Evaluating your triangle column design against a solar trawler, solar trimaran, and other single-family concepts
Predicted average speed: 3.8 – 4.3 knots (≈ 4.4 – 5.0 mph)
This assumes a reasonably efficient displacement hull at very low speed. At these speeds, wave-making resistance is low, but the large wetted surface of a 60 ft trawler still requires significant power. 4.0 knots is a realistic 24/7 average in calm to moderate Caribbean conditions with 2 days of battery buffer.
Lift on a hydrofoil ≈ ½ × ρ × V² × A × CL
Stabilizing moment must remain constant → Area scales with 1/V²
4.0× larger area required
Required fin area: 5.0 – 7.2 m² per side
(roughly 8 ft × 9 ft fins)
These would create enormous drag, be structurally difficult to retract, and likely cause handling issues. Normal fin stabilizers are not practical at these speeds.
Main hull 60 ft, amas set so they normally sit 5 ft above water. Stabilizer wings mounted on struts 10 ft below each ama.
Leverage Advantage:
This reduces required stabilizer area by approximately 60% compared to the monohull trawler.
Estimated stabilizer size: 2.0 – 2.8 m² per side (≈ 4.5 ft × 6.5 ft wings)
Still large, but potentially manageable if designed as retractable T-foils or articulated wings. They would still produce noticeable drag.
Total turnkey cost: $580,000 – $780,000 USD (2025 pricing, built in China)
This assumes good quality 5083/5086 aluminum, professional yard (not the cheapest), and includes 2-day lithium battery bank, 8–10 kW electric drive, and basic interior.
Best stability candidate
Two or three slender submerged hulls with very small waterplane area, supporting a large solar-covered platform 8–10 ft above water. Extremely low roll and pitch in Caribbean chop. Your triangle column concept is a variant of this idea.
Could achieve similar solar area with better seakeeping than either the trawler or trimaran.
Most practical near-term solution
Same 60 ft aluminum trawler hull with 1,800 sq ft solar, but instead of massive fins, install two Seakeeper 18 or 26 gyros (or Chinese equivalents). Gyros work at zero speed and are proven on boats this size.
Power consumption: 3–5 kW when active — easily covered by solar.
Not a 50 ft "sailing cat" but a purpose-built stable work platform with 28–32 ft beam. Very shallow draft, large flat solar deck. The key is making the hulls long and slender with high bridge deck clearance.
This may be the sweet spot between your triangle and the trawler — better than a 50 ft conventional cat for computer work.
Evolve your original triangle concept by adding two small outrigger floats that stay dry in normal conditions but provide extra stability in beam seas. Keep the three large columns with the big slow-turning propellers.