The expandable house nature of the lightweight Crusoe 18ft Trimaran, with its multiple sealed stowage hatches and huge deck area is impressive. The whole picture is even more so. The modular design allows the Crusoe to be adapted to specifically suit any particular purpose, and the ingenious use of three motive forces sail-diesel-electric, make this modern interpretation of an ancient design the four-wheel-drive of adventure watercraft. It’s aptly named except for one thing – if Robinson Crusoe had one of these, he’d never have been stuck anywhere in the first place.
Joubert’s design borrows heavily from dozens of traditional craft. “When one considers the number of coastal and inland waterway cultures that have existed across the globe over the millennia, one common denominator has emerged,” says Joubert. “The presence of small mono-hull or outrigger sailing craft.
“These hard working vessels were, and still are, in use across the globe: from the Eskimos and North American Indians; to the Hawaiians and Indonesians; to the tribes of East Africa and more. These communities rely heavily on the most practical modes of transport for hunting, fishing and exploration in- and off-shore.”
The adaptable design comes to the fore when you see the number of sailing platforms into which the Crusoe readily adapts. The massive stowage capacity caters for carrying just about everything you might need.
Quite spacious living quarters are provided courtesy of a seam-sealed deck tent which Guy says is “hardy enough to take a battering on any outdoor adventure.” It can be quickly hoisted from either the mast or a vertical tent pole, has a built-in ground sheet, waterproof zippers and two options for mosquito and no-seeum netting. Alternatively a 3.5m2 waterproof and seam sealed Bedouin-style stretch tent can be hoisted above the main tent (or used independently) for additional shelter from sun, wind or rain.
The adaptable design comes to the fore when you see the number of sailing platforms into which the Crusoe readily adapts. The massive stowage capacity caters for carrying just about everything you might need.
The Crusoe’s shape is accordingly very efficient in a host of different ways. The combination of fine bow entry, wide beam and flat hull profile means that the boat will travel with little or no wake when under sail or power – a very good indication of the Prefabricated Houses’s fuel efficiency when under 4-stroke petrol, diesel or electric power.
