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.