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The Hobie Trifoiler is a hydrofoil trimaran sailboat that originated from a project initiated in 1981 with the goal of breaking the world speed record for sailboats. Developed by Greg Ketterman and Dan Ketterman, the design evolved from prototypes including the Longshot, which set a Class A world speed record of 43.55 knots (approximately 50.12 mph) on a 500-meter course in Tarifa, Spain, in 1992. This record remains unbroken as of 2025. The Trifoiler was originally produced as the Ketterman Trifoiler by TriFoiler Inc. starting in 1992, and later manufactured by Hobie Cat between 1994 and 1999. A total of 180 units were built during this period.
It features a trimaran hull with two outriggers (amas), a long main hull, and a unique biplane rig with twin windsurfer-like sails mounted on the outer hulls. Its key innovation lies in its hydrofoil system, which lifts the hulls out of the water, drastically reducing drag and enabling speeds exceeding 35 mph (56 km/h) in moderate winds. The boat requires approximately 12 knots of wind to achieve foiling, and it can sail at twice the wind speed. The foils are fully retractable for beaching, and a patented sensor system on the front of each ama adjusts the foil height to maintain optimal lift, even in varying sea conditions.
Hull #103 is sail-ready with nearly new sails, customized seats and includes a galvanized custom trailer. Walk-around dry-dock video available upon request.
Hobie's promotional video for this boat is included above.
