MVP Seastead • Containerized Design

Design Overview

Core Concept: Scaled-down equilateral triangle truss with three NACA 0030 foil legs. All structural components disassemble and pack into a single 40-foot shipping container for economical transport to the Caribbean.

The design preserves the key advantages you described: small waterplane area, wave tolerance, solar roof, RIM-drive propulsion, and modular stabilizers. It is optimized for one-container logistics while maximizing living space and solar capacity.

                            Key Scaling Decision: Equilateral triangle chosen for maximum stability. Side length reduced to 22 ft so that truss segments pack efficiently inside a 40 ft container.
                        

Leg Configuration
3 × NACA 0030 foils

Length: 14 ft
Chord: 7.5 ft
Thickness: 2.25 ft

50% submerged when loaded
Leading edge forward

Key Specifications

165

Indoor Living Area (sq ft)

4.8 kW

Peak Solar Capacity

11,800 lbs

Total Displacement

2,400 lbs

Batteries + Cargo Capacity

6

RIM Drive Thrusters (1.2 ft dia)

3

Stabilizers (servo-tab)

Structure & Construction

Triangle Truss: Equilateral 22 ft sides × 5.5 ft high × 4 ft wide. Fabricated in 11 ft modular bolted segments (fits easily in container).
Material: Marine-grade 5083 aluminum plate and extrusion, robot-welded at Chinese shipyard.
Legs: Three 14 ft long NACA 0030 foils (7.5 ft chord, 2.25 ft thick). Top half includes integrated ladder.
Stabilizers: Three scaled "mini-airplane" stabilizers (9 ft wingspan) with servo-tab elevators.
Roof: Full solar coverage (≈ 260 sq ft effective area).
Windows: Large plexiglass panels on all three sides.
Mooring: Three helical screw anchors + tension-leg system for stationary mode.

Performance & Capacity

Power & Energy

4.8 kW solar array (high-efficiency panels)
Estimated 22–26 kWh/day average in Caribbean
Space for 18–24 kWh lithium battery bank
6 × 1.2 ft RIM drives for efficient low-speed maneuvering

Living & Cargo

165 sq ft fully enclosed living space (7 ft ceiling)
Two 5 ft wide rear decks
14 ft RIB dinghy storage on centerline (shielded)
2,400 lbs available for batteries, water tanks, and supplies

40ft Container Logistics

All structural aluminum components fit into one standard 40 ft high-cube container:

Truss segments: 11 ft modular pieces
Foil legs: nested with leading edges facing inward
Stabilizers and decks: flat-packed
Total packed weight: ≈ 3,850 lbs

Final assembly in Caribbean with basic tools and crane.

Chinese Shipyard Cost Estimate (10 units)

Item	Cost per Seastead
Marine aluminum + robot cutting/welding	$14,800
Truss, legs, stabilizers, decks	included
Volume discount (10 units)	−$2,100
Total structural cost per seastead	$12,700

Includes basic anodizing and bolt-together hardware. Final outfitting (solar, batteries, interiors, RIM drives) is additional and performed on-site.