Modular Cruising Catamaran

[BigCat]

A lot of the ideas being discussed in this thread are ideas that went into the BigCat design at http://bigcatcatamarans.com - A boat to be built in pieces that are to be transported without any wide loads, an unstayed biplane rig with reefing and furling wingsails, etc.

The calculations have all been done to the satisfaction of the USCG for a passenger boat capable of legally carrying 149 day passengers in US waters, plus crew. I sailed across the Pacific Ocean in a boat with unstayed masts, and would never go back if I could possibly help it.

My mast design isn't the lightest available, but it is easy to build- two half masts made in a female mold with an overlap to be bonded together with commercially made epoxy putty. The vertical uni is carbon fiber, the +45-45 for torquing strains is e-glass, and the resin is vinylester.

I have never seen anyone remark on this fact, but the biplane rig placement of the masts greatly increases the boat's stability by increasing its roll moment of inertia, per the findings after the Fastnet debacle.

[Wildside247]

G'day all,

Gee there is a lot of off-topic cra...I mean really valuable stuff on this thread!!! I read the first few pages and the last few, but then just jumped to the end. If you really want to find a portable pod cat go to
www.guatemalariodulce.com
and look for an old add for a boat called 'Kirra'

If I had the money and other necessary resources I'd track one down and build it!!

Good luck!

Greg.