The K3X will be the successor to the K3, which is particularly popular among single-handed sailors, as the boat was specially designed for this purpose and is often sailed in a sporty manner, even at regattas. Like the K4X, the new 3 has undergone the most striking modernisation in terms of hull shape: The bow tips of the 16-foot hull are now negatively designed as wave piercers and, in combination with chines and a U- instead of a V-frame, are intended to provide more volume over the water. This means that the new models go through the waves better and have less tendency to plug. When YACHT tested the K4X, this proved to be a successful solution.
"While retaining the familiar and popular simplicity of our centreless boats, we want to create a new performance class that offers the advanced single-handed sailor a real alternative at a very attractive price-performance ratio," explains Topcat Managing Director Pablo Walden. For the first time, there will be no basic "Classic" version. The slimmed-down "Streamcut" model with mainsail and headsail as well as optional furling gennaker, which costs 12,000 euros, was created for sailing schools and boat hire companies as well as leisure sailors who also want to set off in pairs.
The rig is now a higher, narrower design with the sail area pulled down to the trampoline at the front. There is no longer a jib, but the gennaker is slightly larger than before. The beams have been moved slightly aft to optimise the centre of gravity for fast sailing.
The top version of the K3X costs 14,900 euros. The catamaran will be on display for the first time at Boot in Düsseldorf, where interested parties can find it in Hall 15, stand number G 58.
Specifications
Length: 4.92 m (16 feet)
Width: 2.44 m
Mast length: 8.20 m
Mainsail: 15.3 m²
Gennaker 17.7 m²
Total weight: 130 kg (ready to sail)
Crew size: 1 (1 to 2 for Streamcut)
