[PCW] kite assisted sail

[Arild Jensen]

> -----Original Message-----
> > ...have you looked at this??
> >
> > New Age Trawler/Motorsailer; Kite-assisted PowerYacht
> > <http://boatdesign.net/forums/showthread.php?t=20319>



REPLY
Kite assisted power boats.  Definitely an interesting concept.
Something that has been on my mind for a while is the trend to place huge
fuel tanks into relativeluy small craft in order to give them trans-oceanic
cruising range.

The only suitable location is to place these tanks deep down in the bilge
areas.
Given the high cost of fuel these days, many owners are tempted to buy just
the minimum they plan to use in the near future or maybe as much as they can
afford bit which is still not a large amount.

The end result being these smaller craft now run with nearly empty tanks.
Even if it doesn't completely upset the stability, it is bound to make the
boats roll more and is probably  less comfortable.
I realize all good designs take full and empty fuel loads into
consideration. However running on nearly empty may soon become a chronic
condition if fuel prices continue to rise.   Then what?


regards
Arild