"Can anyone (especially someone with design experience) explain to me why
there are so few, if any, power trimarans, particularly with three hulls of
equal
length and beam? It seems it would reduce draft, increase accomodation and
equipment space, and allow greater fuel load with little additional drag.
Anyone?"
Paul, I've wondered the same thing. My guess is that wetted surface area is
part of the problem. Sailing tris normally run with one of the amas out of
the water due to heeling forces so it doesn't contribute to wetted surface,
but a power tri would be dragging all three hulls through the water.
But there are some advantages to consider too, such as the configuration to
power with a single primary engine, the ability to retract the amas for
better docking options, and the elimination of much under-deck slamming.
Bob Deering
Juneau Alaska
"Can anyone (especially someone with design experience) explain to me why
there are so few, if any, power trimarans, particularly with three hulls of
equal
length and beam? It seems it would reduce draft, increase accomodation and
equipment space, and allow greater fuel load with little additional drag.
Anyone?"
Paul, I've wondered the same thing. My guess is that wetted surface area is
part of the problem. Sailing tris normally run with one of the amas out of
the water due to heeling forces so it doesn't contribute to wetted surface,
but a power tri would be dragging all three hulls through the water.
But there are some advantages to consider too, such as the configuration to
power with a single primary engine, the ability to retract the amas for
better docking options, and the elimination of much under-deck slamming.
Bob Deering
Juneau Alaska
