Ducky

The austrian manufacturer "Grabner" recently developed a new inflatable catamaran called HC "Evolution". (4,65 m and 11,5 sqm) In comparison with D17 the boat has some disadvantages especially the soft rig and the insufficient turning mast construction. There is still a lot to improve left. But the concept of the new hulls is really brilliant! The new Evolution goes fast. I am pretty sure that the new hulls cause less water resistance than those of my D17. So perhaps it is time to discuss some improvements for Ducky 17. Here are my personal wishes or proposals for an imaginary next generation D17.

- longer designed waterline and a stern less down by,
perhaps even little longer hulls after the stern

- a new mast with a flat aerodynamic waterdroplike profile
higher mast und something about 12,5 sqm sailarea - as optionals for westeuropean market

- toe straps
- something that makes it easier to the crew to sit out better (usually you have the crowfoot in your back)

- trapeze as an optional

- stiffer and shorter bow spriet, perhaps similair construction to the Alpiro cats
- gennaker zero as further optional

- roller furlings as optionals

- a little board or something else where you can place a compass and so on (as optional)

- optional tents for the boat would be also nice (as already available for D19)

Ralph

Thank you for your interest in the development of our catamarans. We also expect to improve.D17 is a balanced versatile catamaran. If we start to increase its parameters, then we will get a copy of the D19.
Operating parameters and dimensions of our catamaran hulls appeared through a long evolution. Today, this universal hulls, which have sufficient capacity and good seakeeping under heavy load. Also in Lite mode, these hulls allow faster switch to planing. Boat with a long waterline can be advantageous only in light winds and smooth wave. In middle and high winds, our hulls move better in the transition mode and planing.
The increased sail area, as an option, it is possible, but it also drags along a number of design changes. You can not, without prejudice to the boat to change one parameter and leave the rest untouched. It's a delicate balance, and it manages to achieve by trial and error. Perhaps, as an option, the increased sail area is the place to be, but we must remember that the balance of the whole system is broken. This will affect the alignment to deteriorate handling and so on.
Straps for the legs can do without problems. We usually come up against legs in lace springboard.
Installation of trapeze - no problem.
The design of our catamarans bowsprit has the ability to rotate, which gives additional possibilities when setting sail. It's better than a rigid fixation.
Gennaker zero - no problem.
Additional tents, as D19, can be done, but on the 19th to make a full-size tent dimensions allow the catamaran. They will be comfortable is. On the 17th, the size of the tents will be considerably less. Using them is inconvenient.

Copying D19 would be no improvement.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0d-U4_B ... RE56TrPfYG

Have a look at 10:30.

Ralph