Design and Construction
The Pulse 600 is a lightweight sport trimaran with a fiberglass hull over a carbon frame and an alloy-composite mast. Its carbon-reinforced construction is tuned to help the boat perform even in the lightest breezes.
The boat displaces 981 pounds and has a 14-foot-9-inch operating beam. Its floats unfold for sailing, while the rig can be set up quickly for launching from a ramp or beach. Folded, the boat measures 6 feet 11 inches wide—under 7 feet—making it legal and manageable on the road. The broadest stated beam is 19 feet 8 inches, and the folding process takes only minutes.
A 9-inch board-up draft and cassette-style rudder allow the Pulse 600 to dry out on a shoreline. It also comes with a composite cradle that doubles as a trailer or beach trolley.
The boat is assembled in Vietnam, but North American owners have formed an active sailing community around the class.
Rig and Handling
The Pulse 600 can be sailed singlehanded or with a crew of four in its self-draining cockpit. Both roller-furling headsails are within reach of the helmsman. The mainsheet runs to a bridgedeck-mounted track aft, allowing immediate trim without requiring the crew to move.
The standard sail plan carries 290 square feet in the mainsail and jib. A spinnaker and a 206-square-foot “flying headsail” extend its range; the builder describes the latter as close to a code zero or A1.
Light displacement and an efficient rig help the boat accelerate quickly. Its accessible controls also make it manageable for sailors who are new to trimarans.
Cockpit and Accommodations
Despite its racing brief, the Pulse 600 offers useful space. The open cockpit seats four comfortably, while the trampolines between the hulls provide additional room for crew or lounging.
The forward cabin is weatherproof and roughly the size of an adult. Ahead of the mast is a watertight storage compartment for gear that needs to remain dry. For weekend trips, the forward area can carry stores and shelter; for racing, it can be stripped bare.
The Verdict
The Pulse 600 is an approachable, trailerable trimaran that bridges one-design racing and casual daysailing. Its folding beam, low weight, and helm-accessible controls reduce some of the practical barriers to multihull ownership. The forward cabin and trampolines also make it more versatile than a bare racer, while the class community provides support for a boat built far from its main market.
Pros
- Trailerable 20-foot trimaran that folds to a 6-foot-11-inch beam in minutes
- Displacement of less than 1,000 pounds
- Composite cradle for trailering or beach use
- Self-draining cockpit for four, with the option to sail singlehanded
- Roller-furling headsails and an aft traveler keep the controls at the helm
- Weatherproof forward cabin and watertight storage ahead of the mast
Cons
- Minimal accommodations beyond the forward cabin and cockpit
- Designed around one-design racing rather than extended cruising
