Isotope (catamaran)
In today's world, Isotope (catamaran) is still a topic of great relevance and debate. From its origins to its impact on contemporary society, Isotope (catamaran) has generated constant interest and raised mixed opinions. Throughout history, Isotope (catamaran) has been the object of study, reflection and controversy, influencing different aspects of daily life, culture and politics. Whether due to its relevance in the academic field, its impact on society or its importance in popular culture, Isotope (catamaran) continues to be a topic of interest for people of all ages and backgrounds. In this article, we will delve into the fascinating world of Isotope (catamaran) and explore its many facets, from its origin to its influence today.
&sq=&lang=en&file=File:Isotope_sail_badge.png){kind=icon} Class symbol | |
| Development | |
|---|---|
| Designer | Frank Meldau |
| Location | United States |
| Year | 1962 |
| No. built | 710 |
| Builder(s) | Fiberglass Unlimited |
| Role | One-design racer |
| Name | Isotope |
| Boat | |
| Crew | one |
| Displacement | 275 lb (125 kg) |
| Draft | 2.50 ft (0.76 m) with the centerboards down |
| Hull | |
| Type | Catamaran |
| Construction | Fiberglass |
| LOA | 16.00 ft (4.88 m) |
| Beam | 7.50 ft (2.29 m) |
| Hull appendages | |
| Keel/board type | twin centerboards |
| Rudder(s) | transom-mounted rudders |
| Rig | |
| Rig type | Bermuda rig |
| Sails | |
| Sailplan | Fractional rigged sloop |
| Mainsail area | 140 sq ft (13 m2) |
| Jib/genoa area | 45 sq ft (4.2 m2) |
| Total sail area | 185 sq ft (17.2 m2) |
| Racing | |
| D-PN | 74.0 |
The Isotope is an American catamaran sailing dinghy that was designed by Frank Meldau as a one-design racer and first built in 1962.[1][2]
The design is the larger stablemate of the Cheshire 14 catamaran.[2]
Production
The design is built by Fiberglass Unlimited (now called Custom Fiberglass International) in Wake Forest, North Carolina, United States. A total of 710 have been built and the design remains in production.[1][2][3][4]
Design
The Isotope is a recreational sailboat, built predominantly of fiberglass. It has a fractional sloop rig, with aluminum spars, a sealed rotating mast and fully battened mainsail, with eight ash wood or fiberglass battens. The hulls have spooned raked stems, vertical transoms, transom-hung, kick-up rudders controlled by a tiller and retractable, self-tending centerboards. The hulls are joined with three cross-members. There are two stowage compartments, with hatches. The boat displaces 275 lb (125 kg) and has flotation for positive buoyancy, plus a righting bar.[1][2][4]
The boat has a draft of 2.50 ft (0.76 m) with the centerboards extended and 6 in (15 cm) with them retracted, allowing beaching or ground transportation on a trailer.[1]
For sailing the design may be equipped with options such as a mast limiter, roller furling jib and a trapeze.[2][4]
The design has a Portsmouth Yardstick racing average handicap of 74.0. It is normally raced with a crew of one sailor although it can carry three people.[2]
Operational history
In a 1994 review Richard Sherwood wrote, "sister to the Cheshire, the Isotope is two feet longer and five Portsmouth numbers faster."[2]
See also
Related development
References
- ^ a b c d McArthur, Bruce (2020). "Isotope sailboat". sailboatdata.com. Archived from the original on 4 September 2020. Retrieved 4 September 2020.
- ^ a b c d e f g Sherwood, Richard M.: A Field Guide to Sailboats of North America, Second Edition, pages 68-69. Houghton Mifflin Company, 1994. ISBN 0-395-65239-1
- ^ McArthur, Bruce (2020). "Custom Fiberglass International". sailboatdata.com. Archived from the original on 14 July 2020. Retrieved 4 September 2020.
- ^ a b c Custom Fiberglass International (2013). "Isotope Catamaran". intl-fiberglass.com. Archived from the original on 4 September 2020. Retrieved 4 September 2020.