Optimum Hull Spacing of a Family of Multihulls

Multihull con gurations are optimised for minimum wave-making using thin-ship theory. Only the number of hulls, and their placement and beams are varied, the total displacement of the vessel and the individual hull length and shape being xed. In particular, optimum con gurations are determined for two, three and four-hulled vessels, with and without longitudinal stagger. An example of use of this theory is given, for a family of multihulls relevant to a high-speed ferry design. Competing designs within this family are assessed over a large speed range, with respect to generated wave amplitude, wave resistance, and total drag.