CATAMARAN CONSTRUCTION
Floats provide the buoyancy of catamaran. They are made from PVC fabrics and have
impermeable partitions dividing every float into two compartments. Every compartment is
equipped with a valve for filling with air. The floats are attached to the bridge with loops.
Bridge is аload-bearing unit of catamaran and takes on the loading of rigging, crew, etc. It is
made up of two compound longitudinal beams –stringers, three transverse beams –bow
beam, centerboard beam, stern beam, and diagonal cable tension braces - lower bridle.
Stringer beams consist of two parts: bow part and stern part.
Trampoline is made from PVC net and serves for crew accommodation. Trampoline’s sleeves
are put on the stringer beams. Trampoline is tensioned with cables and inflatable cylinders.
Centerboard unit consists of the centerboard and the centerboard beam. The centerboard is used
to reduce the drift of catamaran when sailing upwind. Rubber expander holds the centerboard in
operational (vertical) position. Expander absorbs the hitting of underwater obstacles, thus
allowing avoid the serious damage of the centerboard. In moorage (horizontal) position
centerboard is raised by halyard and held with clam cleat on the mast.
Rudder unit consists of two rudder blades and two rudder boxes. Rudders are used to control the
catamaran. They are mounted in the rudder boxes, that are attached to stern beam. Rubber
expanders hold the rudder blades in operational (vertical) position. Expanders absorb the hitting
of underwater obstacles, thus allowing avoid the serious damage of the rudder blades. In moorage
(horizontal) position rudder blades are raised by halyard and held with clam cleat on the rudder
tiller.
Rigging consists of the mast and sail. The mast consists of four pieces which are interconnecting.
Standing rigging includes forestay and shrouds which hold the mast in position. Tensioning of
shrouds and forestay is done by forestay's lanyard.
Running rigging includes tackle to control sail: the main-sheet and main traveler.
