Catamaran aluminum yachts announced by Metal Shark

Indeed. And on that score... they've done a good job.
Using simple hydrodynamics to give what they require.... an efficient hull form...which is ideal for long distance cruising.
Simple!
The rest.. becomes background noise.. usually by those that do no like the concept or what is conveys.
Everyone is a critic...

 

I have a question about anchoring. I will start a new thread.

 

That would be a prudent move - anchoring threads are invariably even more contentious than those about hull forms!

 

The striations at the bow remind me of anti-telescoping devices on trains, but presumably are to stop water climbing up the plumb bows.

 

Well, there is always some space for weird designs

 

Well, this is good example of design, where fucntionality had been sacrificed towards illusionary hydrodynamics.
Probably designed by those who never cruised on a catamaran.

 

So, your catamaran you posted.
This can cruise across oceans and do ranges in excessive of 10,000nm ?

 

Instead of hand rails, there is what, stainless wire ? I don't even like that on balconies, and they tend to be steadier than boats.

 

Wire "hand rails" are frequently used on sailboats.

 

OK, and what what you prefer in this application ?

 

Needless to say, wire is less wind resistance, and in a sailboat, that might be a reasonable trade off, but I doubt in the case of this ship, would make that much difference.

 

Actually this was not requred; but a matter of fuel capacity.
Across the ocean - yes sure, I see no problem at all.
I don't argue the longer boat with less accommodations concept - this works. I am concerned about sacrificing functionality (anchoring, deck safety, wetness, etc) and comfort (accomodation, privacy) - those could be mainatined if design thinking is involved.

 

We also use them a lot.. especially iwo the wheelhouse. To aid vision for the Capt.

 

I would agree that lifelines is not the proper arrangement on this size of boat. At least the upper rail could be pipe. There could be small bulwark in lower portion, say lower 250-300mm - this creates feeling of safety.
But nothing can be done, most of time yacht design is client-driven and stylist-influenced. Ask a master mariner how he sees expedition yacht, and the answer will be different from what we see here.

 

So the people who sign the big cheques, don't necessarily subscribe to the axiom that "handsome is as handsome does " ? I guess a case of who pays the piper, calls the tune. Luckily NASA didn't design the Apollo moon rocket to cater to aesthetic sensibilities, but hey, still looked pretty good !