Sailing Performance & Handling
The Sailbird 18 is characterized by its responsive handling and exceptional stability relative to its size. With a displacement of approximately 400 to 500 pounds and a standard sail area of roughly 175 square feet, the boat exhibits a high power-to-weight ratio that allows it to excel in light to moderate breezes. On-water tests and owner reports summarized by SmallTrimaran.co.uk indicate that the boat can easily reach speeds of 10 to 12 knots, with some GPS-recorded bursts exceeding 11 knots in favorable conditions.
Because the main hull features a significant rocker and a rounded section, the Sailbird 18 tracks well and comes about quickly—a common difficulty for many early trimarans. However, the amas (outriggers) are considered low-volume by modern standards. Technical critiques from Small Trimaran Design note that the "banana-shaped" ama profile, while elegant, can lead to pitching in short-period chop. While the boat is remarkably stable and rarely "flies" a hull in a dangerous manner, it is known to be a "wet" ride at high speeds, often requiring the crew to wear foul weather gear even in moderate conditions.
Popular Mentions & Media
The Sailbird 18 gained a following among adventure sailors due to its durability and ease of modification. Notably, the model has been used as a platform for the Everglades Challenge, a grueling 300-mile unsupported coastal race in Florida. Competitors have favored the boat for its ability to handle varied coastal conditions while remaining light enough to be manhandled across beaches if necessary. Descriptions of these voyages often highlight the vessel's "elegant" aesthetic and its reputation as a "gentle" multihull compared to the more aggressive beach cats of the same era.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
Prospective buyers should approach a Sailbird 18 with the understanding that most hulls are now several decades old. Technical evaluations from owner communities emphasize the following areas for inspection:
- Deck and Hull Softness: Like many fiberglass boats from the 1970s, the Sailbird is prone to delamination and soft spots, particularly around the mast step and the mounting points for the akas (crossbeams).
- Aka and Hinge Integrity: The folding mechanism is a primary failure point. Early models used custom aluminum castings or schedule tubes that may suffer from stress corrosion cracking. Inspect all hinge pins and mounting bolts for signs of elongation or fatigue.
- Rudder Assembly: The original rudder was often a simple aluminum plate design. Owners frequently report that the kick-up mechanism becomes jammed or loses its ability to stay down under load, leading many to retrofit more modern high-aspect-ratio foils.
- Ama Buoyancy and Watertightness: Because the boat was often built with an "open" interior from stem to stern, many owners recommend retrofitting watertight bulkheads to the main hull and amas to prevent a total loss of buoyancy in the event of a puncture or capsize.
Community & Resources
The legacy of the Sailbird 18 is maintained by a dedicated group of multihull enthusiasts. Technical drawings and support for the Cross-designed versions are still managed through Cross Multihulls, which serves as the primary repository for Norman Cross’s design specifications and plan sets. Additionally, regional multihull associations in the United States and the United Kingdom often feature Sailbird owners who share modifications for updating the rig and folding mechanisms.
The Verdict
The Sailbird 18 is a classic "pocket tri" that offers an accessible entry point into the world of multihull sailing, combining vintage aesthetics with legitimate performance.
Pros
- Exceptional Stability: The 11' 7" beam provides a level of safety and upright sailing that monohull daysailers of this length cannot match.
- Ease of Transport: The folding mechanism allows the boat to be kept on a standard trailer and launched from most public ramps.
- Responsive Control: Unlike some older multihulls that struggle with tacking, the Sailbird 18 is nimble and handles predictably.
Cons
- Aged Construction: Most available models require significant fiberglass or wood-epoxy restoration.
- Wet Ride: The low-clearance akas and low-volume amas result in frequent spray over the cockpit in choppy water.
- Obsolescent Ama Design: Compared to modern "wave-piercing" trimarans, the Sailbird's amas have a tendency to hobby-horse in certain sea states.
