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.