Energy Useage Studies

     One of the obvious and most interesting potential uses for the Labrador catamaran has always been to do a number of studies concerning energy use by recreational and commercial vessels. This has always been thought of as a combination educational/experimental program, since it offers many opportunities to demonstrate the advantages of technology and design to students, while also providing some data-streams for the possible development of new energy-conservation systems.

     First amongst these is the ability to compare a highly efficient catamaran with more conventional single-hulled boats. There needs to be a set criteria for such studies, specifically relating to: use of vessels, number of passengers, weight carried, distances traveled, desired/required speeds, etc. Labrador incorporates some rather unique features in her hull design, which were intended to enhance low-speed use while still allowing higher speeds. This basic concept still needs to be tested, and will add to the bank of knowledge regarding motorized vessels.

     Being a catamaran, Labrador has tremendous stability and open deck area; she also has significant in-hull storage and even seating space. This will allow a crew of at least six people (realistically more) to use this boat. However, it will be interesting to ascertain the limits of crew weight versus performance; it is to be seen just how much load this boat can effectively handle. This becomes more relavent  when we consider the use of efficient multihulls for such things as passenger carrying and commercial fishing, where rising energy costs and the need for speed are increasingly in conflict.

     Another area of particular interest is to hold a contest between various schools and groups to see who can make this boat go the farthest on, say, a quart of gasoline (or the equivalent in other fuels). It would be interesting to see what combination of hybrids, propellors, transmissions, fuels, fuel injections, etc., would be most efficient. This can be further extended to award points for the highest speed over a set distance. Such testing requires that the tests be conducted in the early morning calm of a quiet stretch of lake or river. It would be ideal if some form of sponsorship were secured to award winning schools a cash prize for further study in matters of energy conservation.

     As we enter this new era of energy austerity, it is of particular importance and value that our young people see first hand the positive effect and the sustainable advantage of applying advanced principles of design to our everyday needs. This is the course of the future, and any contact with such concepts in a real world setting will only help instill the principles and practices in young people that they will need to succeed and excel in the future. 

The Labrador Catamaran Project

     The Labrador catamaran project began some years back with the intention of producing a vessel suitable for making an extended cruise along the Labrador coast with a single crew member (thus the name, Labrador). Unfortunately the project had to be suspended and the passage never took place. The catamaran hulls survive, however, and are ready to be used for a wide number of worthwhile, knowledge building projects and programs.

     First, a brief description of the original concept and the resulting potential of these hulls. The intent was to build a vessel that would have a cruising range of 1200 miles on 48 gallons of gasoline, at an average speed of five knots. It was estimated that 1.3 horsepower would provide that base speed, and the plan was to outfit the boat with two, 3 horsepower, 4 stroke outboards. The additional horsepower would be to overcome headwinds, while various ideas for a simple offwind sail were to be included.


     The hulls themselves, 21'9" in length, are double-ended (there are a couple of theories behind the hull design; this was above all else an experimental design). Construction is Divinycell foam core, with 12 oz. biaxial fabric (two layers outside, one inside, set in vinylester resin). They are constructed with the rocky beaches of Labrador in mind, though still light enough to be useful for much experimental work.


     Programs and uses for which this vessel would be well suited once completed include:


1) energy use comparisons with conventional vessels
    *with consistent load/passengers
     *at comparable speeds
     *in various sea conditions


2) various engine/power train systems
     *gasoline outboards (2 and 4 stroke)
     *electric
     *hybrids
     *experimental power trains


3) propeller systems
     *standard
     *surface-penetrating
     *fins, paddles, etc.


4) wind power
     *standards sails
     *wing sails
     *rotors
     *etc.


5) solar energy
     *solar voltaic
     *hybrids systems


6) foil studies
     *rudder design
     *leeboard etc. design
     *lift foils


     Finishing out and setting up these hulls to make a complete and viable testing and functioning catamaran will require:
     structural work, including minor fiberglassing, adding resin to the hulls
     *fit, fillet, and glass tape structural bulkheads
     *fill, fair, and paint hull exteriors
     *paint or gelcoat interiors
     *build deck connections, cross members. decking
     *build in multiple hardware and testing connection points
     *fiberglass and paint decking as needed
     *build seats, steering station, rails, hatches, etc.
     *install deck hardware
     
     Further uses envisioned for this project include:
     i) general purpose boat for classes, onwater programs
     ii) water quality testing and study, especially in shoal waters
     iii)research platform
     iv) dive boat
     v) camp support boat
     vi) chase boat/safety boat
     vii) long range cruiser, to test the concept

     Comments and ideas regarding the Labrador project are welcome at this  blogspot.  The plan is to organize, instigate, initiate, and otherwise facilitate the completion and extended use  of this vessel in keeping with the spirit of trying and teaching the elements of new ideas.