Anchoring a trimaran

[26N80W]

Do Trimarans generally anchor from the bow or with a bridle?

[thinwater]

Originally Posted by 26N80W

Do Trimarans generally anchor from the bow or with a bridle?

Bridle. They yaw like crazy otherwise. Specifics depend on the boat--what do you have?
[You'll need to look closely--it's Dyneema]

[Training Wheels]

As long as the wind is less than 12-15 knots, I generally just anchor off the bow. Over about 15 knots, my boat starts sailing at anchor, so I then rig a bridle off the bows of the floats.

[26N80W]

When you rig the bridle do you go off both amas or can you just take pull the bow off center using just one?

[26N80W]

I have sailed both catamarans and owned multiple monohulls. I've been looking at a 40' Tri as my next boat.

[Training Wheels]

I go off both floats, which I believe is easier. I mounted chocks on the bows of the floats and take the bridle lines to the float bow cleats. If we’re in an area that tends to be windy, I’ll just leave them rigged and stuff them in the anchor locker.
Also, I have 120’ of chain, so mostly I’m on all chain.

[LeeV]

We just moored in Annapolis with our bridle to the pennant. Never yawed at all. Our F31 and Condor 40 before that taught me that lesson! I spent a couple of nights covering lots of anchorage! :-)

Good luck with your purchase!

[longjonsilver]

Here Jim Brown has a good section on using a bridle.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tEFqy2JkAHU

[26N80W]

Lee, which Condor 40 did you own?

[LeeV]

I believe it was 003; originally red built for the OSTAR, and I painted it white. Named her Triple Threat. Sold her here in the Chesapeake in 2000. I had assumed the "historian" role for some time, but no longer have all the files, info or pages. (Wish I'd kept it all...)

Met Phil and Mick (Designer/Builders) and they were very talented guys. She was a design way ahead of her time. Had some flaws but was an awesome boat.

http://www.2hulls.com/usedtrimaran-99/triplethreat.html

[26N80W]

Good to know. I've been in looking at a couple of them and may be in the market to purchase one.