Trika 540 by Klaus Metz

Klaus Metz, a yacht designer based in Munich, Germany, designed this light, fast, demountable trimaran.  Our friend Dudley Dix handles some of Metz's designs on this side of the Atlantic and suggested that CLC cut kits for the Trika 540.  We're glad to do so.

The Trika 540 kit includes all of the boat's plywood parts, which have been cut on our CNC machine from BS1088 okoume marine plywood, and shipped "tabbed" into 4x8 sheets. Epoxy, fiberglass, and solid timber is available separately.  The instructions will walk you through acquiring and assembling the mast, rigging, and sails.  We will email you a shipping quote before we process your order.

You will need to purchase the plans and instructions in addition to the kit.  If you live outside the United States, order the plans directly from Klaus Metz here. Those living in the United States should order from Dudley Dix, here.

Klaus will be handling all assembly questions you might have. You can reach him by clicking here or email info@metzboats.de

Klaus writes:

The TRIKA 540 is a versatile, super-fun boat for one or two. It was designed from the ground up for efficiency, speed, and easy handling. It is not a retrofitted kayak but specifically created for excellent performance both under sail and while paddling.

In its basic form it is a stable and very fast two-person kayak, small enough to be paddled by one person, yet big enough to take two on a camping trip.

Attach the aka crossbeams, the retractable amas, step the sailing rig, and your boat is ready sail. Powered by a full-battened main and a roller furling jib, the sailing performance is amazing.

When the wind begins to blow, just mount the additional hiking-seat-crossbeam, fit the two seats into the crossbeam, connect the hand tiller to the rudder and off you will go! All of that can be done while you are on the water in just a couple of minutes with no tools required.

The amas can be easily folded parallel against the hull to simplify negotiating tight spots or docking.

To make car-topping or storage much easier, both amas can be stored in the main hull.

 Features:

- The main hull alone can be used as a fast and stable kayak for one or two

- Assembled within 25 minutes to a sailing trimaran, no tools needed

- The waterline length is the same as the total hull length

- Main hull bow has a narrow V-shape

- The amas (floats) can have optional wave piercing bows

- The amas are canted 5° inboard for correct orientation when the boat is heeled

- It is easy to retract or remove the amas

- Amas can be stowed in main hull for easier transport or storage

- Truly car-toppable, no trailer needed

- Unstayed, two-piece aluminum or carbon-fiber mast

- Efficient full-battened main sail with one or two reef points

- Roller furling jib

- Excellent foot-steering with retractable foil rudder

- NACA-foil daggerboard for best performance on a close reach

- Optional hiking-seat and hand tiller easily assembled for sporty sailing

- Well-thought-out deck layout for single-handed sailing 

- Ingress and egress are facilitated by the large, open cockpit

- The coaming is a neat and effective way to deflect water. It can also be used with optional dodger or spray-skirt

- More than 180 liters of storage room forward and behind cockpit opening

- The stitch-and-glue design makes this an easy boat to build