trimaran astus 20.5

Yachting Monthly

• Digital edition

Astus 20.5: Fast, fun and affordable trailable trimaran

• David Harding
• August 20, 2021

For fast yet undemanding sailing, easy trailing and simple camper-cruising, the Astus 20.5 trimaran is likely to find wide appeal says David Harding

The Astus 20.5 is taut and responsive to sail. Credit: David Harding

Product Overview

• Fast and easy to sail
• Can be trailed behind a small car
• Easy to reduce beam for marina berthing
• Less accommodation than a monohull of similar size
• Rigging process could be simplified
• Slightly stark interior finish

Manufacturer:

Price as reviewed:.

Boats that are small and light enough to keep in your driveway and trail to where you want to sail make a lot of sense.

One drawback, however, is that they tend to be slower than bigger boats – especially if they’re of a size and weight that allows them to be easily managed short-hand, both afloat and ashore.

If you want to sail from Poole to Weymouth for the weekend in a 20ft trailer-sailer, for example, it might take a while.

This is where speedy trailable trimarans like the Astus 20.5 come in.

When I sailed its predecessor, the 20.2, about 10 years ago, we regularly hit 15 knots on a reach without breaking sweat and maintained an easy 6.5 knots upwind.

This 20 footer can match 50 footers for speed. Credit: David Harding

You can cover a lot of ground at those sorts of speeds.

I first met the Astus 20.5 at the Düsseldorf Boat Show in 2019. Since it’s a newer boat and designed by no less a design team than VPLP, I had high hopes that it would offer even more than the 20.2.

Quite apart from the sailing potential, the trailing is as simple as can be with a boat like this.

If you choose the resin-infused hull, the Astus 20.5 weighs under 500kg (1,100lb), or just over 500kg with the standard solid laminate.

The lighter weight means you can use an unbraked trailer , saving money, maintenance and yet more weight, so you can trail it behind a normal hatchback vehicle.

Getting somewhere fast under sail is one thing. Having somewhere to sleep when you arrive is another.

The Astus 20.5 is simple to sail for two people. Credit: David Harding

Though its cabin is smaller than on a monohull of similar size, the Astus provides seating, stowage and space for a companionable couple to be able to stretch out.

Then of course you have the trampolines each side on which you can rig a tent for more sleeping space.

The opportunity for a sail on the Astus 20.5 finally came when Hein Kuiper of Boats On Wheels brought his first demonstrator to the UK.

In fact we went out twice – first for a photo session in Poole on a brisk winter’s day and then a few months later in Chichester Harbour.

Since the boat arrived in Poole on its trailer, I was able to see how it went together.

Pulling out the hulls is pretty straightforward: their aluminium beams slide in and out of the fixed beams on the main hull. You can do that ashore or afloat.

There’s nothing complicated about raising the rig, either, and it can all be done singlehanded .

The whole process, from arriving with the trailer to sliding the boat into the water, took Hein a couple of hours or so the first time or two (comparable with a monohull of similar size, he reckons) but would undoubtedly get quicker with practice.

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Whether you choose the standard or the Sport version, the mast is the same height.

The difference is that the latter comes with a square-top mainsail to give appreciably more sail area.

If you want to save as much weight as possible and make raising and lowering the mast easier, you can have it in carbon. A wing mast is another option.

The rig and hardware don’t appear to be modified in any way as a concession to the boat’s trailer-sailer nature.

Here and there, the odd ready-made loop or strop would save fiddling around with bits of line.

It is basic down below but there’s seating and sleeping space for two people. Credit: David Harding

All that is forgotten as soon as you’re under way.

On our second outing, once the electric outboard had pushed us out of Northney Marina – where the boat proved to be surprisingly manoeuvrable with the centreplate fully down – we headed off on a beam reach at 12.5 knots in 12-15 knots of wind.

In most boats, 12.5 knots would be going some. In this 20-footer, it felt perfectly relaxed.

Over the course of the following couple of hours we covered every point of sail including, of course, reaching under spinnaker.

With the gusts rarely exceeding 16 knots in the flat water of the harbour, we didn’t quite manage to break 15 knots.

It wasn’t a bad speed-to-effort ratio nonetheless.

The boat felt rock solid the whole time, and I knew from the photo session in Poole that she could carry the kite on a beam reach in appreciably more wind than we had in Chichester.

It is easy to reduce the beam of the Astus 20.5 for marina berthing. Credit: David Harding

It’s hard to imagine that 20 knots wouldn’t be perfectly achievable.

Upwind we maintained between 7 and 8.5 knots most of the time.

As you would expect, you need to keep the bow down a little to maintain full power.

You also need the purchase of the 6:1 mainsheet to maintain sufficient tension in the upper leech. It makes a big difference.

You won’t need more than two people to go out and have fun on the Astus 20.5. Credit: David Harding

Tacking was pretty positive provided we had adequate boatspeed going into the tack, and leeway appeared minimal.

All told the Astus 20.5 was great fun to sail and easy to manage two-handed.

There was little for a third person to do except enjoy the ride or contribute to the righting moment by joining the helmsman on the windward trampoline.

If you were racing, you could use a longer tiller extension and fit toe-straps to maximise the advantage.

Beating our way back up the harbour, we demonstrated the windward ability of the Astus 20.5 by sailing straight past a 15m (49ft) monohull.

Creature comforts aboard the Astus 20.5

David Harding has been testing boats for decades and is also a sailing photographer

Above decks the Astus offers a vast amount of sitting and lounging space thanks to the trampolines.

Down below, the hull’s narrow beam makes things cosy but you still find a seat either side, space for a chemical toilet under the aft end of the berth and a fair amount of stowage beneath and to either side of the companionway.

The centreboard is offset to port to leave the middle of the boat clear.

The finish is simple and uncomplicated, largely to save weight. There would be plenty of scope to fit a slide-out galley and devise lightweight stowage solutions to make better use of the space.

Astus 20.5: the test verdict 

More than anything else, this boat is tremendous fun.

She feels taut and responsive to sail. I found that it took an hour or so to begin to find her sweet spots, but after that she just makes you want to sail her.

She inspires confidence and is easy to handle, too. In most conditions you could manage perfectly well single-handed and for cruising you won’t need more than two.

The Astus 20.5 has less accommodation than a monohull of similar size

Then there’s the speed. No matter whether or not you’re in a hurry to get anywhere, it’s easier to slow down in a fast boat than to speed up in a slow one.

Speed is fun in itself, and it’s hard not to enjoy sailing straight past a monohull more than twice your length.

Niggles are relatively few.

I thought the rudder blade could do with a touch more balance and I wasn’t sure that the fixed end of the 2:1 jib sheet was quite far enough aft on deck.

Other than that, it all works.

Hardware is mostly from Harken and the spars are by Sélden, so there’s no skimping in these departments.

Would she suit you and your crew?

The Astus 20.5 will attract attention. Several people stopped for a chat and to admire her back in Northney having seen her on the water.

If you’re a dinghy sailor moving up but not ready to slow down, this is a good choice.

Just as much interest is coming from big-boat sailors moving down or wanting a second, smaller boat that still has a good cruising range. Few boats of this size go so fast with so little effort.

The Astus 20.5 is ideal for exploring harbours, estuaries and rivers

As for the inevitable monohull-versus-multihull debate, there are trailable, family-friendly boats of this size with one hull that sail very nicely.

I have clocked over 12 knots in one or two, but only under spinnaker, with good sailors on board and not for sustained periods.

As long as you’re prepared to accept that sailing regularly at double-figure speeds means sacrificing some interior volume, the Astus could suit you perfectly. And for exploring harbours and estuaries, camper-cruising and nudging into the beach, it’s absolutely ideal.

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• Draft: 1.25m/0.25m
• Displacement: 490kg (Resin Infusion)/540 (Contact)
• Max. Unfolded Width: 4.5m
• Max. Folded Width: 2.48m
• Price from £39,950 Inc VAT

Summer Offer!

Get hold of our 20.5 stock boat – available now! 

Offering exhilarating performance yet easy to rig, handle and tow to your favourite sailing areas, the Astus 20.5 trimaran is now even better.  The Small Yacht Company are giving away a free gennaker with furler and bowsprit with the 2023 stock boat we have on site right now!

Described by Astus Boats as their Coastal Cruiser, the 20.5 is rapidly becoming their most successful trimaran to date. No wonder. As a result of its  partnership with world renowned naval architects, VPLP, Astus Boats have come up with a real head turner. Huge floats with wave piercing hulls placed further apart and forward give the new 20.5 a very contemporary look and a truly stable platform.

Blistering speeds can be achieved at a crew-friendly low angle of heel. Of course, with speed comes extended range. Previously out-of-reach destinations become a real possibility for day-trips or weekends thanks to a cabin for two, featuring a long v-berth, plenty of storage and an off-set centre board for easy access.

The Astus 20.5 succeeds the popular Astus 20.2, of which 120 were sold. With the 20.5 Astus have been bold – the new boat builds on the successful features of previous models but now goes a whole lot further:

– High-performance with modern, sporty lines offering effortless double digit boat speeds

– Stability and a low angle of heel courtesy of massive 930 litre floats

– Simple to rig and handle – single handed mast stepping is realistic

– Easily towed –  the ‘Infusion’ built boat weighs in at only 490kg, so it can be towed by a Ford KA!

– Retractable floats and shallow draft provide limitless opportunities to explore new sailing areas

– Can be used as a weekend cruiser with a long v-berth for overnight stays and masses of storage under the cockpit

– Low cost of ownership – maintenance is minimal and garage or driveway storage is a realistic option

– Multiple options from ‘Leisure’ to ultralight ‘Infusion’ models and sport rigs to suit every sailing style

– Affordable prices, starting at only £30,250 inc VAT/ex works (all prices are subject to the prevailing exchange rate).

Special Offer!

We have a new 2023 stock boat on site right now, ready to go with:

• Break-back road trailer
• Bigger sports rig
• Sports sail control fittings
• Stainless steel pulpit
• Outboard bracket
• Coachroof hatch
• Free gennaker, furler and bowsprit!
• All for £39,950 inc VAT!

But hurry – we only have one stock boat available. When its gone, its gone!

Or enquire today about the detailed Astus 20.5 price list and to find out more

Still not convinced? Don’t just take our word for it, read the review by David Harding of Yachting Monthly magazine who describes this exciting trimaran as ‘tremendous fun’! Or try one yourself – we have a demonstrator ready in Hampshire.

Make an Enquiry

Technical Specifications

• Overall length central hull: 5.95 m
• Float length: 5.90 m
• Max unfolded floats width: 4.50 m
• Folded floats width 2.48 m (within maximum towing width)
• Displacement: 490 Kg (with main hull in infusion build)
• Float volume: 930 litres / float
• Draught:1.25 m/0.25 m pivoting center-board and rudder
• Sail area upwind: 21 m² standard version / 24 m² sport version
• Sail area downwind: 34 m² standard version / 42 m² sport version
• Maximum engine power: 6 HP (4.5 kw)
• Category C: 5 persons 425 Kg
• Category D: 7 persons 550 Kg

Design: Jean-Hubert POMMOIS Architect: VPLP Design

Two versions to choose from:

THE ASTUS 20.5 LEISURE INCLUDES:

Sail area upwind: 21m ²

Sail area downwind: 34m ²

• Mainsail in dacron, one reef with boom
• Jib in dacron with Furler
• Forward storage area and storage under the cockpit
• 4 block main sheet
• Mainsail track
• 2 trampolines
• Pivoting centreboard and rudder

THE ASTUS 20.5 SPORT VERSION INCLUDES:

Sail area upwind: 24m ²

Sail area downwind: 42m ²

• Square top mainsail and jib in Aramid Black Technora
• Option of a wing mast
• Winch for sport gennaker
• Endless jib furler
• Traveller for mainsheet
• 6 block mainsheet tackle
• Telescopic tiller extension
• Sport graphics

More info: Astus Boats Website

Review: Yachting Monthly

Or call us... +44 (0)7967 308 757

The Company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.

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Spécialiste du trimaran transportable

L'ASTUS 20.5

Le day boat idéal

Le concept de l’Astus, par sa facilité de mise en œuvre et sa capacité à changer de plan d’eau en toute simplicité, répond à une réelle demande de la part des plaisanciers, à savoir des bateaux nomades et performants.

Ainsi, dans notre volonté de proposer des produits performants et conviviaux, nous présentons pour la saison 2018 un nouveau modèle, l’Astus 20.5.

Après le succès du lancement de l’Astus 16.5, nous avons continué à améliorer notre gamme, avec la contribution du cabinet d’architecture VPLP design. Nous apportons à nos bateaux des lignes plus modernes et plus sportives tout en restant fidèles au concept de la gamme ASTUSBOATS, ce qui nous permet de proposer des bateaux simples et efficaces.

L’Astus 20.5, issu d’une seconde collaboration avec le cabinet VPLP design, devrait faire des envieux. Il reprend ce qui a fait le succès de l’Astus 20.2 avec encore plus de caractère :

• Facile à mettre en œuvre 
• Transportable, avec sa remorque adaptée 
• Rétractable, avec ses flotteurs télescopiques qui permettent de pouvoir l’emmener partout sans contraintes -
• Economique, avec un minimum d’entretien et un stockage possible dans un garage - Nomade, par sa facilité de changement de plan d’eau 
• Personnalisable, avec des options « à la carte » selon votre programme de navigation
• Stable, avec ses flotteurs de 930 litres 
• Carène planante qui permet au bateau de glisser sur l’eau et améliorer la vitesse
• Carène tulipée pour bien déflecter les embruns
• Performant, avec ses lignes modernes et sportives

La nouveauté était  présentée au Boot de Düsseldorf en janvier 2018.

L’ Astus 20.5 sera proposé en deux versions, en fonction de votre mode de navigation :

• Une version loisir pour une navigation tranquille et en famille
• Une version sport pour satisfaire les régatiers (coque centrale en infusion)

Nominations et récompenses

• L'Astus 20.5 a été nominé pour l'European Yacht of the Year en 2018

Ce Day-boat léger et rapide vous permettra de découvrir ou redécouvrir le plaisir de naviguer sur un multicoque en toute sécurité, même en famille. Il est capable d'accueillir jusqu’à 4 personnes dans la cabine et est repliable pour faciliter les manipulations et le transport sur sa remorque.

Galerie vidéos

Repliage des flotteurs de l'a20.5 sur l'eau.

Dépliage des flotteurs Astus 20.5

A bord de l'A 20.5

Belle navigation sur l'Astus 20.5

Astus 20.5 - pliage et repliage des flotteurs

TriSpeed Cup Arradon 2018: Thierry et Eric

Caractéristiques techniques

• Long Coque centrale :    5.95 m
• Long ht : 7 m 
• Longueur flotteur : 5,90 m  
• Largeur déplié : 4,50 m
• Largeur replié : 2,48 m
• Surface des trampolines : 8,50 m²
• Déplacement léger : 470 kg en infusion / 490 kg au contact
• Volume d’un flotteur : 930 litres 
• Tirant d'eau : 1,25 m / 0,25 m 
• Longueur du mât : 8 m 

Surface de voilure :  

• Surface de voilure au près : 21m² / 24 m² version sport
• Surface de voilure au portant avec gennaker : 34 m² / 42 m ² version sport
• Motorisation maximum : 4,5 kW (6 cv)

Homologation CE     

• Catégorie C : 5 personnes
• Catégorie D : 7 personnes

Architecte : VPLP Design

Conception : Jean-Hubert Pommois

Mers et bateaux: Le petit trimaran pour aller partout Boating Business (Anglais - English) :  20.5 model

Yachting Monthly

Astus 20.5 : Fast, fun and affordable

Bateaux.com:

Astus 20.5, un nouveau trimaran dessiné VPLP

Boatindustry.com VPLP Astus 20.5

Bretagne économique.com Astusboats va dévoiler son nouveau trimaran à Dusseldorf

Hisse et oh.com Nouveauté astus 20.5  

Essai par Quebec Yachting (Français) Page 63

Voile Magazine N°276 special salon 001 – 2018 :  Article

ASTUS 20.5 trimaran

In line with Astusboats desire to offer excellent, user-friendly boats, we are pleased to present our new model for the 2018 season, the Astus 20.5, following on from the Astus 20.2, of which more than 120 boats have been sold.

Easy to rig, handle and transport between sailing areas, the Astus concept responds to actual demand from sailors for high-performance, trailerable boats.

Born in collaboration with the VPLP Design Agency, the Astus 20.5 appears throughout the sailing community on wish lists.

Two versions of the Astus 20.5 are available, each adapted to your style of sailing : – A leisure model for gentle, family sailing (double berth) – A sports version to satisfy regatta sailors (carbon mast, aramid sails, etc.)

Astus 20.5 retains all the features which made the Astus 20.2 so attractive and has even more character :

• Easy to rig and handle
• Transportable on the specially adapted trailer
• Retractable floats offer limitless travel opportunities.
• Economical, minimum maintenance and garage storage a real possibility
• transport between sailing areas has never been simpler
• Personalisable, with multiple options to suit every sailing style
• Stable, with 930-litre floats
• A streamlined hull enables the boat to glide through the water and increases the speed.
• Tulipped hull for effective spray deflection.
• High-performance with modern, sporty lines

Thank You! We will contact You soon.

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Astus 20.5 Sport

Sailboat specifications.

• Last update: 17th March 2020

Astus 20.5's main features

Astus 20.5's main dimensions, astus 20.5's rig and sails, astus 20.5's performances, astus 20.5's auxiliary engine, astus 20.5's accommodations and layout.

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• Classified ads Astus 20.5 in secondhand multihulls , 
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• Yes you can keep any of these boats on a mooring.
• Yes you can easily trail these lightweight boats.
• Yes you can easily double the distance you cover in a day's sailing compared to conventional day boats with keels.