Propulsion system for a high speed trimaran

[boat88]

Hello,
I try to find the best propulsion system for a high speed planning boat,its a trimaran with these characteristics

Length=10m
Beam=5m
Maximum speed=60 knots
Cruise speed=50 Knots
Weight=4.5 ton

but i have problem to decide between stern drive and outboard propulsion systems.
Also i want to know how many propulsion systems is more proper for this situation(i.e. 2 or 3)?
Thank you.

[Jimboat]

is this a high performance hull that you're looking for? what kind of water conditions are you going to be running in?

[boat88]

Dear Jimboat,
Thank you for your reply, yes it has a good design and will working in Persian Gulf and Oman sea area.
Your prompt reply is highly appreciated.

[Jimboat]

sounds like you're going to need more than one outboard or high-hp I/O unit to achieve the performance expectations. hull design will be important in determining efficiency of your propulsion system.

[brian eiland]

Trimarans and the BladeRunner...

You might have a look thru this subject thread

[boat88]

Dear jimboat,
Thank you for your reply, you are right, it needs more than one propulsion system, in design procedure i have many restrictions so i can only use outboards or stern drive, what do you think about them, which of them is more proper?

[boat88]

dear brian eiland,
Thank you for your reply, i will check that.
I will be happy to know your idea about this trimaran.
Your prompt reply is highly appreciated.

[Jimboat]

Originally Posted by boat88

Dear jimboat,
Thank you for your reply, you are right, it needs more than one propulsion system, in design procedure i have many restrictions so i can only use outboards or stern drive, what do you think about them, which of them is more proper?

outboards will be lighter, so may be an advantage to you. you will require 2 of the largest o/b's available in order to reach the performance expectations you desire. design of the hull will ultimately determine if you are able to reach your goals.

[boat88]

Originally Posted by Jimboat

outboards will be lighter, so may be an advantage to you. you will require 2 of the largest o/b's available in order to reach the performance expectations you desire. design of the hull will ultimately determine if you are able to reach your goals.

Dear jimboat
Thank you for your reply, would you explain more about the hull design, which parameters do you think is important to achive this speed?