The R/V NorStar
Overview
The Research Vessel NorStar is a high performance, blue-water sailing catamaran designed and built as a world cruiser and oceanographic research platform. One of its primary functions is to provide a small floating laboratory for climate change and oceanographic research programs in support of the Sea Earth Alliance.
The proposed vessel will be a custom-built hybrid mix of unique catamaran features similar to those found on the Balance 526 catamaran, Schionning's Wilderness 1500X and G-Force 1500 C (latest version) catamaran, as well as Bill Dixon's Bluewater 50 catamaran. The R/V NorStar is designed to go virtually anywhere for climate change research programs ranging from high latitude arctic waters to equatorial tropical seas.
As with all catamarans there is a design compromise struck between speed and comfort. Balance catamarans sees it as a harmony of performance and livability. As a cruiser and research platform the R/V NorStar is relatively fast for a catamaran of its size and yet quite comfortable as a live-aboard vessel. It is by no means a condomaran as is so typically found in the Caribbean. This research catamaran is approximately 52 feet in length with a waterline at about 47 feet and overall beam of 27 feet. With a hull draft of less than 1.8 feet the vessel can operate in very shallow, near-shore waters. When the dagger boards are down during rough weather and high-speed sailing the draft increases to over 7 feet. The bridgedeck clearance at 930 to 950 mm (3.03 to 3.12 feet) helps to maintain a relatively smooth sail in choppy and rough seas. The vessel's large sail area, ranging up to over 1650 sq feet leads to increased speeds under most conditions and results in the R/V NorStar spending far more time under sail than motor. It's speed can also be attributed to a high-quality build, yielding a remarkably light and strong catamaran with a weight coming in slightly over 10 tons. Enhanced speed is an important safety feature of this vessel since it provides the option for this vessel to outrun or maneuver around most storm situations.
There are many special features that enable the R/V NorStar to operate for extended periods of time at sea with the only time constraint being the crews' endurance. There are almost no petroleum-based fuels on board. Main sail power, of course, is provided by the wind. Twin Oceanvolt electric motors are used in place of the normal diesel motors found on most larger sailing vessels. These two motors also function as electric generators when under sail, at anchorage, and even when marina-bound. The energy of seawater flowing past the two adjustable props is converted into electrical power in the same fashion as all hydro-electric power plants. A single wind turbine and a large bank of solar cells provide additional energy sources. New generation, fire-safe, high capacity lithium-ion marine batteries are used to store electrical energy from these three on-board energy sources.
The aft portion of the port hull is configured with a small oceanographic laboratory. All data acquisition and management is handled here for the climate change research efforts. Visitor and guest quarters are located in the forward third of the port hull. The starboard hull houses the main living quarters with the dive locker/compressor station in the aft quarter situated close to the external dive platform. There are three heads with two in the port hull and one in the starboard hull. The main saloon houses the galley and dining/living area. The instrumentation/navigation station is quite small since it is PC based and located in the forward port-side main saloon area.
The Research Vessel NorStar is a high performance, blue-water sailing catamaran designed and built as a world cruiser and oceanographic research platform. One of its primary functions is to provide a small floating laboratory for climate change and oceanographic research programs in support of the Sea Earth Alliance.
The proposed vessel will be a custom-built hybrid mix of unique catamaran features similar to those found on the Balance 526 catamaran, Schionning's Wilderness 1500X and G-Force 1500 C (latest version) catamaran, as well as Bill Dixon's Bluewater 50 catamaran. The R/V NorStar is designed to go virtually anywhere for climate change research programs ranging from high latitude arctic waters to equatorial tropical seas.
As with all catamarans there is a design compromise struck between speed and comfort. Balance catamarans sees it as a harmony of performance and livability. As a cruiser and research platform the R/V NorStar is relatively fast for a catamaran of its size and yet quite comfortable as a live-aboard vessel. It is by no means a condomaran as is so typically found in the Caribbean. This research catamaran is approximately 52 feet in length with a waterline at about 47 feet and overall beam of 27 feet. With a hull draft of less than 1.8 feet the vessel can operate in very shallow, near-shore waters. When the dagger boards are down during rough weather and high-speed sailing the draft increases to over 7 feet. The bridgedeck clearance at 930 to 950 mm (3.03 to 3.12 feet) helps to maintain a relatively smooth sail in choppy and rough seas. The vessel's large sail area, ranging up to over 1650 sq feet leads to increased speeds under most conditions and results in the R/V NorStar spending far more time under sail than motor. It's speed can also be attributed to a high-quality build, yielding a remarkably light and strong catamaran with a weight coming in slightly over 10 tons. Enhanced speed is an important safety feature of this vessel since it provides the option for this vessel to outrun or maneuver around most storm situations.
There are many special features that enable the R/V NorStar to operate for extended periods of time at sea with the only time constraint being the crews' endurance. There are almost no petroleum-based fuels on board. Main sail power, of course, is provided by the wind. Twin Oceanvolt electric motors are used in place of the normal diesel motors found on most larger sailing vessels. These two motors also function as electric generators when under sail, at anchorage, and even when marina-bound. The energy of seawater flowing past the two adjustable props is converted into electrical power in the same fashion as all hydro-electric power plants. A single wind turbine and a large bank of solar cells provide additional energy sources. New generation, fire-safe, high capacity lithium-ion marine batteries are used to store electrical energy from these three on-board energy sources.
The aft portion of the port hull is configured with a small oceanographic laboratory. All data acquisition and management is handled here for the climate change research efforts. Visitor and guest quarters are located in the forward third of the port hull. The starboard hull houses the main living quarters with the dive locker/compressor station in the aft quarter situated close to the external dive platform. There are three heads with two in the port hull and one in the starboard hull. The main saloon houses the galley and dining/living area. The instrumentation/navigation station is quite small since it is PC based and located in the forward port-side main saloon area.
An assortment of vessel systems and components have been added in order to greatly reduce the vessel's environmental footprint and render the R/V NorStar clean in-operation and almost self-sufficient at sea. No hazardous or toxic waste of any kind is released from this catamaran. Every effort has been taken to conduct atmospheric research and truly leave a clean wake everywhere we go.
All-electric motors are used instead of the traditional diesel motors. The electric motors become generators when not running and serve to charge the on-board battery system when under sail. Almost no petroleum fuel is carried or stored on the R/V NorStar. Significant weight and space improvements are gained as a result of not carrying a load of diesel fuel in two 130 gals (2x500 liters) fuel tanks. With tanks topped up that represents a weight saving of over 1800 lbs and a significant space savings from the absence of the fuel tanks.
There is no black-water tank on-board that has to be pumped out to holding tanks while in port or dumped overboard at sea. High efficiency, odor-free composting toilets are used throughout. There is no black-water discharge of any kind. All odor and environmental issues associated with the storage, handling, and disposal of black water on board are removed.
Fresh water is not carried on board in one or two large water tanks. Seawater is converted into freshwater by two reverse-osmosis water purification units. High-purity drinking water is delivered by two Spectra Cape Horn Extreme 330 watermakers, at 330 gal water per day (15 gal/hr) each, to a single 100 gal freshwater tank. This water supply is maintained at 90% capacity and replenished automatically as needed. Frequently in catamarans of this size there are two freshwater tanks each with a capacity of about 100 gallons. By not carrying this extra tank, and continually replenishing the single tank, a space and 800 lb weight savings is realized.
All-electric motors are used instead of the traditional diesel motors. The electric motors become generators when not running and serve to charge the on-board battery system when under sail. Almost no petroleum fuel is carried or stored on the R/V NorStar. Significant weight and space improvements are gained as a result of not carrying a load of diesel fuel in two 130 gals (2x500 liters) fuel tanks. With tanks topped up that represents a weight saving of over 1800 lbs and a significant space savings from the absence of the fuel tanks.
There is no black-water tank on-board that has to be pumped out to holding tanks while in port or dumped overboard at sea. High efficiency, odor-free composting toilets are used throughout. There is no black-water discharge of any kind. All odor and environmental issues associated with the storage, handling, and disposal of black water on board are removed.
Fresh water is not carried on board in one or two large water tanks. Seawater is converted into freshwater by two reverse-osmosis water purification units. High-purity drinking water is delivered by two Spectra Cape Horn Extreme 330 watermakers, at 330 gal water per day (15 gal/hr) each, to a single 100 gal freshwater tank. This water supply is maintained at 90% capacity and replenished automatically as needed. Frequently in catamarans of this size there are two freshwater tanks each with a capacity of about 100 gallons. By not carrying this extra tank, and continually replenishing the single tank, a space and 800 lb weight savings is realized.
R/V NorStar General Specifications:
Needless to say a sailing catamaran is composed of many complex systems all working together to perform the 'simple' task of sailing.
The overall vessel layout is the three cabin owner version with master berth in the forward portion of the starboard hull. Owner master shower and head aft.
The office/lab space in the aft port hull convertible to single berths. The overall interior style is best captured by the Balance 526 Avant Garde Zebrawood interior design. Light-colored counters and accents in the Avant Garde Zebrawood style highlight the Saloon, Master Cabin, and other living areas in the vessel. The interior is all hand-crafted furniture (light and strong foam sandwich). There is a very modern feel and look to the entire interior.
Saloon
The saloon is a large main living area located between the hulls and accommodates the galley,navigation/communication/computer work station, along with an entertainment center housing the whole boat sound system and television.
Galley
The U-shaped galley is situated in the aft port corner of the saloon deck. Despite being small it is a full galley with a large Barka single stainless steel sink, Hans Grohe mixer tap for hot and cold water, Vitrifrigo DW210 RFX drawer refrigerator, Vitrifrigo DW210 BTX drawer freezer, Spinflo Nelson 1500 Stainless steel oven, two burner hob and independent grill all featuring flame , Bosch 500 Series 27 Microwave, Bosch 500 18” stainless steel fully integrated dishwasher-energy star, Vitrifrigo IM Classic Refill Stainless Steel Icemaker
All counter tops are Corian in Cameo White color, all cabinets faces are zebrawood. The cabinetry and style follow the Balance 526 Avant Garde Zebrawood interior design with a few modifications.
U shaped galley in the aft port of saloon deck
Storage lockers and drawers
Barka Stainless steel farmers single sink
LI 34.29.20/R. Cod. 01.08.60005
Corian counter tops in Cameo White
Spinflo Nelson 1500 Cooker(GC053A)
The Spinflo Nelson cooker features a thermostatically controlled oven with a two burner hob and independent grill, the marine cooker comes complete with pan support, oven shelf, grill pan, baking tray, roasting tin, grill pan cradle, pan holders and gimbals. The marine cooker is made from stainless steel making it particularly suitable for the marine environment, it features a glass oven door complete with a locking latch to stop the door opening. The Nelson has stainless steel oven interior making for easy cleaning. Spinflo part number SOH1505
Vitrifrigo IM Classic Refill Icemaker
Stainess steel style.Model IMXT. 240V 115V. 22lbs ice/24 hours.
Equipped with an internal ice maker which produces trays of ice cubes in the classic crescent moon shape, which allows for better ice production and use. This shape prevents the ice cubes from attaching to one another.
Vitrifrigo DW210 RFX stainless steel double Refrigerator/Refrigerator compartment, internal refrigeration unit, 12/24V. Total volume 182 liters. Nominal consumption 45W. Net weight 60 kg. Models available DOOR OUTSIDE and INSIDE.
Vitrifrigo DW210 BTX stainless steel double Freezer/Freezer compartment internal refrigeration unit, 12/24V. Total volume 182 liters. Nominal consumption 61W. Net weight 60 kg. Models available DOOR OUTSIDE and INSIDE.
Bosch 500 Series 27 Microwave " HMB57152UC,
1.6 Cu. Ft. Capacity ,950W,Sensor Cooking Controls, Electronic Touch Pad, 10 Power Levels
Bosch SPX5ES55UC 500 18” stainless steel fully integrated dishwasher-energy star, ASIN-B006Z2ZRZO, 9 place capacity,10 year warranty on major components, around $900
All counter tops are Corian in Cameo White color, all cabinets faces are zebrawood. The cabinetry and style follow the Balance 526 Avant Garde Zebrawood interior design with a few modifications.
U shaped galley in the aft port of saloon deck
Storage lockers and drawers
Barka Stainless steel farmers single sink
LI 34.29.20/R. Cod. 01.08.60005
Corian counter tops in Cameo White
Spinflo Nelson 1500 Cooker(GC053A)
The Spinflo Nelson cooker features a thermostatically controlled oven with a two burner hob and independent grill, the marine cooker comes complete with pan support, oven shelf, grill pan, baking tray, roasting tin, grill pan cradle, pan holders and gimbals. The marine cooker is made from stainless steel making it particularly suitable for the marine environment, it features a glass oven door complete with a locking latch to stop the door opening. The Nelson has stainless steel oven interior making for easy cleaning. Spinflo part number SOH1505
Vitrifrigo IM Classic Refill Icemaker
Stainess steel style.Model IMXT. 240V 115V. 22lbs ice/24 hours.
Equipped with an internal ice maker which produces trays of ice cubes in the classic crescent moon shape, which allows for better ice production and use. This shape prevents the ice cubes from attaching to one another.
Vitrifrigo DW210 RFX stainless steel double Refrigerator/Refrigerator compartment, internal refrigeration unit, 12/24V. Total volume 182 liters. Nominal consumption 45W. Net weight 60 kg. Models available DOOR OUTSIDE and INSIDE.
Vitrifrigo DW210 BTX stainless steel double Freezer/Freezer compartment internal refrigeration unit, 12/24V. Total volume 182 liters. Nominal consumption 61W. Net weight 60 kg. Models available DOOR OUTSIDE and INSIDE.
Bosch 500 Series 27 Microwave " HMB57152UC,
1.6 Cu. Ft. Capacity ,950W,Sensor Cooking Controls, Electronic Touch Pad, 10 Power Levels
Bosch SPX5ES55UC 500 18” stainless steel fully integrated dishwasher-energy star, ASIN-B006Z2ZRZO, 9 place capacity,10 year warranty on major components, around $900
Passageway in Port Hull
Splendide Ariston 15075914, Mfg#ARWXF129WNA,UPC#854812000457 Compact Washer with wash capacity of 15 pounds, heavy-duty springs, shock absorbers, stainless steel case, super silent, adjustable water temperature and spin cycles. Overflow flood protection. About $900.
Splendide Ariston AR TV M63X Vented Dryer, Model #15075906, Mfg# TVM63XNA, UPC# 854812000440, 3 timed cycles ,4.0 cu dryer, vented exhaust,13# drying capacity, quiet model, stainless steel drum, metal case, one year warranty. Door lock indicator.About $750.
These are stackable units. We want them side-by-side with a workspace counter across the top. We want a hamper installed that pivots out near the washer and dryer. Storage above counter. Plenty of storage cabinets, drawers make up this part of the passageway. Also to include a lab bench workspace; like the counter across the washer and dryer. Included in this area will be a pull-down or pull-out desk area.
Splendide Ariston AR TV M63X Vented Dryer, Model #15075906, Mfg# TVM63XNA, UPC# 854812000440, 3 timed cycles ,4.0 cu dryer, vented exhaust,13# drying capacity, quiet model, stainless steel drum, metal case, one year warranty. Door lock indicator.About $750.
These are stackable units. We want them side-by-side with a workspace counter across the top. We want a hamper installed that pivots out near the washer and dryer. Storage above counter. Plenty of storage cabinets, drawers make up this part of the passageway. Also to include a lab bench workspace; like the counter across the washer and dryer. Included in this area will be a pull-down or pull-out desk area.
Power Systems