I am learning more about the new USCG passenger weight and how it affects your stability letters. The changes are on:
170.170 metacentric height 

170.173 righting moment
171.57 intact stability
170.050 passengers heel
Boats with more than 49 passengers will also need their damage stability studies updated.

The added passenger weight does make most single hull vessels less stable.
It does however makes a catamaran more stable. Typically when I submit the stability calculations to MSC, I do the worst case; lightship. Lightship has no passengers included. The extra passenger weight makes the catamaran more stable. MSC understands that but advises that local offices may not.
So I have to run all the spreadsheets for both lightship and fully loaded with 185 lb passengers. And the attendant graphics illustrating what I’m doing. It looks like I can do the lot for 2 hours per vessel. I’m not sure yet how much time revising damage stability will take. I do need a copy of your stability letter and stamped sail plan (unless I already have them. I do have most.)
Due date is December 2011, but don’t wait until its too late.

I did get a chance to do an update to the Cylinder Mold Construction Manual.  Its about 99% there, needing just a few more links and a few more graphics.  I’m going to figure out how to make it available in both hard copy and PDF.  Maybe put it on Amazon.

I took a picture of one of my charter cats in Cabo. Frank Rowden has been running this 46′ day cat for some 15 years. Thats a crowded harbor when the liners come in. http://www.cabosports.com/sailing/index.shtml

46 cat in a crowded harbor

Just back and catching up on everything. I’m making my way through 248 emails, after I weeded out the spam.

I had not yet seen the updated website for the 65′ , 100 passenger Alii Nui. This KHSD charter cat was built in foam/glass by Schooner Creek.
See http://www.aliinuimaui.com/maui-sailing.htm

One of the perks of the job is getting a visit from sailors of KHSD boats who rave about the boat. Brian Bell and crew stopped by today. Based in New Zealand, their cruising ground is the South Pacific.  Somebody has to do it. Beautiful boat.

I will be out of the office Feb. 19 through 26. I might not even have email.

The 50m oceanography catamaran design keeps going on. It has become a black hole for time. I think I can pull off of it for a while now. It does look pretty cool.