Outrigger 26 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Outrigger 26 is defined by a staggering Sail Area to Displacement (SA/Disp) ratio of approximately 43.4, a figure that places it firmly in the category of ultra-performance racers. According to technical data and owner reports maintained by the Dick Newick Boats archive, the boat is capable of matching or exceeding wind speed in conditions up to 15 knots, with recorded top speeds reaching 17 to 20 knots on a beam reach.

Handling is frequently described as "organic"; because the akas are secured to the main hull and amas (pontoons) using a system of lashings and trampolines rather than rigid bolts, the entire structure flexes in response to wave action. Owners often describe this as the boat "breathing" or feeling like a "living creature" beneath them. The configuration typically features a rotating wing mast or a high-aspect fractional sloop rig, which provides exceptional efficiency upwind. The boat tracks well with its deep daggerboard, but sailors must be attentive to the significant power-to-weight ratio, as the vessel accelerates almost instantly in gusts.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Given its primary mission as a high-speed coastal cruiser, the interior of the Outrigger 26 is minimalist but functional. The main hull contains a small cabin with enough space for two to three berths, though headroom is severely limited. According to documentation on the development of the Somersault 26, early models featured a patented self-righting system utilizing internal foam buoyancy blocks. However, many owners opted to remove these blocks to reclaim cabin volume, significantly increasing the usable storage and "living" space at the cost of the boat's theoretical righting capability.

The cabin typically includes custom storage bags along the hull sides and a companionway step designed to double as a housing for a small camping-style stove. Variations are few due to the limited production run, though the final hull produced reportedly featured a more advanced rotating wing mast compared to the standard aluminum spars found on earlier Somersault-branded units.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Outrigger 26 achieved a brief moment of international technical acclaim in 1989 when it was featured in a high-profile comparison test by Small Boat Journal. The editorial pitted the Outrigger 26 (then the Somersault) against other premier multihulls of the era, including the F-27 and the Quorning Dragonfly. The review highlighted the boat's superior speed-to-cost ratio and its distinctive Newick styling, which remained a contrast to the more "industrial" look of the folding trimarans of that decade.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of an Outrigger 26 must approach the vessel as a specialized piece of marine hardware. The most critical areas for inspection include:

• Structural Lashings and Sockets: Unlike modern folding trimarans, the Outrigger 26 uses a "Tinkertoy" style assembly where the akas fit into sockets. These sockets and the lashing points must be checked for stress cracking or wear, as they are the primary load-bearing components.
• Aka Flex and Modifications: While the design is intended to flex, some previous owners may have attempted to "stiffen" the boat using steel cables or rigid fasteners. These modifications should be scrutinized, as they can lead to stress concentrations the hull was not designed to handle.
• Polycarbonate Windows: The large side windows are known to delaminate or "frost" over time. Because they are integrated into the hull structure, replacing them requires careful sealant work to maintain watertight integrity.
• Rigging Complexity: The rotating mast and its associated rotation controls require specific technical knowledge to tune. Buyers should inspect the mast base and rotation limiters for signs of eccentric wear.

Community & Resources

Because of its rarity, the community for the Outrigger 26 is tightly knit and primarily exists within broader Newick-design circles. The Small Trimaran community and the Dick Newick Owners Association provide the most robust technical support, including digitized versions of original drawings and building notes from the Outrigger Co. founders.

The Verdict

The Outrigger 26 is an uncompromising speed machine that offers a visceral sailing experience for those who prioritize performance over amenities.

Pros

• Exceptional speed and light-air performance.
• Beautiful, timeless Dick Newick "South Seas" aesthetics.
• Light enough to be trailerable (though assembly is time-intensive).
• Unique "flexing" hull design that handles waves with grace.

Cons

• Extremely limited interior accommodations and headroom.
• Assembly/Disassembly process can take up to 4 hours, making it poorly suited for "day-trailering."
• Minimalist safety redundancy in the original "rope-bound" construction.
• Very few units available on the second-hand market.