Sailing a pontoon boat

We have designed and tested a kit (mast ,sails, lee boards, rudder system) for sailing a pontoon boat. The mast pivots allowing docking under cover. A second prototype is planned with roller reefing on the jib and a rotating unstayed mast. This kit permits the excitement of sailing with the comfort of the pontoon boat. A provisional patent have been issued.

 

Sounds pretty cool. Got any pics or video?

Probably faster sailing than with a 35hp outboard and the fuel savings would add up fast.

Folks from Tennessee have got to be the smartest when it comes to new innovative ideas!

 

The term is new to me, I don't think we use it this side of the pond where a pontoon is simply a floating platform.
But it appears to be simply a species of catamaran, and I think you'll find there's about 150 years of prior art for sailing catamarans.

 

Over 2000 years, considering all the sailing the polynesians did.

 

The OPs reference to "exciting " sailing is somewhat optimistic. I have never laid eyes on a pontoon boat that would be other than a miserable slug under sail Let us hope that such things, other than a slug, actually exist.

On second thought, I like the idea. If we can persuade a few, or preferably, a lot of, power boaters to embrace sail, then we have made a small gain in the hope for saving the planet.

I can see it all now. Kentucky Lake will have hotly contested pontoon sailing regattas. Hey, why not? Fun is fun no matter how slow the boats might go. Flying a hull could become problematic because it might tend to spill the martinis. All funning aside, I hope that this idea will work for its promoters.

 

What is claimed to be original as the basis for the patent?

 

You beat me to it David. I've seen sailing pontoon boats before and can't imagine one being anything more than slug like in performance.

So, a kit for taking one of the lowest regarded power hull forms available and making it the slowest for it's length sailboat? Maybe we're all wrong, but have you a picture of this prototype? Maybe a patent number too?

 

What is the difference between a sailing catamaran and a sailing catamaran pontoon boat ? Tubes for hulls ?

 

Well some cats can a bit slow, compared to others, but their hulls aren't the burdened things, typical pontoons are. Without pictures of this new boat, we'll assume it's the usual aluminum tube with a cone shaped bow, no rocker, no refined entrance or exit, etc.

 

Oh c'mon now, I think y'all have missed the point just a little bit.

Lets just assume speed is not a major design concern.

Are you familiar with terms like party barge and/or Redneck Yacht Club?

See'n how y'all hail from Polk and Lake counties, I think you understand the intention better than you let on.

 

Dadgummit Alumination, I told ya' I was just funnin'.

Yes I am familiar with the term Party Barge and it's applications. A sailing party barge? Yep, that'll work.

 

Pontoon sail

This kit is not intended to transform a pontoon boat into a high performance sailing machine. It is an easy way for some to enjoy the fun of sailing without giving up the comfort of their pontoon boat.
The prototype is an older Sylvin. It is a proof a principle and is crude.
A small model is being built. Photos will be posted.

 

I sketched one up a few years ago. (See attachments)

The bigest problem I see is water getting around those immersed transoms.

If it manages to go fast enough, the water might break free of them. But until then they can be a real drag.

Another problem is there isn't much buoyancy in the bows, so there can be a tendency for the lee bow to shunt under. Once that happens that corner of the deck will soon be under water as well.

IMHO, the trick is to have a relatively modest sail plan, which has a relatively low Center of Area (CA) as well. Such would lessen this tendency to some degree.

Compared to a Hobie cat, or any other multihull dinghy, this boat would definitely be a dog. But, in ideal conditions, it might sail faster than a lot of people think.

 

Alabama has its version.



Sorry to those who have seen this too many times.

The only thing I object to is putting the rear leg of the chair on top of a round tube.

 

I have two high performance sailboats and I'll happily race any pontoon boat equiped with your "kit".

I'm curious about the high performance sailing machine aspect. Assuming a 20' LWL, you'll be hard pressed to get 6 MPH out of it, even with a massive sail plan. I can pee off the stern of my daysailor and double that speed easily.