My crazy plan is to build a super-long power cat for commuting to work through a large harbour; it has to be that long in order to allow me to cruise at 12 knots, because all boats that are shorter than that are not allowed to go any faster than 5 knots (that's just the law, and if I went that slow in a small boat, it would take too long to get to work, hence the length).
My worry now: That's one heck of a long, narrow-looking boat. Will that still be stable? For non-metric people, we're talking a catamaran the length of two stretch limos, and the width of only one.
Thanks.
2006-09-05 16:46:31 · 8 answers · asked by Tahini Classic 7 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Boats & Boating
It sounds like an interesting plan. I really think it depends how bad the conditions you're talking about are and how good you are at piloting the thing. Considering it's about the shape of a chopstick, you'll need to put some good reinforcement through it just to make sure it doesn't snap in half. When using it, you'll also have to be careful you go directly into our out of the waves, because if you go sideways to them they may tip your boat over very easily (although of course it would depend on the depth of the keel). Honestly, I'd make it wider if I were you, or at the very least make it a sort of outrigger.
There's also another possibility. Depending on the legal definition of a boat long enough to go 12 knots, you may be able to use a standard boat and make only a very small, thin hull extension sticking off the front and/or the back, that would serve no real purpose (not even flotation) besides making the boat longer.
2006-09-05 16:50:26 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
First, that is one bizarre law! Definately written by politicians and not mariners...
Rather than answer your question, I have to ask a lot of new ones:
How much water will this boat draw and how will it be ballasted? Nearly any design can be forced to float upright, given enough depth and a low enough center of gravity;
What kind of propulsion are we talking about? If this is a sailing vessel, the height of the mast and amount a sail area are going to have a huge impact on stability;
Not that I know much about ship design, but do you gain anything by using a catamaran design? A well ballasted mono-hull may not be much different;
Define "bad condition" - half meter seas? two meter seas? ten knot winds? twenty knot winds? ;
Do you need to have a license or inspection for this boat? This all depends on the nation, state, or territory where you live, and will vary with vessel size, displacement, hull material.
Don't get me wrong - I don't completely want to discourage you. But I can't honestly give you recommendation with out knowing all the particulars. And, please, for your own safety and those around you, if you've never built a boat or ship before, consult with someone who has. There are just so many variables in ship stability and design that only someone with more experience than myself, who has seen you plans could truly comment on them properly.
2006-09-06 01:37:03 · answer #2 · answered by ichthysapiens 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Forget about commuting in a boat and take the bus. How far will you go? In what harbor? A long narrow planning hull is not necessary to go 12 kt. A cheap Glaston runabout will do. Save your money on the hull and buy a reliable low fuel use engine.
2006-09-06 18:03:51 · answer #3 · answered by Richard B 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's a very narrow catamaran - I'd do a lot more research on that, personally, I'd think a regular hulled boat might be better - you're talking about a lot of forces twisting those pontoons - I'd think a single hulled boat would be stronger. Think along the lines of a cargo canoe.
2006-09-06 01:26:21 · answer #4 · answered by Dan K 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I get 12.8 meters on the 3 sides required to fence your yard if you're measuring straight from your house. I'll have to assume there is a need to finish off the ends at your house and you need to measure how far you need to come in on either end. I will suggest though that you should take someone shopping with you if you have a hard time with math. Best of luck to you.
2016-03-26 23:50:17 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The boat would (heel) and flip over without adding (2 meters to width between sponsons.) Remember (Archimedes Principle) and center of gravity.
2006-09-06 03:36:41 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Can you say posidon? How well do you swim?
you would need to double your with at the beam at the least
guess i could have just said no
2006-09-05 22:59:00 · answer #7 · answered by chazzn101 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dont see why not
2006-09-06 04:10:02 · answer #8 · answered by bkbat17 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋