boat design testing

[gregk]

How would you go about testing a boat design in very rough sea conditions?

Is there anyway to simulate that? I mean, aside from software, is there any way to safely gain experience, and test your design in large waves?

My design is a small, narrow enclosed boat designed to roll if capsized. Picture a torpedo capsule. I would like to know how I can gain experience in this, and how to test the vessel in rough ocean conditions safely.

Has anyone ever been dropped into a rough ocean by a helicopter and then fished back out again? I wonder if there would be some way to use the surf near shore. I wouldn't want to crash into the shore though....

Ideas?

Thanks,
Greg K

[Toot]

Well, for a smallish vessel, I don't think the self-righting attribute would be too tough to test. A group of guys on either side of the boat, two ropes, one attached over the boat and down to the bottom of the hull, the other going under the boat and up to the top. Now just have yourselves a good old-fashioned tug-o-war! I always thought that would be a fun way of doing it.

[MikeJohns]

It's called Model testing. You do it long before building the full scale boat.

Be aware that you may get very ill in your hull from the motion, not like the bike at all. Presuming you want to set some human powered record for a sea crossing (after looking at your website). I doubt that you want to be enclosed in a small light hull, the motion sickness will be intolerable.

good luck

[Raggi_Thor]

I think waves are generally shorter and higher, steeper, close to shore and in shallow waters than out on the deep oceans. So, if you have safe harbour you can go out in bad weather and try :-)