Norman Cross 53 trimaran

[Metal Boat]

Hi All,



I have spotted a boat I really like the look off but I know nothing about. I have googled Norman Cross and his designs seem fairly prolific. I was wondering if his boats have a reputation for strength and speed. I was wondering what might be considered a fast cruise speed for this boat and also if they will handle rough seas pushing the boat around. I have studied the monohull vs mutlihull question very carefully and weighed the arguments of stability vs speed carefully. Was hoping for an idea of how sought after these tris are? Thanks alll for your knowledge and input on these subjects,

[Boatguy30]

I believe they're relatively slow, but are able to go quite well in rough seas. Several have sailed too and from New Zealand which is a notoriously passage.

[jdazey]

Norms designs are my favorites of the early cruising trimarans (Brown, Horstman, Piver). Most were home built, so construction quality varies. I've been aboard 3 of the 46'ers (these are often stretched a bit). and crewed on a 42 during some Puget Sound races. All were well built and two of them sailed off into the Pacific. When we were doing our boat search, several of them were on our list. I can't speak for the speed as owner reports are often suspect. The 42 was heavy (solid teak hatches) and therefore slow. As with all multils, keep it light, and you'll go faster.


Cheers,

[Simi 60]

We see this one regularly where we sail.
PM sent

[longjonsilver]

To learn about trimarans, read "The Case for the Cruising Trimaran" by Jim Brown.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-list...ising+trimaran

Altho it is biased in favor of the authors own designs, it outlines why a trimaran is a good boat for cruising. Norm Cross's designs are well respected, and i would buy the right one in a heartbeat.
jon