Concept v0.9 — "Project Triton"

A New Kind of Seastead

A triangular truss platform supported by three NACA-foil legs, active stabilizers, rim-drive propulsion, and optional AI-driven kite and tension-leg systems. Designed for both high mobility and extreme ocean stability.

Explore the Full Design →

↓ Scroll for technical breakdown

Core Architecture

This is not a boat. It is a semi-submersible, small-waterplane-area tri-foil platform optimized for both transit and station-keeping in open ocean.

△ Main Platform

80 ft front-to-back × 40 ft wide equilateral triangle truss
7 ft floor-to-ceiling height with 4 ft safety railing
Fully enclosed central living module: 14 ft × 45 ft
360° covered porch / deck space around living area
Extensive forward, aft, and side glazing
Full solar array on roof (estimated 4–6 kW peak)

🦿 Three Foil Legs

Each leg: 19 ft long, NACA foil, 10 ft chord, 3 ft thickness
50% submerged (≈ 9.5 ft draft) in nominal condition
All three legs aligned with leading edge forward for efficient forward motion
Integrated ladders on forward face (above waterline)
Very low waterplane area → minimal heave response

⚡ Propulsion

6 × RIM-drive thrusters (2 per leg, port & starboard)
Mounted 3 ft from bottom of each leg
Vectoring allows both forward thrust and station-keeping
Extremely quiet and efficient at low speeds

Artistic rendering of the triangular truss platform with three foil legs and stabilizers

Overall Length

80 ft

Beam

40 ft

Nominal Draft

9.5 ft

Living Space

≈ 630 sq ft

Porch / Deck

≈ 1,850 sq ft

Est. Displacement

≈ 28–35 tons

Active Stabilization System

Three independent “mini-airplane” stabilizers mounted near the trailing edge of each main foil leg. These provide powerful pitch, roll, and heave damping both while underway and when parked.

Stabilizer Specs

• Wingspan: 10 ft
• Chord: 1 ft
• Fuselage: 6 ft
• Elevator: 2 ft span × 6 in chord
• Small linear actuator controls elevator → large change in main wing AoA with minimal power
• Notched attachment allows center-of-lift to align with pivot point

Because the main legs taper significantly at the trailing edge, the stabilizers can be mounted with very little added drag. The system is designed to make the platform feel almost like it is sitting on rails even in 4–6 ft seas.

Optional AI-Enhanced Modules

These four optional systems turn a single seastead into a highly capable member of an ocean community.

AI Stabilizer Network
seastead.ai/ai/stabilizer.trimaran.html

Real-time coordination between the three stabilizers using machine-learning models trained on wave data. Dramatically increases comfort and safety.

Tension-Leg Mooring Assistant
seastead.ai/ai/tension.leg.structure.html

Deployable synthetic tethers with smart winches and seabed anchors. Allows the platform to switch from “drifting” to “fixed” mode in under 30 minutes.

Autonomous Kite Propulsion Robot
seastead.ai/ai/kite.robot.core.html

40–80 m² traction kite with AI pilot. Provides zero-energy propulsion and can generate additional electricity via high-altitude wind.

Convoy Mode & Ship-to-Ship Transfer
seastead.ai/ai/convoy.mode.core.html
seastead.ai/ai/ship.to.ship.transfer.core.html

Multiple Tritons can link together into stable “islands” while underway or at anchor. Automated fendering and transfer drones make logistics safe and easy.

Operational Modes

Transit Mode

RIM thrusters + optional kite provide efficient forward motion at 4–8 knots. Stabilizers actively damp motion. Dinghy stays in wind shadow behind the living module.

Parked / Habitat Mode

Stabilizers + optional tension-leg system make the platform feel almost motionless even in significant swell. Ideal for long-term living or small research stations.

Convoy / Community Mode

Multiple units physically or digitally linked. Shared energy grid, collective stabilization, and automated transfer systems create floating villages.