For any boatscum in the PNW. The twice annual Fisheries Supply Swap meet/Yard sale is going on tomorrow morning. Often some great bargains there and sometimes very odd stuff.
50 Power Tri
This was a low budget study of expanding the 35′ model and making it capable of 50 knots. It was to have the same look and feel as the 35, but as a planing model. I have not yet done the Savitski study on power/speed.
Navy Power Trimaran
Around 1990, some officers from Navsea, the navy’s research and acquisitions branch, visited my office to discuss a new power trimaran design. I showed them my Lightspeed 150 power tri design. It pretty much looked like this picture, with a different cabin. They were impressed with the possible efficiency. And I learned that a tri can mask the boat’s thermal signature from Exocets. They suggested that I go with them to a topless bar and discuss the project. I had a very feminist office manager at that time. She let them know what she thought of that. I never heard from them again. Until friend Chris forwarded this to me. http://www.popularmechanics.com/military/navy-ships/a20197/darpas-autonomous-sub-hunting-ship-takes-to-the-sea/
Indonesian Plywood
Did I just step in it? I have been using this plywood both on boat projects and the lunar lander dwelling. Seal Brand.
The ferries for Uganda were also made from this brand as I was told. I looked it up and it turns out they might be one of the major bad actors in the Indonesian forest devastation. Does anyone know more about this brand?
27 Shore Shuttle Catamaran
This little unit is designed to take 16 passengers off of the beach and out a few hundred yards to the sailing cat waiting beyond the reef. The USCG is making us work for it like it was an exposed waters expedition cat. Try it out at https://www.holoholokauaiboattours.com/
More R2AK in Seattle
This Melvin and Morelli tri was hauled out recently in Seattle. It is intended for the R2AK race this summer.
I understand that it is all carbon fiber, which can make it light. And the amas look full length, which is good.
Now, I am assuming that the first 3/4 of the race after Victoria will basically be like sailing in the San Juans in the summer. Light, shifty air. Short tacking, and again, and again. Through kelp beds. Crew on the leeward side to drape some shape into the jib and pull the wider main hull out of the water.
If I may, those amas look to me like they were designed for tradewind conditions, not 4 knots true. They look like they were designed by someone who had never sailed in the San Juans in the summer. The fat waterplane down low is draggy in light wind. And why don’t the amas join at the inboard side, instead of the middle. That would save weight and make the beam and the join stiffer.
I would offer them some improved amas that would increase light weather speed compared to these. They could slide right on, and even improve the BOA. I won’t hold my breath. With the MM plans costing 10 times what mine do, they surely have Stockholm syndrome and will ignore the physics.
GRP Guru
I want to remind people that my friend and collaborator, Andre, has DVDs and training available on infusion and molding of parts. It looks like we might do the power tri finally. http://www.grpguru.com/
37/40 Catamaran Being Built at Betts Boatyard
One of my taller customers, Joel, is having this stretched KHSD 37 built at the Betts Boatyard in Anacortes. It will have an unstayed Aeroesque rig also.
The 3D model is thanks to the Betts shop. They modeled the house to more resemble the new KHSD 45 that is not yet released. I’m sure there will be many more progress pictures. Foam/glass.
Fujin Back Sailing
After dropping its mast, I see that they got that fixed and Fujin sails very well. For a design fee of over $100,000 it better sail well. And, I’m sorry but it still looks like a pickers shack sitting there on the bridgedeck.
Gorilla Glass
Gorilla glass is the amazingly strong and durable glass that makes iphones and droids possible. Ford is starting to use it on cars. 30% lighter than regular glass and more durable. Maybe some shapes will fit on catamarans in the near future.
