Design Criteria And Considerations For A Hawaiian Stable Semi-Submerged Fishing Vessel (Ssfv)

The Stable Semi-submerged Fishing Vessel (SSFV) is categorized as a Small Waterplane Area Twin Hulled vessel (SWATH). SWATH designs are characterized by two submerged hulls; one or two surface-piercing struts per side, and an upper cross structure. SWATH vessels are also self-propelled and are able to transit at moderate to high speeds with extraordinary stability in all sea states. SWATH vessels offer large stable deck areas and low accelerations and motions. In rough seas, they are able to transit at high speeds and deploy fishing gear while conventional vessels are waiting for the seas to settle. The use of a SWATH vessel is being considered for fishing in the Hawaiian chain. This report analyzes the numerous alternatives in design and characteristics and presents the SWATH design criteria which appears to be ideally suited to the task.