cataraft tubes (NRS) for sailing cat

[nmailman]

Hi folks,
I'm considering a custom sailing cat and came across a few inflatable options that seem too small and too expensive. My question is....is there any reason why I couldn't order 2 18ft 28" inflatable tubes (typically used for whitewater catarafts) and design a frame for a mast around them. My goal is to have a seaworthy and dry (not necessarily fast) catamaran for coastal/bays in and around Nova Scotia. It looks like a now defuct manufacturer (easysail) did the same and managed to sail across the atlantic.

-NMailman

[Guest625101138]

You mean like the attached? I expect it would perform well with hulls like these. They weigh 10kg each so you can build a buoyant boat that is light.

Despite the desire to lift the nose on these hulls they perform better with pure conical ends as it gives a better underwater profile. The difference in drag is significant.

Rick W.

[nmailman]

Yes, exactly what I'm looking for...doesn't have the blunt front end like some of the tubes I've been finding. Any ideas on where to get the tubes?
-Nigel

[Guest625101138]

Yes, exactly what I'm looking for...doesn't have the blunt front end like some of the tubes I've been finding. Any ideas on where to get the tubes?
-Nigel

They came from here:
http://www.incept.co.nz/
They were purpose made for a Quike. Not too heavy or large when folded so realistic for transport.

I specified the shape but that was the limit of my involvement.

Rick W.