Converter 21

Brand:: Converter

Designed by:: Converter Yachts

Yard(s):: Converter Yachts

Description:

The Converter 21 consists of the main trimaran hull and a sliding beam system (which includes the nets). These components are to be used in conjunction with the hulls and rig of a 16 foot to 21 foot catamaran (which the owner purchases separately) to create a folding trimaran. This is a very cost effective way to own a trailerable trimaran.

Assembly: the cat hulls are unbolted from their cross beams and re-bolted onto the Converter's lateral beam. The stays from the cat are lengthened slightly using short lengths of spectra or other low-stretch rope. This is all very simple. Any beach catamaran can be used.

The Converter 21 has been designed as a very family-friendly boat with a large, rope-free cockpit. There is a covered 'cuddy' cabin, which can be further enlarged by enclosing the entire cockpit with a custom tent which rests on aluminium poles, the boom, and the targa bar. This big space allows daysailing, weekend trips or extended coastal cruising.

Type:: Cruiser

Multihull type:: Trimaran

Construction:

Hull: Solid fibreglass/polyester resin, made from female moulds.

Cabin and deck: Foam cored fibreglass/polyester.

Beams: 6061 T6 marine/structural grade aluminium

Sails and rigging:

Sails and rig from the beach cat are used.
For better performance a larger 7/8ths rigged jib can be added.
Rig and sails can be customised according to the owner's budget.
A furling screecher and a spinnaker can be added.

Deck layout and gear:

Mainsheet attaches to the targa bar, keeping it out of the cockpit.
Jib sheets are attached to adjustable blocks on the cabin roof.

Deck layout images:

Keels, boards and rudders:

Pivoting rudder and centreboard NACA foil profiles.
Control lines for the centreboard pass up through the compression post and exit onto the cabin top, keeping them out of the cockpit.

Accommodation:

2 adult berths in the cabin and (using supplied foam core infills) up to 4 adults can comfortably sleep in the cockpit.
The boom lowers onto the targa bar and together with 2 supplied aluminium poles creates a frame for the boom tent, which turns the whole boat into one huge cabin.
Custom made folding biminis are also used.

Accommodation images:

Systems - Power, Navigation:

Transom mounted outboard engines from 4hp to 30 hp (2 stroke).
The Converter 21 is designed to motor at high speed.

Performance and handling:

Designed to be launched, rigged and sailed single-handed.

The boat is fast and very responsive. Due to the lift forward and the flare of the hull this boat is very dry. It planes readily and the fine entry slices effortlessly through the chop, while the large flat planing surface aft effectively damps out pitching.

Performance under sail depends upon the catamaran hulls and rig used. Large high buoyancy hulls and big rig will create a very fast boat but even with standard 16 foot hulls and rig the Converter 21 sails very well.

With a 30hp 2 stroke outboard the Converter 21 will achieve approx. 20 knots while a 4hp will push it along at 6 to 7 knots.