Somersault 26 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The sailing characteristics of the Somersault 26 are defined by its remarkable beam-to-length ratio when fully deployed. According to technical specifications maintained by Marples Marine, the vessel utilizes a folding system that allows the outer hulls (amas) to swing aft, reducing the beam significantly for trailering while maintaining a wide, stable footprint on the water. This wide stance translates into high righting moments, allowing the boat to carry a generous sail plan in conditions that would force contemporary monohulls to reef.

Handling is reported to be light and responsive, typical of Marples’ designs which prioritize low wetted surface area. The inclusion of a daggerboard ensures that the 26 can point effectively into the wind, a historical weakness for many early cruising multihulls. While it lacks the sheer mass to punch through heavy head seas with the momentum of a keelboat, its "sea-kindliness" comes from its ability to skip over the surface. Owners often describe the sensation as "active" sailing; the boat accelerates rapidly in gusts rather than heeling, requiring a proactive approach to the mainsheet and traveler.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Despite its performance-oriented exterior, the Somersault 26 features a surprisingly functional "pocket cruiser" interior within the main hull. The cabin typically provides a V-berth forward and two settee berths in the main salon, though the narrow beam of the central hull (required for trailering) dictates a "linear" living arrangement. Headroom is modest, usually requiring a "crawling" or "sitting" posture depending on the specific build height, although some custom versions were constructed with a pop-top or raised coachroof to improve ventilation and standing room.

The model was part of a broader family of folding designs, including the smaller Somersault 24 and the more robust Somersault 30. The 26-foot variant is often considered the "sweet spot" of the range, offering enough displacement for weekend coastal cruising while remaining light enough to be towed by a standard SUV. Variations in the interior finish are common, as many of these vessels were completed by owner-builders using varying grades of marine plywood and hardwoods, meaning no two interiors are exactly alike.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Somersault 26 should prioritize a thorough structural survey, specifically focusing on the integrity of the wood-epoxy bond. While epoxy saturation provides an excellent moisture barrier, any breach in the fiberglass skin—common around deck hardware or the daggerboard trunk—can lead to localized rot in the plywood core.

The folding mechanism is another critical area for inspection. The swing-wing hinges and the attachment points where the beams (akas) meet the hulls are under immense stress during high-speed sailing. Buyers should look for stress cracking in the laminate or play in the hinge pins. Additionally, the daggerboard trunk should be checked for "impact scarring" from accidental groundings, which can weaken the hull's primary structural spine. Finally, because these boats are often trailer-stored, the condition of the custom trailer and the ease of the mast-stepping system are vital for the boat's intended utility.

Community & Resources

The primary authority for the Somersault 26 is the designer himself through Marples Marine, which continues to offer plans and technical support for his various trimaran designs. The boat also shares a significant cultural lineage with the "Searunner" community, a dedicated group of multihull enthusiasts who follow the design philosophies of John Marples and Jim Brown. Technical discussions and build logs for Marples designs are frequently featured in publications like WoodenBoat Magazine, which serves as a repository for the epoxy-composite construction techniques used in the Somersault series.

The Verdict

The Somersault 26 remains a premier choice for the enthusiast who values design purity and the unique tactile feel of a wood-composite hull over the "plastic" feel of production boats.

Pros

• Exceptional Speed: Capable of outperforming much larger monohulls in almost all points of sail.
• True Portability: The swing-wing folding system makes it one of the largest truly trailerable trimarans.
• Shallow Draft: The combination of a retractable daggerboard and kick-up rudder allows for "beach-up" coastal exploration.

Cons

• Maintenance Intensive: Wood-epoxy construction requires vigilant inspection for moisture ingress compared to solid fiberglass.
• Cramped Living: The narrow central hull limits interior volume, making it more of a "camping cruiser" than a live-aboard.
• Build Variance: As many were home-built, the quality of systems and finish can vary significantly between individual boats.