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neutrino DINGHY |
TESTING and CRITIQUE |
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The oars were fabricated in carbon and
Kevlar with unidirectional fibers running all the way from the handle to the
blades. The blades have balsa cores. Oar lock stops were molded onto the
shafts to avoid accidental loss of propulsion. Oar locks are attached to
stainless rings under the railing. Lines to secure cargo are attached at the
very bow under the deck. The boat rolled back and forth between
the water and the shop during the finishing stages to adjust and refine
details, and maintain lightness. Carrying a good 300lb and it performs
well. The skids improved directional
stability and reduced the tippyness. After all, it’s a fairly deep hull
compared to the size and although this improves the load capacity, it also
contribute motion. |
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The transom seat shades the portholes to avoid reflection. Anti skid material was added to assure a steady footing both when
entering and rowing. The texilium provide a very reflective surface so the dinghy
doesn’t heat up when left on the beach or at the dinghy dock. The bow rolling handle doubles as bumper. Having handhelds outside the hull, and not only one the railing
is imperative when handling the boat. |
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The polycarb for the portholes was set
in silicone on a 3/8” rabbet, and the bead was covered with a Kevlar frame to
avoid tear out when towing, or edge damage to either the porthole or the polycarb. The portholes are protected by the hull geometry given by the
skeg and the chine. Total time …oh …say 150 hours from idea to finish Total material cost…. Probably about eleven hundred bucks. |
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So… what would be done different the next time? As seen below, the bow section could be done straighter to give
more buoyancy in the bow. The upper hull has today’s geometry, and the lower hull a fuller and
more buoyant bow. This would also help the directional stability, and
possibly easy motion when towed. Apart from that, one could probably save another 10lb by being
more frugal in the details and squeeze harder when molding. The deck area was increased compared to the planned design, and I
would keep this, but perhaps prepare the geometry to carry an anchor and
chain when one is rowing out a second hook. |
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Some details of design, construction and fabrication have deliberately
been left out due to protection of potential patents.
No information on the dinghy will be provided beyond what is
available on these pages.
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Jan-Henrik Andersen 2005