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130727_hull_optimization

I'm doing some changes to the hull design, along with it I'm changing the way it's designed as well. In order to have better control and cleaner parametric design, I'm programming the whole hull, and possibly the whole platform, in Python, under Rhino. Generating the hull with Grasshopper components is pretty sketchy, useful, but there are better ways. Python programming is very handy and easy, furthermore, the whole program can reside in a Grasshopper component to get instant feedback and to have an easy interface for the input parameters. It is one level higher, computational design. Nerd talk aside, I decided to move the rigid deck between the mainbeam and rear stay beam, for better weight distribution, improved central dagger support, sheet routing and safety. Also, halfhearted, I decided to flare the hulls a bit to the inside, to get a decent almost double bunk in the rear berth (Skipper's berth). The implications of the latter are aesthetic mostly, so I'll try to hide the ugliness as best as possible. I will possible have this boat for 10-40 years, having a nice cuddly bunk there will be good, also chartering possibilities will be better. Aside from the flaring, the hulls will be further simplified, eliminating the lowered rear decks, less taping to do, less cutting etc, saving build time. Pics coming soon, once the new hulls are semi-finalized.

130616_Status

Adding more parametric detailing to the platform. Interior structure to follow. It is really nice to visualize the sails CoE in real time while trimming the sails. Helps understanding better where to place the Central dagger. Looks like it is going to be relatively far forwards.

ProjectStatus

Last weeks I've been working hard trying to develop a complete parametric model of the platform, well at least as complete as possible. This enables the exploration of minute changes of design in an instant, the entire model updates and there is no need to trim, loft, etc etc etc again and again.
Notable design changes - a solid rear deck. lightweight enough, but adding a lot more comfort to the platform, the entire rear deck can be enclosed by a convertible canopy. The rear deck adds a lot of functionality for little weight. More to come.

Tuning..tuning...tuning

Still tuning the hulls, the parametric model is such a nice thing to play with, instant feedback on the changes. It's amazing how much volume I was able to squeeze in the bows without having it look like a truck.

WIP on the new hulls

Added forward buoyancy, slightly less draft. New decks allow popping up a convertible accommodation as a double bed, this was missing from the design and I learned that having a double bed on a boat is really worth it. Decks even allow popping up a standard double tent.

Parametric modeling

I have developed a parametric model of the hull in Grasshopper, this allows me to do changes to the hull on the fly, saving significant modelling time. The hull will undergo some significant changes, but the basic concept remains. I decided the hull is just too fast, will add a bit of fat to it to lower the LWL/BWL ratio. Maybe a tiny bit of extra rocker just for some extra displacement, nice to be able to shove more stuff on the boat. Changes to the inside and partitioning - going even more spartan, aside from BH's, and bunk floor there will not be much inside, this reduces build time significantly. The deck layout will be revised to allow a double bunk to be used in each hull, in a smart fashion hopefully. Simplify , simplify, simplify...
Aside from the parametric model, I'm considering running some Michlet/Godzilla optimization, although i believe the hull lines are very fast still, nice thing about Michlet is that it can tell you the optimal hull separation for a given set of constraints.

Clean Up

I have been looking at the design for some time and most probably I'll ditch the center pod and single dagger setup. It just adds a lot of build time, complexity, weight, without much benefit except stiffening up the platform, but I can do that with a very simple spar running from the main beam to the rear beam. My main dissatisfaction with the single foil is that it needs to go deeper than twin foils. I will most probably go with Dutch style centerboards, hung outside the freeboard, as I still want them to kick up. Redundancy is also nice. Since the pod is out, I can focus on the hulls more and optimize interior space. Once the boat is built, I can add a fancy center pod at any time if I really want it, until then, it just delays the boat from hitting the water.

Design Considerations

I am getting closer and closer to start building, I have a small shop now which is not big enough for the hulls but I can start the rest of the platform, beams, BH's, foils, spars, hardware. Before getting my hands dirty I have to revise the platform design, there are few things I can't decide on yet: surface piercing rudders, dual vs single rudder, center pod design, hull partitioning. I will rework the design a bit and then continue with lamination schedule details.

Also...life is so unfair sometimes...

And BTW

The project is still alive. I am currently looking to rent a place where I can start building. I also have to find a way to move 400kg of foam and balsa core 1500km away. I have 4 axis running on my CNC machine, almost ready to cut stations. I'm also stocking up on UD, bi, triaxials and quads.

SplashTop

Added convertible splashtop, will probably go through many design iterations, but the basic ideea is pretty simple.

CleanUp

Cleaned up the design a bit. Too much stuff on the platform.

Bug Eyed

I'm currently working on an alternative deck pod. The new pod is modular thus easier to carry and assemble, it provides 2 bunks and storage space, it allows for a much better sheltered cockpit, it is 25% heavier than the previous setup, adding about 20kg to the old pod weight. It is not as pretty as the old one, but alot more functional.

Floor It

I decided to give the central cockpit a hard floor instead of mesh. It will be subjected to wave slap but it's going to be very usefull for collecting water AND taking a relaxing bath in shark infested waters, the chill spot. The cockpit also has a new mesh seat for the skipper, easier on the sit bones, with stowage space under it, secured by mesh pockets. The mesh seat, mesh pockets are removable. The cockpit provides sheltered cooking space and a removable sink to make cooking/cleaning easier.

Mast Raising and Lowering

New tricks : besides the obvious use, the wings are meant to assist ??? with mast lowering and raising, tent structure for the cockpits and safety rails. It would be great if most of the stuff on the boat would have multiple uses. As a crazy ideea - why not use the rudders as oars for the dinghy ?

Rescue

Interesting cat rescue to watch:

http://www.luvmyboat.com/blog/view/id_52/title_yacht-salvage-of-capsized-catamaran/

Where

Where am I going to set up the bow anchor ???

BoxingUp

Simplified rearbeam attachement to hulls. Simplified rear beam, box section, easier to fit, easier to assemble, easier to build, easier to engineer. Stiffer connection to hulls ? Doubtfull, but seems like a good compromise for the moment. Rear beam sits 94cm over the designed waterline. I like the new cockpits, easy access into the hulls and easy to install convertible soft tops to get some shade and protection from weather. Also the flat decks seem to be better for installing solar panels ?!? or other attachments, like a possible removable extra bunk shuttle or long voyage storage shuttle, dinghy or whatever. I might take advantage of the flat decks and convert the mid beam to a box section too, no doubt it's going to make the build easier. I'm so looking forward to start building, however that may not happen on this continent.

iPod???

The central pod might find its way back into the design, with a drop-down cockpit floor. Since it's a foam sandwich it should only add around 80kg to the structure.

ShuttleOrNot

Just some more hull partitioning work, simple. 4 generous bunks, basic galley and loo, 2 access hatches per hull.