Anonymous wrote:
Howard,
bi plane trimaran! Have you been smoking herbal cigarettes? Can’t think why such weird concepts should be aired on the website!!
....but seriously, it might work, but not many trimarans would suit it. What the effect of the large separation would have on the balance is intriguing
Mark:
I don't use mind altering substances of any kind... used to use alcohol in moderation but I don't even do that anymore ;-) I just like to toy with outside the box ideas... Speculation is harmless I think. What good are ideas and "weird" concepts if they are not aired / shared?
I keep forgetting that the JRA is a den of conventional thinkers ;-)
Seriously, the Tristar series is probably better suited for this kind of thing than most trimarans. If you take a look at the structure. It is fully decked all the way to the gunnels. The interior wing deck contains berths and extends all the way out also with a substantial structural bulkhead at both the head and foot of the wing berths. Note that you can see the forward bulkhead in the photo below, the aft one is the aft end of the cabin. The bury potential in the amas is greater than most trimarans due to this full wing, the logical mast location would be just forward of this bulkhead, and a bit of "creative engineering" could result in a very strong mast step and partner relative to the mast height and loading.
The advantages of the biplane are fairly obvious in this case where a large mast trunk would block access forward.... Not to mention having the entire deck clear during trade wind sailing wing and wong. The Tristar has a beautiful full unobstructed deck except for the mast.
Arne's comments about handling sails "way out there" is no different than on a biplane catamaran.... with the full deck and width, nor is "catching things" a valid observation IMHO. With a biplane rig you can fly just a single sail over the deck depending on the tack if that is a concern. It really differs from a biplane cat ONLY in the fact that you get a little more heel.
Later note: The fact that there are two masts, one in each ama, counteracts any concerns about putting the mast weight out on the ama... the opposite mast balances it out so that it is carried on the main hull effectively. I see few obstacles in this particular case at least... other than thinking mired deeply in convention.
I have to confess that every time I see a tristar and think about a junk rig on it, my thoughts go in that direction. I'm not known for doing conventional things or thinking conventional thoughts.... I have a bit of a "mad scientist" reputation.... deserved.... and my home and shop are full of different and innovative solutions.
H.W.