2022 Texas 200 in a Slingshot 16 Trimaran. Epic Brother Sister trip!

2022 Texas 200 with my sister in a Slingshot 16 Tandem Trimaran designed by Frank Smoot. Plans available on Duckworks.

[@rudlphvrbanic2297]

So glad you shared this. Old guy here. Pretty sure a "Slingshot project is in my very near future.

[@willrobertson14]

You won’t be disappointed with this boat. The designer Frank Smoot did a wonderful job with the plans. Very detailed with lots of pictures.

[@rudlphvrbanic2297]

Will, Your email has very enhanced my ongoing enthusiasm. Retired industrial tech teacher here with plenty of tooling and knowledge. Also inland day sailor. So many thanks for your personal reply. ....Rudy

[@bcsredrider]

Excellent - looks like a fun adventure!!!

[@willrobertson14]

Are you going to make the 200 this year?

[@user-th3ll8rl7i]

Triramarans are obviously the best type of sailboat. They'te stable, very fast, and close winded. The only drawback, they're not "salty." That is they don't have a historical resonance like lets say, schooners, or dories, or even sharpies. That said at least they're sailboats and not ICE engines.

[@willrobertson14]

You’re correct they’re not salty. I’m thinking the next project could be a more traditional boat. Maybe a catboat.

[@michaelbeebe1616]

Nice ride, glad I met you.

[@willrobertson14]

Thanks. It was a pleasure meeting you also.

[@kevbjork1]

Looks like you had a great trip!

[@willrobertson14]

Yes it was awesome! Can’t wait until next year.

[@NoahJohnson7452]

Nice boat. Do you think it Would it work for the ultimate Florida challenge?

[@willrobertson14]

I’m sure it would. The designer lives in Florida on the gulf side.

[@wisenber]

Nice ride! I built my Slingshot 19 with foot and tiller steering. I do like those wing seats. I've been debating on how to add something similar. With so little heeling, I've also been thinking about ditching one of the leeboards and going with a single one as an offset centerboard.

[@willrobertson14]

Thanks. Those wing seats are nice. They are the desired place to be. Haven’t done it yet but you can put a tent on the boat. Cut an opening in the bottom of the tent. Sleep one person on each side and be able to stand in the middle.

[@wisenber]

@@willrobertson14 I saw one of Jim Brown's Seaclippers set up that way. I made the same folding system as a Seaclipper, buy I'm thinking about swapping to the aluminum tubing like the plans have. I think the tube system weighs about 30 lbs less. How did you attach your planks? The spacing between the Slingshot 19 akas is right at 96 inches, so an 8 ft board won't do.

[@donaldpaterson5827]

I see from the comments that there is a slingshot 19 also, are there any more in the range?

[@willrobertson14]

The designer only sells plans for a 16 and 19 foot boat that I know of. He has designed many other boats if you search Frank Smoot on the Duckworks Facebook page you’ll find several of his creations.

[@jorgedude6423]

Nice looking boat Will! That looks like a blast! I have the itch to take on the Texas 200 next year and the Slingshot 16 is in my top three choices for a plans-build boat. There would be something sooo satisfying about taking on that challenge in a boat that I built. I've built the wood kayaks I've owned and sailed several sailboats, but have not put one together yet. I saw one of your posts earlier this year about maybe planning a sail on Boerne Lake, do you live near San Antonio? Any chance of taking a peek at your Slingshot sometime? Would be great to see one up close before chosing to build! Thanks, George from SA

[@willrobertson14]

Are next outing is the CENTEX wooden boat gathering at Inks Lake on October 8th. We will be across the cove from the boat ramp. You should come check it out. Then will be at the Port Aransas wooden boat festival October 22-23 if you want to build a boat these would be great places to meet other builders and look at lots of boats. Or give me a shout on the Texas 200 Facebook page. I’m in the Kerrville are you can come look at the boat.

[@jorgedude6423]

@@willrobertson14 Awesome! I'll try to make the Inks Lake event. Was planning on making the Port A event for sure. Thanks Will!

[@chadbbach]

Very cool! If I ever get around to building a boat it will most likely be a Slingshot similar to yours with hand steering and wing seats. Was it relatively comfortable and dry for the two of you during the trip?

[@willrobertson14]

It wasn’t bad at all. It’s a pretty dry boat. Even in the bays. The seats block a lot of spray also. Thanks!

[@donaldpaterson5827]

How does the Slingshot 16 compare with the Windrider 17?

[@willrobertson14]

They are very similar in size. I do believe the windrider has more weight capacity but also has a fixed keel. The slingshot with its kick up leeboard and rudder can get through very shallow water. I suppose the top speed is comparable.

[@ibiubu99]

So…. Your sail furls around your mast ? Hobie style?

[@willrobertson14]

Originally that was the plan but I gave up on it. I wound up adding reef points and going conventional. Next project will be switching to a sloop rig similar to the Windrider 17 hoping to improve the light wind performance.