There`s any market for these types of boats?

Hy there!

Boats havent changed much in the last 60 years or so. They are white and look rather the same. I like unique looking boats like Earthrace http://www.wired.com/images_blogs/autopia/images/2008/05/08/earthrace_01_3.jpg (It`s a sexy boat), Seaphantom http://www.wired.com/images_blogs/gadgetlab/prototype_leaving_bay_side_view 1_1.jpg (it has superior fuel efficiency) or the Wally Power 118` http://mundoricos.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/wally-power-yacht-118-3.jpg (but with a cost of 28million, it sounds way too overpriced to me)

What do you guys think, there`s any market for these kind of unique boats? If the builders would make theme more "client friendly"(adding deck, bedroom etc.) they would have any chance on the market?

 

You need to realize that some folks have so much money that any toy is possible. This is a market...luxury toys. That market will always be there...the rich will always get richer.

 

So, basically what you are saying is that everything can be sold, right?

 

Probably yes:

 

Strange looking boats

With due respect,

...If you would add a deck or a cabin to sleep in, to these "sexy looking" contraptions, they would look like the regular "boring" (but working) boats that you see around you.

One of our forum members was a crew on Erthrace.. you should ask him about his experiences!

You would change your opinion about the practicality of the sci-fi, sexy looks in boats.

Nature has an incredible way of weeding out that doesn't work!

The reason why we still see these far out things popping up every now and then, because the difference between men and boys is nothing but the price of their toys!

A shape like this, certainly gets the attention they are seeking!

Stephen

 

There is a market but it's a very small niche market. But that is why they charge so much. These are not mass produced. As was said, there is always someone who has more money than sense.

 

yes and no I would say.

The lesser the sense, the better it shows up.
The staircase in a "real" luxury villa is at least 200 m² of "wasted" space.
Wally... what a nonsense. The serious yachtsman would not take such rubbish for free.

R
R

 

There are Boats for the Sea, and there are 'glamour toys for marina'. The ones TS posted are toys.

Those toys are designed to be different, no to be practical. Want something different? Make triangular door in Your house and try to use it

Even making innovative, the boat can still reamin usable...

 

Alik,
That's a great-looking design, but... I hope you don't mind if say that you might have some dangerous bow steering issues there, imho. You have a rudder down there at the bow, or at least that's what it looks like when seen from that angle.
Cheers

 

There is no rudder, its hull shape with reverse bow which we re-invented and which I call 'can opener'. Advantage - less wetness, more bow deck space, easy positioning of anchors, easy access on mooring, etc.

We tested RC model of this boat; there is no issue with bow steering.

Interesting feature: at slower speeds (cruising/passage) this 'can opener' bow is submersed, it extends efficient WL and we expect it reduces wave drag. At planing speeds, the boat trims up (reverse bow part is not submersed) and bottom shape is same with any other planing boat.

Amazingly low wave making on video of tests...

Of course, this is just idea and it will show its disadvantages (the World is not white and black), but now they are not obvious.

 

I believe your words and tests, Alik. Consider this a curiosity of mine.
Did you also perform a test in a choppy sea, when I would expect the bow to occasionally dive in and create a lateral resistance (and hence a steering moment)?

 

We are limited in testing facilities and do it for our interest only, there is no particular customer behind. (Actually we sent this design on SEATEC but there was no success).

For choppy seas - I would not expect problems, yes we did runs on lake with some chop. The problems might arise in down-wave running conditions when bow dives in; this might cause side yawing moment. But the boat is 100' long and this could be an issue at h1/3>4m swell only; not the conditions these motoryachts are used often at full speed.

 

wow, lot of comments since i last wisited. A lot of you guys say that a "different" boats can`t be practical. So, can you please explaine what is practical for you? For me high speed with low fuel consuption sounds practical, obviously you can`t use it for fishing, so it would be impractical of other people.

Alik, that`s a nice design, is that a volvo penta onder that hull?

An other question. Is there a way for a small company to test out new designs and concepts and get some usable data?

 

Yes, 4 units of IPS3-900HP

Build RC model; build quarter-scale prototype, order tank testing... It depends on what You mean 'test'.

 

I 'm being harsh, but fair.

Stranger, you wrote: "An other question. Is there a way for a small company to test out new designs and concepts and get some usable data? "

Yes, of course. You can pay money to designers who post here and commission them to come up with ideas for you or you do the research yourself. There are no "free lunches". We try to help deserving causes.

Read the threads and posts of naval architects like Guillermo, Tad, Brian Eiland, etc. Check their websites. There are many other diamonds here. If you are smart, you will soon locate them.

Subscribe to ProBoat http://proboat.imirus.com/Mpowered/book/vpbb11/i2/p1

Search Google for boatbuilders. Other links are:

http://www.yachtforums.com/features/t-review-delta-powerboats-54-ips-express-cruiser-15368.html

http://forum.woodenboat.com/index.php

In short, you do what others have done here. Study, learn, read and pay your dues. There are no short cuts or get rich quick schemes here.

http://www.boat-links.com/boatlink.html#top

You could even build an Ark.

http://www.worldwideflood.com/jsmenu/full_menu.htm:

This place is a diamond mine for ideas, but you must dig for them yourself.