Talk:ConceptualDesignProposal2009

"Spar Platforms have already been explored through ClubStead, single spars are too small, breakwaters are too big. "

ClubStead is not a spar. FlipShip is a spar. FlipShip proves that single spars are not too small (as do all the other oil spars).

Why not see some models tested in waves before deciding that TSI will focus on "wave blankets"?

 -- Vince

Clubstead incorporates elements of a spar; although its likely better classified as a semi-sub.

The problem with oil-spars is obviously not them being too small, but them being too big. It remains to be seen if the concept scales down to non-hundereds of million dollar size.

One could regard the flipship as an attempt to that effect; but a failed one as far as seasteading is concerned. The ratio of real-estate to material use is ridiculous, as is the ratio of real-estate per 2009-dollar. We could plausibly do a lot better than that, but then again; wed need to do lots and lots better.

Overall, I think any deep-draft concept is at odds with incrementalism. The flip ship is 100m deep when deployed, and if we want to make this thing affordable, its flipping capability is the first thing we should let go of. How many docking spots even offer 10m? The entire bay doesnt go a whole lot deeper than that.

I dont think the term 'wave blankets' is very descriptive; i like 'generalized catamaran' or 'multi-hull' or somesuch better. Im working on describing in detail what we have in mind with that.

 -- Eelco