Strider Cat Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Strider is celebrated for a "dinghy-like" responsiveness that is often missing from larger cruising catamarans. According to technical assessments from Woods Designs, the standard model features high-aspect daggerboards and kick-up rudders, allowing for precise windward work and a tacking angle of roughly 85 degrees. With a light displacement of approximately 1,100 lbs and a standard sail area of 269 square feet, the boat accelerates rapidly; owners frequently report sustained cruising speeds of 10 to 12 knots, with bursts exceeding 17 knots in ideal conditions.

The handling is noted for being well-balanced and light on the helm. Unlike many early multihulls that required backing the jib to come about, the Strider tacks surely and positively. For those seeking extreme performance, the Strider Turbo variant increases the beam to 17 feet and adds a taller, rotating mast with a significantly larger sail plan. Conversely, the Strider Club and its wooden sibling, the Shadow, are "detuned" versions featuring fixed low-aspect ratio (LAR) keels and a smaller rig (202 sq. ft.) designed for less experienced sailors or families prioritizing ease of handling over raw speed.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Accommodation on the Strider is split between the two hulls, which are connected by a trampoline on the racing models or a solid GRP bridge-deck tray on the "Club" and "Shadow" versions. The interior is functional but offers sitting headroom only (approximately 4'6"). Each hull typically contains two single berths—one forward and one aft—providing a total of four berths. This "pod" style layout offers a degree of privacy unusual for a 24-foot boat, as the hulls are completely separate living spaces.

In the Shadow and Strider Club variants, the transition to LAR keels significantly increases the usable interior volume by removing the daggerboard trunks that otherwise bisect the main cabin area. These cruising-oriented models often feature a small galley setup in one hull, where a bunk top may double as a workspace. Ventilation and light are provided by GRP sliding main hatches and tinted perspex fore-hatches, though the atmosphere remains snug and is best suited for "backpacking-style" coastal cruising.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Strider earned its reputation in the racing circuit, winning the European Micro Multihull Championships multiple times in the late 1980s. Its most famous offshore exploit was a 3,000-mile voyage from Plymouth, UK, to Tallinn, Soviet Union, in 1989. This journey involved a fleet of three Strider Club catamarans and was documented in the film "A Day Sail to Russia." The expedition demonstrated that despite its small size, the design is a capable sea-boat when handled by an experienced crew.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should focus on several technical areas specific to aging multihulls and the Palamos production run:

• Core Material Bonding: Early GRP Striders were built using "Coremat." The designer has noted that this material was sometimes less reliable for bonding than the foam cores used in later models. Tap-test the hulls and decks for signs of delamination or "soft" spots.
• Beam Mounts and Bulkheads: The Strider utilizes aluminum crossbeams. Inspect the areas where these beams meet the GRP hulls for stress cracking or compression damage, especially if the boat has been raced hard.
• Daggerboard Trunks: On the standard and Turbo models, the daggerboard boxes are prone to wear or impact damage. Check for leaks at the trunk-to-hull join and ensure the boards themselves are not swollen or delaminated.
• Rudder Bearings and Stocks: The original dinghy-style kick-up rudders can develop significant play over time. Modern semi-balanced rudder upgrades are available and highly recommended for improved steering feel.
• Weight Sensitivity: Performance in any micro-multihull is destroyed by excessive weight. Check if previous owners have added heavy permanent fixtures or oversized batteries that might compromise the boat's trim and safety.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for technical support is Woods Designs, which still offers plans for the plywood Shadow and provides a wealth of historical data and owner comments on the various Strider iterations. There is no longer a dedicated formal owners' association, but the designer remains an active resource for technical queries regarding modifications and rig upgrades.

The Verdict

The Strider is an exceptional choice for sailors who want the speed of a racing catamaran with the safety and utility required for weekend coastal trekking.

Pros

• Exceptional speed for its size, capable of outrunning much larger yachts.
• Trailable and easy to launch, with a shallow draft for beaching.
• Balanced handling that tacks better than most catamarans of its era.
• Proven offshore pedigree despite its "micro" status.

Cons

• Extremely limited headroom (sitting only).
• High sensitivity to weight; excessive gear significantly impacts performance.
• Early production models may suffer from core-bonding issues.
• Spartan accommodations lack the "luxury" of modern cruisers.