Is it possible to achieve an ideal shape using plywood.

Trimaran hull shapes. Most modern trimarans are sailing yachts designed for recreation or racing. What about effects of wetted surface on a boats speed. Here are some very interesting discussions about hull shapes for multihulls.

At low speeds skin friction is the main cause of drag and we use a fuller hull shape to minimise wetted area. Hull shapes and underwater appendages can also be observed in the design books to characterize the seven designers boats. These wide and seaworthy vessels stance up and minimize rolling.

The forward section has a V-shaped center hull flanked by sponsons that extend toward the bow. Lets initially assume the straight sided hull goes down in a Vee with a small flat area on the bottom. This is because trimaran owners have high all-around performance expectations.

Others are ferries or warshipsThey originated from the traditional double-outrigger hulls of the Austronesian cultures of Maritime. Sometimes called a warped plane this is the most common hull for small boats because it combines some of the best characteristics of the other shapes. That said the fastest sailboats tend to be flat bottom monohulls fin keel monohulls and trimarans.

With high buoyancy in the stern of the main hull and in the bows of the ammas the pitch-damping can be felt through the seat of the pants and works very well. A fine entry will minimise slamming in short steep waves and throw less spray. We want asymmetric water planes and a reasonably flat rocker to minimise pitching.

In this article I will talk solely about hull shapes in relation to performance. The other constant is the longitudinal centre of buoyancy. Comfort seakindliness and load carrying are also major factors affecting hull shapes and will be discussed in more detail in future articles.