Parametric study of motions and added resistance of a high-speed trimaran in regular oblique waves

There are several advantages associated with a Trimaran hull, which makes it a unique concept in comparison with catamaran and monohull vessels. However, there is a limited understanding of trimaran motion responses and in particular, the roll characteristics that may occur in oblique seas. The research undertaken in this paper intends to develop a better understanding of the parameters influencing high-speed trimaran motions response in waves. A set of experimental tests for two configurations of a 1.6 m high-speed displacement trimaran model was conducted in a range of wave frequency, where a constant wave heading, and wave height is maintained. The results suggest that the position of the outriggers has a considerable impact on a trimaran performance in oblique seas. The results from this work lead to a better understanding of the parameters influencing the passenger comfort as well as optimising fuel consumption.