Northwest Multihull Sailing Charters

The Corsair F-31 (For those new to F-boats)

If you are already knowledgeable about an F-31, and simply want to know the specifics of Alouette, skip to Alouette.

An F-boat is a folding trimaran (well, mostly - there are a few exceptions) designed by Ian Farrier. They are amazing boats. But to be perfectly honest, F-boats are not for everyone. There are those who love them, and those for whom they don't fit. To help you determine if you would appreciate this great boat, go to "Is an F-boat right for you?" After completing my little questionnaire, if you want to learn more come back here and continue reading.

F-boats, especially the F-31s, are noted for their speed and sensitive feel, absolutely a delight to sail. They are very responsive, fast and stable. Boat speeds in the teens are common, and on a reach in 18 - 20 knots of wind an F-31 can really fly, hitting 20 + knots. They are great fun, a real sailor's sailboat. Trimarans heel only about 10 degrees, less in light air, a bit more in heavy air, but never more than about 15 degrees. Some people say that a multihull won't point well - don't believe it! An F-31 will point as well as any boat, and the helm is light and responsive at any speed.

The outside space is immense on an F-31, with a large cockpit, and the two large nets between the main hull and the floats. The nets are great for lounging and soaking up the sun. The main cabin has 6 ft of standing headroom, can seat 6, and sleep 4 inside. Sleeping out under the stars or in a regular tent on the nets is also possible.

With the kick-up rudder and retractable dagger board, the F-31 can draw as little as 16" of water. Even with the board fully down, the draft is only 5' 6". Anchorage crowded? Just pull up the board, let the rudder trail, and motor up close to the beach where other boats "fear to tread", drop the hook, and wade ashore if you like.

The F-31 was designed by Ian Farrier of Farrier Marine, and built by Corsair Marine. Mr. Farrier was involved with starting Corsair Marine in the mid '80s, designed the F-27, and supervised getting that boat into production. Mr. Farrier later left Corsair, but made an agreement with Corsair giving them the rights to build his designs: F-27, F-24, F-28, and F-31. Any of those model boats built by Corsair Marine are called Corsairs. An F-31 design built from plans by an individual (or another manufacturer as a custom boat) is called an F-9. The F-31 is the largest boat designed by Ian Farrier, and built by Corsair Marine.

An F-31 is 31' long and 22 1/2' wide unfolded., The floats fold in against the main hull for trailering at 8' 2" wide.

For the details on Alouette specifically, go to Alouette. And if interested in further information on Corsairs or F-boats see the links on the Links page.

Home

The Boat

The Area

Lessons & Chartering

Links