Katana Marblehead Design – Hull
Katana has the same waterline beam as Octave. Canoe body maximum depth has increased by 2.4mm. Maximum cross section area is unchanged, staying at a value that has proven optimal. Moving some midsection area from the turn of the bilge to the bottom of the hull gives a midsection that returns to being as close […]
Marblehead Development
A sneak preview of our next RM design: Katana. Katana is an evolution of Octave, incorporating improvements in several key areas. The individual changes are small, but sufficiently numerous to cumulatively warrant a new designation. This decision has been made with existing customers in mind as it will give them a clear option when placing […]
Octave Marblehead
Here are some pics of the latest shape, incorporating the changes described in previous posts…
Octave Development Bearing Fruit
We now have comprehensive feedback on the Octave design. Qualitative and quantitative tests have enabled us to evaluate the radical features incorporated into the prototypes in order to decide on values for future production boats.More detailed explanations of the design choices will be published later, but the broad concept has been validated. Overall beam, prismatic […]
Octave Marblehead First Sail
Nice conditions for a shakedown. Let the observations begin!
Octave Marblehead Prototype Rigs Progress
Neat detailing for jib boom adjustments. Beautifully executed by Ray Joyce.
Octave Marblehead Prototype Rigs: Sail Controls
Very neat execution by Ray Joyce of an experimental ‘mode’ control system. It closes the exit of the mainsail automatically when the boom is on centreline. This allows a standard ‘open’ setting for acceleration and reaching to change into ‘pointing mode’ once the boat is up to speed close hauled. The standard four rigs are […]
Octave Marblehead Prototype Progress
It’s alive! RC gear in place, sheeting run complete, rigs assembled. Getting closer to that first sailing day…
Octave Marblehead Prototype Rigs: Swing Rig Junctions
The lower panel of the mast tube is 14mm outside diametre high modulus tube. A piece of 16mm tube forms the basis of the horizontal element of the joint. It is glued in place together with pieces of 14mm sleeve that form the first telescopic taper element of the main boom and jib yard. The […]
Octave Marblehead Prototype Rigs: Boom Elbows
This is one solution for M class booms. A bit labour intensive but light and stiff. The balsa core in the elbow could be replaced with foam though arguably using balsa offers toughness. There is possibly a windage advantage in round booms, and our experience shows this to outweigh the downwind projected area and end-plate […]