rapido 50 trimaran cost

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Performance Trimaran in French Polynesia

Rapido 50 from 1.25M USD

Brochure rapido 50, rapido 50 in video .

Specifications

• Length overall (LOA): 15.24m (50′ 9″)
• Length of waterline (LWL): 14.96m (49′ 1″)
• Beam overall (BOA): 10.38m (34′ 1″)
• BOA (folded): 5.5m (18′ 1″) (59′ 5″)
• BOA (float to float CL): 9.32 m (30′ 7″)
• Freeboard: 1.60m (5′ 3″)
• T (board up) 0.67m (2′ 2″)
• T (board down): 3.52m (11′ 7″)
• Displacement (light): 6,550kgs (14,440lbs)
• Displacement (max): 8,400kgs (18,519lbs)
• Mast Height above DWL: 24.7m (81′)

Plan de Voilure

• SA Main: 95m2 (1,023sqf)
• SA Solent: 54m2 (581sqf)
• SA Staysail: 18m2 (194sqf)
• SA Reacher: 125m2 (1,345sqf)
• SA Asym Spin: 160m2 (1,722sqf)

LIGHTER, FASTER, EASIER with FOLDING FLOATS

Every exceptional product needs a source of inspiration. For the all-new Rapido 50, that source has been the Rapido 60 which has proven herself to be an exceptional trimaran for:

• Podium performances
• Fast passage-making
• Classic cruising
• Couples; and

Critically, the Rapido 60’s DNA can be found throughout the Rapido 50.

The Rapido 50 sets a new standard in the market place. It’s lighter, faster and easier and safer to handle with self-tacking jib, roller furler head sails and spreaderless mast.  With better weight distribution with heavy items (eg engine) in the middle of the boat and a high tech, infused carbon foam sandwich construction with beams, daggerboards, ruddercase and blade made from prepreg carbon and cured in autoclave.

And of course, folding floats (reduced fees for marina, hard stand and shipping)

When the idea to make the Rapido 50 a folding trimaran was first suggested – yes, that’s right, a 50′ trimaran that folds! – our initial reaction was, “ARE YOU CRAZY??”.

But after consulting with Pete Melvin from our designers,  Morelli & Melvin , we thought, “Why not!”. After all, our management team has built more folding trimarans than anyone else in the world and if anyone understands the challenges and how to do it right, we do!

Folding floats :

• Access to single marina berths
• Access to all marinas
• Reduced marina, hard stand and shipping costs
• Keeps floats in upright position (no barnacles or algae on sides)
• Maintains stability of trimaran in folding position and during folding

Folding mechanism :

• High tech design by  Morrelli & Melvin
• Patented Design (concept by Paul Koch, Australia Patent Application No. 2019902014)

The Rapido folding system is winch-assisted to take away, what some people say, the “back-breaking” strength required on bigger boats with other systems.

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For Sailors. The Rapido 50 Trimaran is the World’s Ultimate Folding Ocean Cruising Trimaran. Designed by Morelli & Melvin, it is built exclusively by Triac Composites.

Make or Manufacturer

Length overall, length at waterline, displacement.

About Rapido 50

When the idea to make the Rapido 50 a folding trimaran was first suggested, our initial reaction was, “ARE YOU CRAZY??”.

But after consulting with Pete Melvin from our designers, Morelli & Melvin, we thought, “Why not!”. After all, our management team has built more folding trimarans than anyone else in the world and if anyone understands the challenges and how to do it right, we do!

The folding mechanism will add a small amount to the initial cost but the ability to park the boat in any marina that accepts monohulls will make it all worthwhile and the payback will be huge!

Rapido 50 Sail Plan Click to download Rapido 50 Sail Plan in pdf format. Advantages of the Rapido 50’s folding system

The Rapido folding system keeps the floats vertical when in the folded position. This prevents growth from occuring on the sides of the floats which does happen on other folding systems. And, unless you are prepared to clean the floats prior to your next sail, it will look visually unappealing. Not so with the Rapido 50 which keeps the side of the floats in pristine condition. Compared with yet other systems, the Rapido model actually adds to the overall strength of the boat by reducing the loads on the beams when sailing and it does not make the boat any longer when folded thus reducing the length of the marina berth or slip required. The Rapido folding system is winch-assisted to take away, what some people say, the back-breaking force required on bigger boats with other systems. The Rapido folding system does add some cost and complexity but, we believe, is easily justified by the massive advantages in practice. And, having been designed by Morrelli & Melvin, it is designed to last. It’s bullet proof.

Why Rapido 50

FAST AND POWERFUL Trimarans are safe, powerful and fast as demonstrated by the fact that they consistently win races and hold the solo speed record for circumnavigating the world.

SAFE Safety at sea is the No. 1 priority and this thinking is reflected throughout the design and construction of the Rapido.

SPACIOUS The Rapido has some truly amazing living spaces which provide more open, private and intimate areas than monohulls or catamarans.

STABLE AND COMFORTABLE Trimarans are comfortable on all points of sail.

FUN The combination of safety, performance and comfort put the Rapido in a league of its own. The enormous trampoline nets add fun and excitement as you watch the blue water rush underneath you – or as you lounge on the nets while gently floating over a reef. You will be instantly hooked.

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BOAT REVIEW

MODEL DETAILS

Specifications.

• The elevated helm station gives good vision
• Living space and carrying capacity
• Rotating mast maximises performance
• All sail controls lead back to helm

Years ago, at the start of his new project building larger cruising trimarans, I met and talked with Rapido co-owner, Paul Koch. It was an interesting conversation, without hyperbole and very factual. It was a very no-nonsense Australian-style approach, in fact. “The whole Rapido trimaran concept came about because we felt the world needed a larger, roomier, cruising trimaran with good living space that delivered great performance,” he said.

Morelli and Melvin Mention design and the illustrious names Morelli and Melvin come to mind. They applied the latest technology when designing all three Rapido models, including clever use of Computational Fluid Dynamics, Finite Element Analysis and Velocity Prediction Program. “The innovation in design comes with the layout of the main hull and reaching the balance between beam, draft and trim to carry the accommodation without too much compromise on performance,” said Pete Melvin. On the 40 and 50 models, Rapido overcomes the main issue faced by trimarans – berthing – by using folding amas. Separately, the Rapido 60 has a unique, highly innovative design that allows the main beams to be unplugged for shipping. The folding concept was already proven in Koch’s previous trimaran builds, which utilised the Farrier-designed folding system. He was the owner of Corsair Marine, where he was directly involved in the production of over 1,500 trimarans from 1994-2010. An enhanced carbon version of the folding amas has been developed for Rapido. In addition, this patented folding mechanism keeps the amas in the upright position, ensuring that the sides remain free from fouling.

Cruise faster There are good reasons to consider a trimaran, especially if looking to combine the best sailing features of a monohull with the stability of a catamaran. Trimarans can offer exhilarating performance while maintaining complete control. Trimarans are the fastest, safest offshore boats, as demonstrated by the massive French 105-foot (32m) Ultim trimarans keeping the (round-the-world) Jules Verne Trophy in their possession thanks to their record-breaking speed. My assignments have taken me on some of these beauties, including one of the newest, the Ultim Sodebo , several ORMA 60s and a crazily powerful MOD70 that I enjoyed for a race at Hamilton Island Race Week. But for mere mortals like me, it’s the humbler boats I have really enjoyed sailing, such as the versatile Dragonfly, spacious Neels, nimble Corsairs and classic Farriers. Now Rapido ups the ante considerably with its high-tech carbon beauties.

Liveability One of the perceived downsides of trimarans is living space and carrying capacity. In fact, often the first sensation experienced by people boarding the R60 and the R50 for the first time is the great feeling of space, as the crew from La Vagabonde declared on their test sail. There is an aft deck with side seating and an extra-wide helm seat for more than one. Then there are the expansive nets and a huge foredeck. The cockpit and saloon/dining/galley are all on one level and the door to the saloon can swing up into the roof when not in use so that the whole area opens into one enormous space. The daggerboard dominates the saloon on the 50 and 60, but the new 40 has ‘C’ foils in the amas and this completely removes the need for a daggerboard case in the saloon, which further opens the interior space.

Powerful yet controllable rig The carbon masts on each model are rotating to maximise performance. The standing rigging is synthetic. An extensive sail plan means there’s a manageable amount of power available, both upwind and downwind – an important safety consideration in a fast boat like this. The furling Solent genoa, mounted on the inner forestay, is self-tacking and the mainsail reefing system uses Karver reef hooks mounted on Dyneema straps around the boom to distribute the loads with minimal chafe. The boom has truss wings with netting to catch the full-battened mainsail, which is on Antal sliders for easy hoisting, reefing and furling. A furling fractional Code 0 and a masthead furling gennaker tack on the bow just ahead of the headstay. Two Harken winches on the cabin top forward of the helm station handle main and Solent sheet loads. Rope clutches for halyards, mast rotation and board up and down controls are positioned to use the same winches.

Stiff hull Rapido use infused carbon/vinylester laminates on closed-cell PVC cores for high-strength areas and E-glass with carbon elsewhere. Vinylester is used in the hull and deck laminates for good adhesion and better compatibility with the gelcoat finish. Epoxy laminates are used in the structural elements of the boat.

RAPIDO 60 FOR LA VAGABONDE YOUTUBERS

Young Aussie couple, Riley Whitelum and Elayna Carausu went from backpackers to superstar sailors via their video posts on YouTube. These gleaned them enough subscribers (a staggering 1.6 million) to enable them to sail full time. Recently, their fame was extended when they took teenage environmental activist Greta Thunberg across the Atlantic in order to reduce her carbon travel emissions. The couple began their sailing life on a small monohull and then an Outremer catamaran before ordering the Rapido 60. “We started looking to upgrade and while I wanted a boat that could go fast, I’m much more interested in average crossing times. I mean, it’s good fun to go fast but that’s the least important on my list of things. I want to be able to go at a good pace safely,” said Riley.

New Zealand Sea Trial After an extensive 18-month global search, well-documented on their YouTube channel, the family flew to New Zealand in 2019 for a sea trial with Paul Koch on the Rapido 60 Romanza , owned by Dougall and Jaz Love. The couple were duly impressed, as Riley recalls: “I know that the Rapido sails unbelievably well, which is the main thrust behind all of our decision making… The only thing I was worried about was the amount of space on board.”

Latest Boat Reviews

Rapido Trimarans

For serious sailors. The Rapido 40 offers the benefits of the Rapido 60 – but only requires a single berth in a marina.

The Rapido 50 Trimaran is the world’s ultimate ocean-cruising folding trimaran. Designed by Morelli & Melvin.

Wide-body version of the Rapido 50 with eXtra Space. The performance of a trimaran with the space of a catamaran.

Rapido 53xs.

The world’s fastest cruising trimaran. Offering cutting-edge performance with a spacious and luxurious interior.

Why a rapido trimaran.

Why would you want to cruise on anything other than a Rapido Trimaran if you want the following:

• A stable boat which doesn’t heel.
• A boat that loves long distances, short sprints and the passage between.
• Discovering places that others cannot venture to when you sneak up alongside a secluded beach or glide over a reef (the draft of the Rapido 60 is just 0.75m with the rudder and daggerboard retracted).
• The Speed when you need! Having the flexibility to power up and sail away from bad weather systems is prudent. Powering up and sailing away while other boats are wallowing is, well, just a lot of fun!
• To sail short-handed with centralized systems, Karver reefing hooks, self tacking furling jib, furling reacher and stay sails.
• Safety . Safety is paramount on the water and the fleet of Rapido Trimarans are designed and built to put you in control for fast, safe, fun sailing (see “SAFE” box further below).

Click here to read more about why you should buy a Rapido Trimaran

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For Sailors. The Rapido 50 Trimaran is the World’s Ultimate Folding Ocean Cruising Trimaran. Designed by Morelli & Melvin, it is built exclusively by Triac Composites.

Make or Manufacturer

Length overall, length at waterline, displacement.

About Rapido 50

When the idea to make the Rapido 50 a folding trimaran was first suggested, our initial reaction was, “ARE YOU CRAZY??”.

But after consulting with Pete Melvin from our designers, Morelli & Melvin, we thought, “Why not!”. After all, our management team has built more folding trimarans than anyone else in the world and if anyone understands the challenges and how to do it right, we do!

The folding mechanism will add a small amount to the initial cost but the ability to park the boat in any marina that accepts monohulls will make it all worthwhile and the payback will be huge!

Rapido 50 Sail Plan Click to download Rapido 50 Sail Plan in pdf format. Advantages of the Rapido 50’s folding system

The Rapido folding system keeps the floats vertical when in the folded position. This prevents growth from occuring on the sides of the floats which does happen on other folding systems. And, unless you are prepared to clean the floats prior to your next sail, it will look visually unappealing. Not so with the Rapido 50 which keeps the side of the floats in pristine condition. Compared with yet other systems, the Rapido model actually adds to the overall strength of the boat by reducing the loads on the beams when sailing and it does not make the boat any longer when folded thus reducing the length of the marina berth or slip required. The Rapido folding system is winch-assisted to take away, what some people say, the back-breaking force required on bigger boats with other systems. The Rapido folding system does add some cost and complexity but, we believe, is easily justified by the massive advantages in practice. And, having been designed by Morrelli & Melvin, it is designed to last. It’s bullet proof.

Why Rapido 50

FAST AND POWERFUL Trimarans are safe, powerful and fast as demonstrated by the fact that they consistently win races and hold the solo speed record for circumnavigating the world.

SAFE Safety at sea is the No. 1 priority and this thinking is reflected throughout the design and construction of the Rapido.

SPACIOUS The Rapido has some truly amazing living spaces which provide more open, private and intimate areas than monohulls or catamarans.

STABLE AND COMFORTABLE Trimarans are comfortable on all points of sail.

FUN The combination of safety, performance and comfort put the Rapido in a league of its own. The enormous trampoline nets add fun and excitement as you watch the blue water rush underneath you – or as you lounge on the nets while gently floating over a reef. You will be instantly hooked.

Follow This Boat

Yachting World

• Digital Edition

First look: Rapido 53XS – 20 knot cruiser

• Toby Hodges
• December 29, 2023

The new Rapido 53XS is an appealing two-cabin boat with a compact saloon that has an all round view, combined with easily achieved 20-knot plus performance

Product Overview

A desire for speed is leading to a revival of larger trimarans. This long awaited Morrelli & Melvin-designed ultra fast cruiser, offered in two distinctly different versions, is from a Vietnam-based yard that also produces 40ft and 60ft trimarans.

The standard Rapido 50, announced in 2020, is a pared down folding trimaran for the ultimate in performance, with the convenience of being able to fit into most standard marina berths – though interior space is limited compared to monohulls of similar length, yet alone catamarans.

Nonetheless the result is an appealing two-cabin boat with a compact saloon that has an all round view, combined with easily achieved 20-knot plus performance. Folding amas reduce overall beam from a massive 10.24m (33ft 6in) to a more manageable 5.8m (19ft 0in).

The new 53XS (extra space) version has more flare above the waterline of the main hull, together with a much more expansive main deck area and wider saloon. This comes at the expense of 800kg of additional weight but there’s space for a third double cabin on the bridgedeck.

This model also has C-foils in the amas, in place of the centreboard in the central hull of the standard model, freeing up more space in the saloon, which includes a large forward navigation and work station. Twin fixed pre-preg carbon rudder blades, one on each ama, extend to the lowest point of the main hull, allowing access to shallow water, while providing excellent control even when fully powered up.

The tall spreader-less carbon mast – air draught is 26.6m (87ft) – and V boom of both boats are made in house, as is the very deep daggerboard for the standard boat and the C-foils for the XS version.

On the downside, the amas of the 53XS can’t be folded to reduce the overall beam for easy marina berthing or storage ashore.

Rapido 53XS specifications

LOA: 16.1m / 53ft Max beam: 10.24m / 33ft 7in Draught: 0.67m-3.52m / 2ft 3in-11ft 6in Displacement: (XS) 9,350kg / 20,613lb Upwind sail area: 190m2 / 2,040ft2 Price: from US$1.75m Builder: rapidotrimarans.com

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Boats for Sale

2020 RAPIDO 50 FOLDING TRIMARAN

Discover the all-carbon, folding, Rapido 50: “Multihull of the Year, 2022.

• Length: 15.24
• Beam: 10.24
• Price: £875000
• Engine: Yanmar 3JH5E
• Power: 38.5
• Fuel: Diesel

New Morrelli and Melvin trimaran promises a speedy offshore adventure

T his month we have three very interesting multihulls to review—two cats and a trimaran. First is the Morrelli and Melvin-designed Rapido 50. You’ve heard me talk about my buddy Doug on the next beach with the Farrier tri. He’s thinking about a new tri with more comfort than his 27-footer and when I saw the Rapido I thought it would be a great fit for him. That way I could go for a sail on the new boat. I’m always looking out for my friends.

The appeal of a trimaran over a catamaran is speed and I think a better safety record in terms of capsize. You certainly don’t buy a tri for the accommodations. This tri has a D/L of 66.03 if I use the “loaded” displacement. This is still very light. If I adjust the overall beam that the specs give me, centerline of ama to centerline of ama, for 

As I said earlier, you won’t be attracted to a tri because of the accommodations. The skinny main hull, even with the splayed out topsides, precludes a spacious layout. The Rapido’s interior is about what you would get in a modern 32-foot monohull, at best. That said, it’s a comfy layout with an aft cabin with double berth and head. The main cabin features a dinette to port with a spacious nav station forward of the dinette. To starboard there is a very long galley. Given that you won’t heel much in this tri, there is no advantage to a U-shaped galley. Forward there is a large head to port and another double berth. The covered cockpit seats are long enough for sleeping but a bit narrow. There is access to the engine space from the swim step. Of course when it comes to deck space the trimaran is almost all deck space if you consider the trampolines part of the deck, which I do. They are perfect for laying about.

This is a high-powered boat. If I use mainsail and solent jib, which I would consider the working jib, I get a SA/D of 39.78. That should make my buddy Doug very happy. He loves to zoom by my shack, inside the mooring balls and tease me. “Next time Bob!” and off he goes. If you think that much sail area is a bit over the top for your nonsailing pals you can hoist the staysail and calm things down a bit. There is nothing on the drawings I have to indicate how the large, square-topped mainsail is sheeted although I think I see a traveler spanning the deck edge aft. The steering position is not in the cockpit, it’s on the raised deck aft and very exposed. I’m not sure how that would work offshore in a blow. You are “on” the boat, not “in” the boat. I would prefer some protection for the helmsman. But if you are running with autopilot I suppose it doesn’t matter.

Construction is in E-glass and carbon fiber. The build goal was to produce a strong, fast, offshore capable and unsinkable trimaran.  I’m going to pass this along to my buddy Doug. You never know.

LOA 49’ 10”; LWL 49’7”; Beam 33’11”; Draft 2’2”-10’10”; Displ. 10,078 lbs.; Sail area 1,711 sq. ft.; SA/D 39.78; D/L 66.03; L/B 1.49; Auxiliary Yanmar 53 hp; Fuel 132 gal.; Water 106 gal.

Our best estimate of the sailaway price  $850,000

The Catamaran Company

2330 Shelter Island Dr., Suite 203

San Diego, CA 92106

www.catamarans.com

619-363-3987

www.morrellimelvin.com

949-500-3440

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