Dumbbell

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Description

A single-spar column, with a cantilevered top deck, and (possibly) expanded buoyancy at the bottom of the spar.

Detail

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2288/2533676529_a4015a7111_t.jpg (from http://flickr.com/photos/27160491@N06/2533676529/)

Requirements Analysis

• Safety
  • Structure may not be able to handle waves hitting top hull, as big shear stresses will be very hard to take. Spar needs to be long enough to ensure that this doesn't happen.
  • Should be safe in specced wave conditions.
  • It is not clear that it will be able to handle tilting well, due to the shear stresses on the central column, especially if the column is made from ferrocement. Steel will be safer but more expensive.
• Comfort
  • Low waterline area, bottom hull acts as a heave plate to User:Patri/EntrainedSeawater
  • Lots of solar area.
• Cost - ??
• Pretty - Moderately pretty.
• Modular
  • If top deck is a polygon, can rigidly attach them. (Use spacer bars to connect bottom buoyancy if it's smaller in size than top deck).
  • Can exit by User:Patri/LowerAndSneak
• Cargo - Does not solve problem.
• Free Floating - Yes
• Scalable - Can be built at many different sizes.
• Standards
• Mobile - Yes, although slow b/c large wetted area. May be able to shape spar and/or lower hull as teardrops to reduce drag.
• Draft - Requires a solution from User:Patri/LowDraftColumns