On the development of a small catamaran boat

Hull forms and hydrodynamic characteristics of small catamarans are studied. The results of model tests and numerical simulations are cross-examined to carefully investigate the shallow water behaviors of the boats as well as the influence of spacing between demi-hulls on the resistance characteristics. A 12 m long 9.77 ton class catamaran has been developed and several ships have already been produced and deployed as pleasure fishing boats along the west coast of the Korean peninsula. The boats are made of fiber-reinforced plastics and are equipped with a pair of 280 hp diesel engines and water jet propulsion systems. The maximum speed of a fully loaded catamaran exceeds 25 knot. The results of sea trials are compared with those predicted from the model tests.