Video: Selecting the Right Hullform

Monohull, catamaran, trimaran . . . so many choices. Which hullform to pick? Can we draw upon any science to guide our choices, or we beg Lady Luck to guide us? This article provides a rational and design map for selecting hullforms applicable to any type of mission. This organized approach allows us to see past the limitations of historic examples and consider new alternatives.

In August, 2018 we posted an article with some general guidance on how to select the right hullform.

How to Select The Right Hullform

Choose from the following:

Monohull
Catamaran
SWATH
Trimaran
Planing Hull

Due to popular demand, we wrapped everything into a short video for your enjoyment. Plug this into your ear and listen for a quick education in hull selection.

Options for Hullform Selection

Monohull One of the most versatile ship types available. Excellent high weight capacity.

Catamaran

Best at low weight
cargoes, where you need large amounts of deck space.

Trimaran
[1]

Great hybrid between
catamaran and monohull. Excellent
stability. Moderate weight capacity and
moderate deck area.

SWATH

Specialized hullform
designed to minimize seakeeping motions.
Especially useful for survey and research work.

Planing
Hull [2]

Delivers high speed
capabilities in a very small package.

References

[1]	M. Hanlon, “U.S. Navy Orders a Second Trimaran Littoral Combat Ship,” New Atlas, 21 December 2006. . Available: https://newatlas.com/go/6651/. .
[2]	R. Cogswell, “Speedboat on Lake Michigan In Chicago,” Wikimedia Commons, 24 Dec 2015. . Available: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Speedboat_on_Lake_Michigan_in_Chicago.jpg. .
[3]	S. Turnock, Writer, Lecture Notes: Recreational and High Speed Craft. . University of Southampton, Southampton, U.K., 2008.
[4]	A. Molland, Writer, Lecture Notes: Ship Design and Economics. . University of Southampton, 2006.
[5]	C. McKesson, Writer, Lecture Notes: Advanced Marine Vehicles. . University of new Orleans, 2008.