Description
The Seaclipper 16 is a lightweight, folding plywood trimaran designed by John Marples of Searunner Multihulls in 1990 as part of a series of nine affordable, trailerable day sailors and cruisers. Intended for novice home builders, it emphasizes simplicity, stability, and speed in a compact package, using just 12 sheets of marine plywood and common lumber. The design features a central vaka (main hull) with retractable amas (outriggers) that fold inward for trailering or storage under 8 feet wide, making it ideal for beach launching, lake sailing, or family outings. Over hundreds have been built worldwide since plans became available, with many owners converting it to open-cockpit cruisers for overnight camping. It's praised for its "exciting yet safe" handling in breezes up to 20 knots, though it's a day boat at heart—not suited for heavy seas or long passages without mods. The Seaclipper 16's high sail area/displacement ratio (~20+) yields brisk speeds—6–7 knots in 8–10 knot winds, up to 13 knots reefed in stiff breezes—thanks to the efficient Hobie 14 rig and wide beam leveraging the amas for lift without capsizing. It tacks smoothly, maintaining momentum, and handles chop dryly with angled ama bottoms reducing slap and drag. Stability is a standout: amas support 220 lbs each without immersion, allowing free movement or lounging on the windward side. Upwind pointing is solid (40–45° apparent), but it excels on reaches; in light air, add a drifter. The flat-bottom vaka beaches easily, and the kick-up rudder/daggerboard suit shallows.
