Fresh Take on the Solo16 S
A safe, speedy solo cruising craft for adventurous souls
After a lot of input from readers of this site, I have completed the modifications to the Solo16 S design that reflect many of their
expressed interests.
The Solo16 S now has a bit more displacement as a direct response to suggestions for the use of a small 2 hp outboard and some spare fuel. At the same time, the vaka hull was given additional beam above the waterline and the shear was raised some to allow for mods to the amas.
The amas, themselves, were made slimmer and taller, while retaining the same volume. They now have a slight vee section which gives the boat a progressive resistance increase as the amas are pressed heavily in a gust.
To complete the changes, a sporty all-weather soft cabin has been designed to allow the owner a chance to sail in a wide spectrum of conditions. The new cabin is modular in its approach with the ability to address a multitude of sailing situations.
There is a folding dodger setup forward with a large PVC window for full visibility. A removable Bimini top extends aft, covering the entire cockpit from rain and a relentless sun. Side panels can be put in place as needed to protect the crew from hard spray, or to further enclose the cockpit. A reversed dodger is positioned at the aft end of the cockpit completing the full cabin system.
All panels except the Bimini have generous window areas which are backed by micro mesh screen that is small enough to keep out the No-See-Ums. The PVC windows are zip-out removable and the screens can be rolled-up for maximum airflow through the cockpit. The complete enclosure system allows the owner to mix and match the panels as needed for the best protection from the elements.
The Solo16 S is a lightweight, trailered boat with demountable amas. The aka beams stay mounted to the amas, along with the trampoline surface. The aka ends fit into composite tubes which are bonded to the vaka hull and the side hiking platforms.
When setting up the boat for sailing while on the trailer, the owner simply lifts the ama assembly, rotates and places the ends of the aka tubes into the matching vaka openings and slides the ama into place. The akas are fully seated when their internal, spring loaded snap-buttons click into place. The entire ama assembly is easily handled by one adult with modest physical strength.
In the trailering mode, the complete boat does not exceed 68″ (1.7 m) in width, falling well under every trailer width limit in the world.
Chris Ostlind
Lunada Design
Posted: April 22nd, 2009 under Sailing Multihulls, Trimarans.
Comments: 5
Comments
Comment from Bud W
Time: April 30, 2009, 4:24 pm
I like the design with the straight pipes to attach the outriggers. Easier or much easier build. Will the A21+ and the A225 have the same set up? Have you any more information on the A21+ and A225? Material list to build would give me a good idea how much the build will cost. Please email me more information on these two boats.
Thanks for your help.
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Hi Bud,
For the past week, or so, I’ve been fiddling with several aka beam strategies for these three boats. The simplest build would be the straight tubes that fit into sockets and are secured with waterstays, as long as the owner can handle the lifting and rotating of the ama for insertion. I figure that the A225 ama will weigh about 80 pounds, so it’s no casual affair and will be much better if done by two people.
There are about three other possible methods for demounting or folding that I’m kicking around.
I’m also compiling an article that looks at all three boats as a group, while defining the differences and possible advantages for each. Stay tuned for that piece.
Chris
Comment from Sergey Strakhov
Time: November 2, 2009, 11:27 am
Hi Chris,
I am interested to learn more about your Z65 design. The idea looks very attractive to me. Do you have plans available? Any prototypes built so far? Can it use not only hulls but also rigging (mast, boom, sails etc) of a 20′ cat?
Thanks!
Comment from Edvergara
Time: November 8, 2009, 10:54 pm
…..like your boat .do you have plans available for sale ? its the size im looking for solo shoreline happing… here at tanion straight
maybe oftional canopy for tropic and temperate places..
Comment from Josh Mohler
Time: December 20, 2009, 3:48 am
Hi there, are you (Chris) building this boat? Is the Solo 16 and the A-18T the same boat? I’m have sent some queries out to Boatbuilders.net and got some exciting answers. I’m curious about this craft. Has there been building progress of the prototype. Are there contemporary pictures of the process/progress?
Comment from Geoff Sellman
Time: December 21, 2009, 7:49 pm
Hi Chris,
I have always wanted to build my own boat, but have never found the right design. The Solo 16 looks perfect. I manufacture CNC flat-bed routers. Do you sell plans in a DXF file? If you do, I could cut all the components on my machine, making the operation a lot easier.
Geoff
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Hi Geoff,
Perhaps we can come to an agreement about the use of a .dxf file for the Solo 16 Sport. Please write back to me at Chris@Wedgesail.com and we can discuss the potential further.
Chris O
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