I tend to agree: it is a state of mind willing to optimize any design to suit personal requirements.
Myself thinking about merging nice accomodations plan of Bernd's excellent Eco6 and 6.5 powercats with marvellously seaworthy and proven MIG-welded aluminum planing hulls of StormCat 21 design.
( Can be found here:
This quest is driven by prevailing local oceanside conditions: +4 degrees Celsius summer water temps, mostly rough coastal conditions- Bf force 3-4 commonly and running off the gales is always a good idea.
MIG welding waterjet cut aluminum plates is a real fast build compared to gluing/fiberglassing/fairing/painting and makes for a stronger and longer lasting result.
By the way, it is not overly expensive to hire alu welding professionals.
Some nice introduction info on the technique can be found in Downloads section of this website:
https://www.platealloy.com/downloads.htm
I really praise those downunder folks pro skills and helpfulness))
And there is, as I see it, some way to optimize and further increase seagoing and practical qualities of StormCat concept.
I think adding hovercraft air cushion bag skirt, like on Sevtec Explorer/Mariner designs, can help achieve some nice things like:
1) more speed;
2) less outboard rpm when riding on cushion, e.g. less fuel to burn;
3) plush ride in rough seas with more speed (based on Sevtec owner reports);
4) ability to ride up and down the beach;
5) more load carrying with less power (Sevtec drag polars do confirm this guess);
6) possibility to lighten the structure and save on welded hulls weights thus balancing the Eco-type accomodations structural weight.
The yet unknown part of this concept is a design of remotely lowering outboard supports at transoms, since the air cushion lifts the hull bottoms some 30 to 40 cm above water plane. Some hydraulic system may need to be involved in that.
Also, some remotely lowering centerboard seems necessary for directional stability on the course and better turning habits.
