Hobie Trifoiler Buyer's Guide
Shopping the brokerage market for a Hobie Trifoiler means chasing one of 180 foilborne trimarans that Hobie Cat built from 1995, with production ending in 1999 anchor. These are not cruising boats but 22-foot flying machines, and the right example depends entirely on the condition of its foils, rig, and trailer.
Layouts on the Used Market
Every Trifoiler shares the same layout: a long central hull with two short amas, a bobsled-style cockpit with shoulder-high sides, a fabric bucket seat for the skipper, and a second seat behind for a passenger or student. The skipper faces a control panel for all sail and foil adjustments, and a watertight storage compartment is standard. There is no enclosed accommodation to speak of — this is day-sailing and speed-running equipment.
Equipment and Common Upgrades
The boat came heavily equipped from the factory, so owner additions are rare. The standard biplane rig used twin windsurfer-like sails on the amas with colored patented zippered-reefing sails, Harken blocks, a built-in speedometer, and foot-pedal steering. A custom trailer and trailer ties were the factory options; a how-to-rig video was supplied with each boat. Buyers should confirm the presence of the original trailer and the video, as these support correct rigging and transport.
What to Inspect
The foils are the heart of the boat and the first thing to examine. The two main foils must retract fully for beaching, and the patented surface-sensing system ahead of each ama must be intact and free to adjust the foils for height anchor. Check that the rudder foil on the bottom is present and that the rudder kicks up easily. The forward hydrofoils should retract as designed. Inspect the foam-core main hull for impact damage, since it weighs only 90 pounds and supports the flying configuration. Confirm the biplane rig's twin sails and Harken blocks are complete, and that the control panel and foot-pedal steering operate. Verify the watertight storage compartment still seals.
Availability and Buyer's Takeaway
These boats appear on the used market in the United States. A short pre-purchase checklist:
- Confirm both main foils retract and the ama sensors move freely.
- Check the rudder foil and easy kick-up action.
- Inspect the foam-core main hull for cracks or impact marks.
- Verify the biplane sails, blocks, and pedal steering are complete.
- Ensure the custom trailer and trailer ties are present.
Price & volume trends
Monthly asking-price and listing-volume trends for the Hobie Trifoiler. The line shows the median ask each month; the bars show how many listings appeared.
Monthly breakdown · 1 row
| Month | Listings | Median ask | Δ vs. last mo. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 25 | 1 | $12,500 | — |
Where they're listed
Hobie Trifoiler listings appear across 1 country. United States has the most listings with 1.
Country view
1 listings · 1 country| Country | Median ask | Listings · 12 mo | Active · 90 d | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $12,500 | 1 | 0 | 100.0% |