T&T: Hull Speed 20% faster and more economical, by new

[Ed Bruette]

-----Original Message-----
From:  Rich Gano

One such vessel languishes here at a local marina across the bay from the
Navy base.  It is an odd looking aluminum duck with large deck-mounted
tanks, apparently for air storage.  It also has large air inlets in the
hull.  Apparently, the idea is to reduce hull friction by adding a layer of
air.  Somehow I imagine it would be allowed to berth at the base if it were
actually proving worthwhile.  It sits idle for "lack of funding" as best I
can tell.

Reply:
That reminds me of the late 70's when I was the Harbormaster at Pear Harbor.
The Navy had recently built Kaimalino a surface effects ship about 90' LOA,
if I remember correctly.  She was a steady platform at 20 kts. in a state
4-5 sea.  The story goes that she came to Pearl to get her away from
congressional eyes.  It seems the USN built her at the Bethlehem yard in
Baltimore without authorization.

She had a civilian crew (DOD?) and worked in the Captor program for several
years.  Now Kaimalino is doing research for the U. of Hawaii.

Ed, N7NVP
PT-38  "Makin' Do"
Poulsbo, WA