Trt 1200 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The defining characteristic of the TRT 1200 is its power-to-weight ratio. With a displacement that can be as low as 7,000 to 9,000 pounds depending on the build year and material spec, the boat behaves more like a racing trimaran than a traditional cruising cat. According to an editorial review by Cruising World, the vessel is capable of sailing at or near wind speed in light air and can comfortably reach speeds in the high teens or low 20s under the right conditions.

Handling is sharp and responsive due to the use of deep daggerboards rather than fixed keels. These boards allow the TRT 1200 to point higher than almost any production catamaran, significantly reducing the "tacking angle penalty" typically associated with multihulls. Because the hulls are exceptionally narrow at the waterline, the boat maintains a clean laminar flow and exhibits very little hobby-horsing in a chop. However, this performance comes with a requirement for active sail trim; the boat is sensitive to weight distribution, and owners must be disciplined about not over-loading the vessel with heavy cruising gear, which can quickly degrade its high-speed characteristics.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The TRT 1200’s interior is a study in minimalist functionalism. To maintain its speed advantages, the living spaces are confined primarily to the hulls, though many versions feature a "pod" style salon on the bridge deck. This pod provides a sheltered area for navigation and dining without the windage and weight of a full-width cabin house. The hulls are relatively narrow, meaning that while there is standing headroom, the berths and walkways feel more "shiptight" than those on a lagoon or leopard.

Variations of the model, such as the TRT 1200 GT, focus on a streamlined profile with a smaller bridge deck footprint. The CR (Cruiser) variant occasionally features slightly more robust cabinetry and expanded galley facilities, but even these remain Spartan by modern luxury standards. Interior finishes often utilize lightweight honeycomb cores or thin veneers to shave every possible kilogram. Buyers will find that the layout typically includes two to three cabins, with the master suite occupying one hull and guest quarters and a head in the other.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a pre-owned TRT 1200 should approach the survey with a focus on high-tech composite longevity.

1. Laminate Integrity: Because these boats are built with epoxy and often feature carbon fiber reinforcements, a moisture meter is less effective than a thorough tap-test or thermal imaging. Check for any signs of delamination in high-stress areas around the crossbeam bulkheads and daggerboard trunks.
2. Daggerboard Trunks: High-performance cats exert immense lateral pressure on their daggerboard cases. Inspect the trunks for stress cracks or evidence of grounding damage, which can lead to slow leaks that are difficult to access.
3. Rigging Loads: The TRT 1200 carries a powerful rig. If the boat has been raced heavily, the standing rigging and the chainplates (often composite) require expert inspection. Look for "crazing" in the gelcoat around the shroud terminals.
4. Overloading Evidence: Look for the waterline. If the boat is sitting significantly below its designed lines, it indicates the previous owner may have added excessive aftermarket equipment (generators, heavy batteries, large tenders) that could have strained the hulls and compromised performance.

Community & Resources

Owners of TRT catamarans are a small but dedicated group, often congregating in specialized multihull forums such as CruisersForum or the Multihull Anarchy section of Sailing Anarchy. While no formal international "Class Association" exists in the traditional sense, technical support is frequently sourced through the designer's legacy documents and through the tight-knit community of Norwegian multihull enthusiasts who maintain the original spirit of the TRT racing team.

The Verdict

The TRT 1200 is an "honest" performance catamaran. It does not pretend to be a floating apartment; instead, it offers a visceral, high-speed sailing experience that few boats in its class can match. It is a vessel for the sailor who enjoys the journey as much as the destination and is willing to trade marble countertops for 20-knot boat speeds.

Pros:

• Exceptional Speed: Capable of outperforming almost any cruising monohull and most production catamarans.
• High-End Construction: Use of epoxy and carbon fiber ensures a stiff, durable hull if maintained correctly.
• Technical Sailing: Daggerboards provide superior upwind performance and adjustable draft for thin-water anchoring.

Cons:

• Minimalist Interior: The lack of a large bridge-deck salon may be a dealbreaker for families or long-term liveaboards.
• Weight Sensitivity: Performance drops off sharply if the boat is over-provisioned.
• Rare Market Presence: Very few units were built, making them difficult to find on the secondary market.