DEAN...
OK, early technology... but likely still the best technology available for self-leveling the foils. Greg has tried a lot of different things.
You are certainly wrong about the forward sensor system not working in chop. Yes, it does… and well. I can only assume that you have never actually seen a TriFoiler. We quote the same chop limitations as pretty much all of them. 2-3 foot close chop is the limitation of the foil height as the wave peaks slap the bottom of the hull and slow it down. Swells are no problem; so open ocean sailing is practical as expressed in my earlier post.
The sensor forward design is COMPLETELY automatic self-leveling. Yes the forward sensor takes a beating (you can see it in the videos), but it is "forward thinking" rather than reacting to what has already passed the foil area. That makes allot more sense… and as said before, it is patented. That is the primary reason it is not used on other boats.
I would imagine that you actually have never been on one and possibly never actually seen one sailing? Otherwise, you would appreciate that it is SMOKIN’ fast and very fun to sail, easy to handle and rock solid on the foils. There is no up and down porpoise action, no healing. It is on the foils through jibes and nearly through tacks. A novice can sail it, it is that simple and easy to control on the foils... just steer.
I think I understand your motives, but please try and stick to facts and try not to slander other systems as a way of justifying or supporting your favorite one.
As far as some perceived lack of promotion, the TriFoiler has gotten tons of press and National TV exposure over the years. You can see many of the print articles on the TriFoiler history page on our site. These things are not like refrigerators… not everyone needs one. There are many limitations, so they continue to be of interest only to a select group of people.
By the way, Greg would love to try a Rave sometime. I am sure he is up for a boat swap for some fun comparison sailing. He can meet with an interested Rave (or other foiler) sailor, with boat, in the Long Beach, California area.
