Trimaran Typhoon 25 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The sailing characteristics of the Typhoon 25 are defined by its low heel angle and high power-to-weight ratio. Unlike contemporary monohulls of the 1970s, which relied on heavy lead ballast, the Typhoon 25 achieves its righting moment through the leverage of its outer hulls. This results in a boat that remains remarkably level even in stiff breezes, providing a sense of security for crews transitioning from traditional keelboats.

Handling is reported to be exceptionally light on the helm, provided the boat is kept on its lines. Macalpine-Downie’s "V" shaped central hull was designed to slice through chop, though, like many early trimarans, the Typhoon 25 can be "wet" in a head sea due to its low freeboard and the tendency of the amas to kick up spray. Tracking is aided by a retractable centerboard housed in the main hull, allowing for surprisingly tight tacking angles for a multihull of its era. Owners often note that the boat truly comes alive on a reach, where it can easily outpace monohulls five to ten feet longer. Because it lacks the weight of a traditional keel, the Typhoon 25 accelerates rapidly in gusts, requiring a proactive approach to reefing the mainsail to prevent burying the leeward ama.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a 25-foot vessel, the Typhoon 25 offers a specialized but constrained living environment. The interior is concentrated entirely within the narrow central hull, which limits lateral space compared to a catamaran or a beamier monohull. The standard layout typically features a compact V-berth in the bow and two longitudinal settee berths in the main cabin.

Headroom is limited, requiring a "stooping" posture for most adults, though this was standard for the "micro-cruiser" class of the period. The galley is rudimentary, often consisting of a small sink and a portable stove arrangement. While Sailcraft focused on a singular production standard for the Typhoon 25, some variations exist in the beam configuration. While most were built with fixed beams (akas), a few were adapted with demountable systems to facilitate road transport, though the process was significantly more labor-intensive than modern "folding" trimaran designs. The sibling model, the Typhoon 37, offered a vastly more cavernous interior with standing headroom, making it the preferred choice for long-distance voyaging, while the 25 remained the choice for coastal sprinting and weekend trips.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective owners of a Typhoon 25 should prioritize a structural survey focusing on the connection points between the main hull and the outriggers. This area, subject to immense torsional stress, is the most common failure point in aging multihulls.

• Aka-to-Hull Joints: Inspect the fiberglass laminates where the crossbeams (akas) meet the hulls for stress cracks or "crazing." Soft spots in the deck around these mounting points indicate core rot or delamination.
• Centerboard Trunk: The centerboard pivot and the trunk itself are prone to wear. Ensure the board operates smoothly and check the interior of the trunk for osmotic blistering or structural weeping.
• Amas Buoyancy: Older trimarans can occasionally take on water in the outriggers through hairline cracks or poorly sealed deck hardware. Verify that the amas are dry and that the inspection hatches are watertight.
• Rigging Tension: Because the Typhoon 25 is a wide platform, the mast and standing rigging are under significant tension. Check the chainplates and the mast step for signs of compression or deformation.

Community & Resources

While the original Sailcraft Ltd. closed its doors in 1986, the legacy of Macalpine-Downie designs is preserved by a dedicated community of multihull enthusiasts. Technical specifications and historical context are frequently discussed within the Multihull Offshore Cruising and Racing Association (MOCRA), which remains a primary resource for owners of vintage British multihulls. Owners also find technical support through broader vintage trimaran networks that focus on the maintenance of 1960s and 70s fiberglass laminates.

The Verdict

The Typhoon 25 is a vintage "speed machine" that offers a unique sailing experience for those who value performance over interior volume. It serves as a testament to Sailcraft's era of innovation, though it requires a knowledgeable owner to maintain its structural integrity.

Pros:

• Exhilarating speed and acceleration in moderate to heavy air.
• Very shallow draft with the centerboard up, ideal for beaching and thin-water exploration.
• Stable, level sailing platform that reduces crew fatigue.

Cons:

• Extremely cramped interior compared to modern 25-footers.
• Demounting for trailering is a complex, multi-person task.
• The "wet" ride in choppy conditions necessitates high-quality foul weather gear.