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The
most important issue in the whole design, build, test process.
Special attention in this area is required for offshore catamarans,
as they are unballasted craft and rely on quite differing parameters
than other types of hullform to ensure safety, comfort and peace of
mind to the coastal or ocean sailer.
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The
level of safety inherent to specific catamaran design is directly
related to the architect, and those with personal extensive coastal
and offshore experience are obviously going to draw a safer boat.
The process begins at the drawing board/study print stage and carrys
on right through construction and seatrial time. |
| Important issues are: |
| Hullform with good resistance
to fore and aft pitching, |
| Overall structural strength and rigidity
with minimal diagonal twist and panel flexing, |
Generous bridgedeck to
sea clearances without protruding appendages such as external
stiffening stakes, berth bulges, footwell pods etc.
A high, smooth bridgedeck surface offers least drag and a quieter
interior, |
| Generous forward trampoline area, using open
net (not taped forms) to allow easy passing of wind and water, |
| Light, strong mast and
rigging with no running stays, |
| Cockpits with no dangerous sharp appendages
and efficient draining back to the sea, |
| Good motoring power (2)
instantly available, preferably diesel with long range ability, |
| Sails that can be hoisted, reefed and generally
controlled from the safety of the cockpit, |
| Efficient pulpits, lifelines,
sternrails etc, |
| Dry, comfortable interior with galley shower/toilet
areas useable in heavy weather. |
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The best avenue for prospective
persons to check and receive authenticity on safety records of the
designers work is to contact present owners of his catamarans that
have offshore experience and discuss directly with them.
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Contact information is
available on request. |
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