Trimaran Deck and ride

[Dave-K]

Hi Guys

I purchased a tri about 12 months ago. It is 31 foot by 15 foot approx and does not have a mast as it was damaged in a storm and it was never replaced. I bought the boat as it has great deck space for cruising and taking friends out fishing. It is fitted with a 22 hp diesel, cruises at 8kn and is very comfortable and economical.

The main use is in fairly sheltered waters, max wave height to 2 metres. If its too rough I stay home :)


2 questions regarding this boat

1. I would like to fill in the space between the front 3 hulls to make it a solid deck across rather than fill in with trampolines. Is this possible to do without causing any undue stresses on the boat/hulls?


2. The front of the boat tends to jump out of the water when travelling into the waves. Would this be due to the lack of mast and therefore weight and the centre of gravity being further back with the fitting of the diesel? The motor is approx 2 thirds down the hull toward the transom. If this is the case would this be able to be counterbalanced by placing water tanks further forward of the centre board?

Thanks for your info and help in advance

Cheers

Dave

[Chris Ostlind]

Dave,

I think that most guys here with an understanding of multihulls would probably like to see a collection of photos illustrating the boat in three views, if possible. It would also be nice to have a schematic drawing depicting the relative measurments for the various component elements of the boat. For example: the length, beam, hull height, waterline, distance from bow to forward beam, etc.

Otherwise, the suggestions you may get would be little more than guesses and of no substantive use for you.

Is there not anyone in close proximity to your location with a solid understanding of multihull design with whom you could consult, if only for a couple of hours? It would be time and probably money well spent in that regard and go a long way to getting you on the right track before you start banging around with the tool kit.

Chris