Ship-hull vs. barge: Stability and seaworthiness

Discussion in 'All Things Boats & Boating' started by fimp, Jan 10, 2012.

  1. fimp
    Joined: Dec 2011
    Posts: 1
    Likes: 0, Points: 0, Legacy Rep: 10
    Location: California

    fimp New Member

    I'm in the process of determining which type of vessel will be most suitable for a project. The first task is choosing between a barge and a shiphull design. The most important criteria is stability, comfortability and seaworthiness.

    Can you make some general comments about the stability, comfortability and seaworthiness of a barge versus a ship hull of similar length and tonnage? Is it generally more comfortable to be on a barge than on a ship during the same kind of weather? Will the barge have less rolling motion? Will a ship be able to handle larger waves than a similar sized barge before capsizing?
     
  2. DCockey
    Joined: Oct 2009
    Posts: 5,229
    Likes: 634, Points: 113, Legacy Rep: 1485
    Location: Midcoast Maine

    DCockey Senior Member

    Are you a student? Is this a homework assignment or related to a project?
     
  3. fimp
    Joined: Dec 2011
    Posts: 1
    Likes: 0, Points: 0, Legacy Rep: 10
    Location: California

    fimp New Member

    I'm a student of mechanical engineering, but the project is not university related.
     
  4. BPL
    Joined: Dec 2011
    Posts: 217
    Likes: 15, Points: 0, Legacy Rep: 209
    Location: Home base USA

    BPL Senior Member

    Flat barges are best in calm conditions.
     
  5. PAR
    Joined: Nov 2003
    Posts: 19,126
    Likes: 498, Points: 93, Legacy Rep: 3967
    Location: Eustis, FL

    PAR Yacht Designer/Builder

    If seaworthiness is anywhere in the equation, then an appropriate hull form is necessary, so toss the barge shapes out the window. The same would be true of the other two requirements you've listed as the phrase "sails like a barge" or "handles like a barge" isn't just a cute or derogative comment; it's really based in the realities of that hull form.
     
  6. fimp
    Joined: Dec 2011
    Posts: 1
    Likes: 0, Points: 0, Legacy Rep: 10
    Location: California

    fimp New Member

    I have used "seaworthy" in the meaning of the ability to avoid sinking or capsizing. Is this also the meaning you're using - or can seaworthy also mean the ability to travel fast, i.e. low drag?
     
  7. PAR
    Joined: Nov 2003
    Posts: 19,126
    Likes: 498, Points: 93, Legacy Rep: 3967
    Location: Eustis, FL

    PAR Yacht Designer/Builder

    Seaworthiness is a huge set of variables, which is dictated by the design SOR. Low drag and speed typically aren't part of the equation, though can have significant impacts on the decisions and compromises accepted in the design. Barges generally have a high initial stability range, but then drop off a cliff, past a modest angle. There's no such thing as a fast barge, unless Cleopatra has risen from the dead and summoned her servants. Generally, a barge is a bulk carrier and very little else. You can dress it up to be something it's not, but she'll still be a pig in a silk dress.
     
  8. daiquiri
    Joined: May 2004
    Posts: 5,371
    Likes: 258, Points: 93, Legacy Rep: 3380
    Location: Italy (Garda Lake) and Croatia (Istria)

    daiquiri Engineering and Design

  9. fimp
    Joined: Dec 2011
    Posts: 1
    Likes: 0, Points: 0, Legacy Rep: 10
    Location: California

    fimp New Member

    Thanks. So what you're saying is that:

    Mild waves and wind: Barge is equally comfortable or more comfortable than a ship.
    Harsh waves and wind: Ship is more comfortable than a barge.

    Is this a correct interpretation?
     
  10. gonzo
    Joined: Aug 2002
    Posts: 16,790
    Likes: 1,714, Points: 123, Legacy Rep: 2031
    Location: Milwaukee, WI

    gonzo Senior Member

    fimp: can you define what you call a ship? Engineering is a precise language. Unless you narrow the question, this whole thread won't make much sense.
     
  11. fimp
    Joined: Dec 2011
    Posts: 1
    Likes: 0, Points: 0, Legacy Rep: 10
    Location: California

    fimp New Member

    A mid-size cruise ship, ~150-200m length.

    The alternative barge could be one like the Camelot.
     

  12. BPL
    Joined: Dec 2011
    Posts: 217
    Likes: 15, Points: 0, Legacy Rep: 209
    Location: Home base USA

    BPL Senior Member

    Define harsh and mild.
     
Loading...
Forum posts represent the experience, opinion, and view of individual users. Boat Design Net does not necessarily endorse nor share the view of each individual post.
When making potentially dangerous or financial decisions, always employ and consult appropriate professionals. Your circumstances or experience may be different.