Meermark M17 2-Person Sailing Trimaran (production prototypes)

Description

Outrigger sailing canoes have been used for centuries in Southeast Asia for sea travel and transportation throughout Indonesia, New Guinea, New Zealand, Africa and the Philippines.Some of the earliest examples of these common sailing boats are found in eighth century Buddhist reliefs on the island of Java.

The reasons that these boats have been used for well over a thousand years are their:

Because of these design elements, even though the canoes are very fast, they can also be paddled and sailed through a variety of waters.

The people who sailed these canoes had to cover great distances to reach their fishing grounds or to move between islands quickly, but they weren’t sophisticated sailors and didn’t need complicated sailing boats. What they needed was a sail with just one line for control when the wind was favorable, a set of paddles when the wind died down and a rudder to steer them toward their destination.

These three main tenants are what inspired our new M17Sailing boat. We wanted to created a modern interpretation of these ancient, yet simple water canoes and at the same time, bring the joy of safe, yet fast wind-powered boatsto the everyone that loves tosail–non sailors or experienced sailors alike.

• SY TO SAIL

  This easily sailed trimaran can be enjoyed by one or two people at any time. 1 sail, 1 line and foot pedal steering.. anyone can do it!

• SAFETY

  Not just due to the stability provided by the outriggers, but the ability to paddle back to your starting point when the wind stops.

• BUILD QUALITY

  Rugged rotomolded hulls do not suffer damage like fiberglass, providing much better durability and the kick-up rudder allows the M17 to be pushed right off the beach and into the water.

• SPEED

  Once on the water they can enjoy speeds similar toriding a bicycle, or simply releasingthe sheet, gradually pull to a halt.

• STABILITY

  Being wider than a beach cat, the MEERMARK M17offers much moresafestability.

  
  

  ** Meermark M17's can be disassembled and transported via trailer in as little as 20 minutes. Each boat package includes the following:

  * Sail and mast package (19' 10" total height at install)

  * Rudder Assembly

  * Paddles (2)

  * Seats with folding back rests for storage or transport (2)

  ** The rudder assembly has a "break away" cleat that minimizes rudder damage when not released before running aground. The rudder steering is controlled by foot pedals in the front passenger position.