Need help building a "monster" - any takers?

Question

I am currently constructing a surfboard-based catamaran with small, rigid sails. The idea is to build a windpowered water vehicle anybody can handle, and which won't capsize, and lets you commute through New Zealand harbours provided you're wearing a wetsuit.

I've put an image of it in my 360-blog and would be really happy if someone who understands the subject could take a look and tell me whether this will work.

Thank you for your help.

Answer 1

Since you didn't get any help so far, I dare to utter at least some thoughts you should think about:

Middle section: looks very massive; might work on a lake without waves, but at sea, hmmm, probably causes problems - THE advantage of a cat is only to have two slender hulls. There shouldn't be an obstacle to waves so close to the surface (danger of capsizing), must be something permeable to water

Sails: they look difficult to handle if you don't have the wind astern; probably useless trying to go close to the wind unless you use a computer for autofeathering: the first sail has an effect on the wind which you have to take into account for effective feathering ofthe the other sal(s).

Rig: maybe a bit heavy in the top?

Rudder: why not two rudders, one at the end of each keel? That way you could reduce your cat's draft.

Answer 2

The basic concept looks sound. There are some issues that will likely cause you problems.
1. Small sail area. You have six sails, but they do not add up to much area. The idea of using rigid sails is interesting and should work. Of course you would have to make sure that the 'airfoil' shape didn't get turned the wrong way, which appears to be a possibility with the way it is illustrated. A more traditional 'cat rig' (one triangular sail with a mast forward) would give better speed while keeping the basic surfboard/catamaran concept. The size of sails is always a balancing act between power and stability.
2. You REALLY need some sort of keel. Going "close to the wind" would cause a lot of side-slip. A simple large 'skeg' on each board would help a lot. You could also make a full length keel and keep the shallow draft, though this would slow your turning down.

Good luck. It looks both practical and fun.

Answer 3

Well I havent seen the picture. But I have built alot of sailboats and surfboards.boats racecars,amusementpark rides ect. So if you ever get a market for them I would be glad to help you build them. I know I am a girl but , I have been told I am the best fiberglass builder in the U.S. I have done really lightweight parts for alot of famous people and companies.
Makesure you keep your part lightweight and use strong material like Kevlar or Nytex . and use lightweigt resin like AME 2000 If you need any pointers as to do with the building of the part you can E me at "[e-mail]" or if you need me for any help in boatbuilding E me . I live in Bradenton FL. goodluck

Answer 4

As soon as you stated "if your wearing a wet suit" it didn't sound as interesting anymore so, I bowed out.