7 berths, featuring a main salon with a dinette, a compact galley, and a forward V-berth. The centerboard trunk is often integrated into the salon furniture to minimize its intrusion into the living space.

Because many Command 10s were amateur-built, interior variations are common. Some versions feature a "sedan" style layout with more headroom in the main cabin, while others prioritize a lower profile for reduced windage. The use of plywood-epoxy construction allowed builders to customize the joinery, though professional builds typically feature teak or ash accents. While the interior is more cramped than a modern 33-foot production catamaran, it remains significantly more spacious than racing trimarans of the same vintage, such as the early Dragonfly or Farrier racing prototypes.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Command 10 holds a specific place in maritime history as one of the first "super-trimarans" to prove that folding multihulls could reliably cross oceans. It gained prominence in the Pacific Northwest and Australia, appearing in regional cruising rallies and early multihull racing circuits. The boat's design evolution is often cited in technical forums on BoatDesign.net as the direct ancestor to the wildly popular F-31 and F-9 series. Notable voyages include ocean crossings by early hulls that demonstrated the durability of the Farrier folding struts under extreme sea loads.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach the Command 10 with the understanding that it is a vintage, often home-built vessel.

• Moisture and Rot: Since the primary material is plywood-epoxy, a thorough moisture meter test of the hull and amas is non-negotiable. Soft spots around the deck hardware and the beam attachment points are common in older boats.
• Folding Mechanism: The patented folding struts and their associated bolts are subject to wear. Inspectors should look for "slop" or play in the folding sequence and check the stainless steel brackets for stress cracking or corrosion.
• Centerboard Trunk: The trunk area is a known site for leaks and structural fatigue. Ensure the pivot pin is secure and that the surrounding fiberglass/plywood has not suffered from impact damage.
• Rig Tension: The wide beam of a trimaran puts significant lateral load on the shroud attachments. Inspect the chainplates and the internal bulkheads that distribute these loads for any signs of movement or delamination.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for technical support is the F-Boats community, a global network of Farrier owners and builders. While Ian Farrier’s original website at F-Boat remains a repository for historical design data, much of the active technical discussion has migrated to specialized multihull wikis and the Farrier/Corsair technical groups on platforms like Groups.io.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Exceptional speed and light-air performance.
• Folding system allows for significantly cheaper marina berthing.
• Beachability and shallow-water access thanks to the kick-up foils.
• Stiffer, more stable sailing platform than equivalent monohulls.

Cons:

• High maintenance requirements associated with older plywood-epoxy construction.
• Interior volume is lower than modern wide-beam cruising catamarans.
• Varying build quality due to the prevalence of amateur-finished hulls.