RC Foiling Trimarans for Sale: Kits, Conversions and How They Fly
An RC foiling trimaran is a three-hulled radio sailboat fitted with hydrofoils that lift the hulls out of the water once it’s fast enough, cutting drag and sending it flying over the surface. The market is small and specialist. RC Foil Sailing sells DragonFoiler kits that convert popular DF65 and DF95 monohulls into foiling trimarans (about $599 and $916 for the kits, with ready-to-sail options), and Mini40-class trimarans such as the 1.2 m FireDragon can be built with foils. Expect to pay more than for a standard RC sailboat.
By Kyle HilsonUpdated: October 20263 min read
What’s available
| Option | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| DragonFoiler DF65 kit | Conversion kit | About $599; turns a DF65 into a foiling trimaran |
| DragonFoiler DF95 kit | Conversion kit | About $916; ready-to-sail versions sold |
| Mini40 trimarans (e.g. FireDragon) | Kit, 1.2 m hull | Fast multihull class; foils optional |
| Non-foiling trimaran kits (e.g. T50) | Kit | About $990; fast but stays on its hulls |
Prices from maker listings, checked October 2026, before shipping and taxes.
How foiling works
Hydrofoils are underwater wings. As the boat speeds up, they generate lift, raising the hulls clear of the water so only the foils and rudder touch it. Drag drops sharply and the boat accelerates further. The trick is keeping the boat at a steady flying height: too low and it drags, too high and the foils break the surface, lose lift and crash down. Some designs control height mechanically with a wand that senses the water surface, much like full-size foiling boats.
What they’re like to sail
Foiling trimarans need wind to get up on the foils, so light days mean sailing like a normal (if quick) trimaran. In a good breeze they lift and become very fast, with spectacular take-offs and occasional dramatic nose-dives. They’re more demanding than monohulls: trim, foil settings and steering all affect how stable the flight is. Most owners come to foiling with sailing experience on standard boats like the IOM; see IOM RC sailboats.
Buying tips
- Decide between a conversion kit (if you own a DF65/DF95) and a complete boat.
- Check what’s included: foils, beams, floats, rigging, electronics.
- Ask about spare foils; they’re the part most likely to break.
- Plan transport: trimarans are wide, though beams often come off.
- Look for build videos and owner groups for support.
Setup tips
- Assemble on a flat surface and check foils are aligned.
- Set the foil angles and rudder foil as the instructions describe.
- Start in moderate, steady wind on open water.
- Adjust the sail trim before changing foil settings.
- Make one change at a time and note the effect.
Where to sail
Foilers need open water with clean wind and enough depth for the foils, away from weeds and swimmers. Large lakes or club waters suit them best; small sheltered ponds rarely have enough steady wind. Larger sailing boats in general are covered in large RC sailboats.
Care
Rinse after salt water, check foils for nicks and cracks, and store them protected. Small damage on a foil’s leading edge affects lift noticeably, so sand and seal any chips.
Racing and classes
Foiling RC sailboats are still a niche, and racing classes for them are few. Most owners sail for the thrill rather than in organised fleets, though some clubs host multihull and foiling demonstration days.
FAQ
Can I buy a ready-made RC foiling trimaran?
A few ready-to-sail versions exist; conversion kits are more common.
How much does one cost?
Kits from about $600; complete boats more.
Do they foil in light wind?
No, they need a steady breeze.
Are they hard to sail?
Harder than monohulls; experience helps.
More on this topic: the complete RC Boats guide covers the basics behind this article.
About 20 years in RC. Mostly boats in the NAVIGA Mini Eco Expert class, with many self-made parts; also a King Motor Baja 5B, a home-built electric plane, home-built nitro planes he has flown, and an RC helicopter. More about SwellRC
