h a l f b a k e r yThe embarrassing drunkard uncle of invention.
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A catamaran with a caterpillar track on the underside of each hull.
When afloat, the tracks are covered by "bomb-bay" sideways opening doors for streamlining; the doors are not watertight. The mass of the track mechanism replaces the ballast normally required in hulls.
On approaching shore, the
covers hinge up, fully exposing the tracks. As the speed should be low, turbulence and drag should not be excessive.
On contacting the shore, power to the tracks is engaged and the boat can be driven onto land and steered like any other tracked vehicle.
The track mechanisms are fabricated from stainless steel and other corrosion-resistant materials.
A design for an EkranoCaterpillarmaranPlan is being studied.
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Drive your boat to the water. [+] |
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Hang on. I think I've got one of these in the garage somewhere... |
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Catamarans don't normally used ballast. Not that you
couldn't create such a boat, but it wouldn't have the typical
efficiency of a catamaran. |
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Will it play in Peoria? (Caterpillar and Komatsu have plants there. ) |
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Now if you can find a way to adapt the main mast to launch
some basic ordinance, I'd be in line with a check. |
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