Hobie Trifoiler Buyer's Guide
The Hobie Trifoiler is a 22-foot hydrofoil trimaran built by Hobie Cat and designed by Greg Ketterman as a production expression of his record-breaking foiled prototypes. On the used market it is a specialist's boat: a 320-pound trimaran with a biplane rig, three self-adjusting hydrofoils, and pedal steering that flies above the water rather than plows through it. Buyers should understand that they are acquiring an unconventional machine whose value lies entirely in the integrity of its foil and sensor systems.
Layouts on the Used Market
Every example follows the same basic arrangement, since the boat was produced to a single configuration. The cockpit is like a bobsled, with shoulder-high sides and a fabric bucket seat for the skipper in the center, while a second seat behind the skipper is provided for guests or training. A water-tight storage compartment is the only enclosed volume. There is no cabin, no berth, and no galley — the layout is purely a driving station for one or two people.
Equipment and Common Upgrades
Standard equipment when new included the biplane rig with colored patented multi-sail zippered reefing sails, white hulls with colored graphics, retractable forward hydrofoils, a built-in speedometer, Harken blocks, a how-to-rig video, and the water-tight storage compartment. A custom trailer and trailer ties were offered as options. Used boats should be evaluated against the original standard and optional lists rather than expected aftermarket patterns.
What to Inspect
Documentation shows no recorded structural rot or systemic failure, but the boat's performance depends on systems absent from most conventional sailboats. Verify that the three self-adjusting hydrofoils are present and functional, that the patented sensor system which skims the surface in front of each ama to adjust the two main foils operates correctly, and that the main foils remain fully retractable for beaching. Confirm the rudder with its foil on the bottom kicks up easily and that the steering pedals and control panel in front of the pilot still govern sail and foil adjustments. Check the foam-core main hull for damage, since its 90-pound structure is central to the boat's light weight.
Availability and Buyer's Takeaway
The Trifoiler's typical market is the United States. For a shopper, the takeaway is straightforward:
- Confirm foil, sensor, and retractable main-foil function before purchase
- Inspect the 90-pound foam-core main hull for impact or delamination
- Verify pedal steering and the front control panel operate all sail and foil adjustments
- Expect the single original layout: two seated positions and one water-tight compartment
- Treat any custom trailer and trailer ties as optional, not assumed, equipment
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% |