The wave-interference hull
What means wave interference?
Speed and the length of the boat have been related to each other ever since. At a certain speed the bow and stern wave will add together and build sort of a "sound barrier" to every displacement hull --> the hull speed.
The wave interference hull "DG" (displacement glider) is a breathtaking invention made by DI Theodor Eder, making it possible to cancel most of the wavebuilding and even reusing some of its energy. This is performed by having a sleek displacement part of the hull with low drag, combined with a gliding hull which is "surfing" on the wave of the displacement hull.
The resulting effects are -35% less energy consumption or +50% more speed at the same hull dimensions. Also, at higher consumption, speeds of twice the hull speed can be reached.
What makes the "Wave(less)bike" so unique?
Well, it won´t be the fastest boat on earth, but the fastest of its size for sure. As the owner of a self built ultralight 14 feet racing sailboat, which is trailerable on top of a car, I know how hard it is to handle even 14 feet and decided that it is just the time for a change.
At a length of only 8 feet it is barely bigger than the rider itself and I doubt, that there will ever be another waterbike at this size, capable of going at speeds that only professional boats of double the size offer, can be lifted by a single person with one arm, fits into any corner of your garage and yet has the stability of a kayak.
| Length: | 2,6 | m |
| Width: | 0,75 | m |
| Draft: | 0,3 | m |
| Weight: | 20 - 25 | kg |
| Payload: | 50 - 110 | kg |
| Cruise speed: | 12 | km/h |
(all values preliminary)
Can so many advantages still be beaten?
Yes! Well, building a boat normally would be a time consuming and expensive hobby. But due to its hullform, the boat is either possible to be built out of relatively cheap marine grade plywood, or it is also possible to use a special method to build it out of carbon/glass fibre sandwich WITHOUT a mold, reducing building costs and work time by -50%.
More information
The prototype will be built beginning in March 2012. All information about the boat will be found later under www.waveless.at (site is not opened yet).
Detailed plans including building instructions will be available after testing of the prototype is finished. The plans will be sold for a usual price in form of a donation for further development.
If there is enough interest, there will also be the possibility of buying a quick kit or complete boats later on.
How can I help to speed things up?
Well, as not only time, but also ressources are limited, I am glad for any help or donation. If you have access to CNC machines or just want to donate single parts, it will help me to complete the prototype still this summer. Needed parts would be small CNC machined moulds and marine steel cutting/welding.
For any suggestion, just contact me. Bigger help will be rewarded with sets of plans and/or building assistance.
Who is the designer?
Well, my name is Andreas Schönwälder MSc, age 29 from Vienna and I am an engineer for safety relevant electronic systems in the automotive sector. Besides that, I also work as a commercial pilot and theoretic instructor for future ailine pilots. My obsession for boats came from a homebuilt "Seggerling", surely one of the best sailboats for two persons in the world.
A relative of mine asked me, if I could build a pedal boat faster than the commercial ones, but still so small and light, that his smallest child could handle it alone. At first it seemed impossible, but thanks to the great work and help of DI Theodor Eder, the impossible was just makeable.
If you are interested in this project and want to contact Andreas Schönwälder (designer) please tell us.
Our boat is faster than mine.