Comments on: Will I need a keel to maintain direction if putting an outboard on a 2-surfboards catamaran?

By: Franky

Franky — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 04:59:59 +0000

Klar solltest du eine Möglichkeit mit einbauen das Ding auch zu lenken. Wie sieht das denn sonst aus, ein im Kreis fahrender Doppelsurfboard-Katamaran.

Gruß
Franky
References :

By: kavekarst

kavekarst — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 04:09:59 +0000

Keel would defeat the shallow thinking. No, you want a mid-
length dagger board you can pull up or have hinged so the
vessel can skim over shoals. Even a lee-board to one side
fixed to swing backwards; say, fixed to a spar laid side to side, and fixed by "U" bolts? Either way requires elimination
of the aft surfboard fins because they add drag. Better look
at raising your platform higher (Writer whould junk plywood
for all-bamboo grid), experiment with adhesives in extension footing before bolting, and keep a kayak paddle handy.
References :

By: Matt M

Matt M — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 03:32:59 +0000

I have a 19 foot catamaran outboard fitted with a 90 hp Yamaha. While it’s much larger in scale, I think your contraption should be OK if you think about these things.

I have noticed that these power cats don’t allow their outboards to pivot to the side as much as monohulls. The Yamaha is only rigged to turn about 20 degrees in either direction. I assume that is because if you could whip it around to a 60 or 70 degree angle, it might power the opposite pontoon down into the water too much.

I assume you are going to mount the motor in the center? I would hope so, otherwise you are going to go in circles. I also assume you are going to mount the gas engine in front, so you are not stern heavy. You may also have to think about where you are sitting.

Good luck.
References :