Constant Camber (CC) is an outside-in building method that results in a "molded plywood" boat patented by Jim Brown. Unlike conventional molds, a single CC mold can produce many different designs. In fact, the mold is actually a laminating form.
Full or partial length panels are laminated from veneer and epoxy to produce frameless two-piece hulls from a single unilateral mold. Series production of panels is made possible by the geometric elimination of spiIing the individual veneer planks. This constant spile of each plank eliminates the labor-intensive hand-fitting of pieces. Panels can be assembled with various adhesives using either staples or vacuum bag for pressure while the adhesive cures. Vacuum bagging is the preferred method since it is faster and achieves a higher quality laminate with less adhesive. Unlike the complex vacuum pressure methods used in the aerospace industry, wooden veneer bagging is a fairly simple process requiring only common materials, most of which can be purchased at the local hardware store.
Dimensional stability is achieved without an internal skeleton by slightly torturing the compound panels during hull assembly which imparts pre-stressed eggshell rigidity to the panels. The resulting structure has extremely high strength for its low weight. Most material is relegated to the skin, thus gaining adequate skin thickness for good insulation and high impact/puncture resistance. Building a dimensionally perfect hull is accomplished without framing up; the mold and panels are all self-fairing. Hull shape is established by the mold geometry plus the mating perimeters of its panels. Panels are also used for decks, wing fairings, and cabins where appropriate on some designs.
Vessels that have been designed for this method range from large passenger carrying catamarans and sophisticated high-performance yachts to Third World workboats built to withstand repeated heavy use. Rigs, sails, and outfitting are designed to appropriate standards. Furthermore, this design approach is seen as a means by which the large manufacturer of multihulls and the small custom boatshop can both be made viable in the marketplace. For less cost than the investment of framing up a hull, panels may be laminated by individuals wishing to build only their own boats. They retain they important option of being able to produce more panels for other builders. Alternately the mold and vacuum system can be sold to another builder to return some of the cost of construction.
Comparing Catamarans and Trimarans
In less than 40 feet, trimarans will have better cabin area than catamarans. About 50 feet catamarans will have standing headroom in the cabins and more space than a trimaran does. Building costs do not change much between catamarans and trimarans of the same length and style. Generally speaking, trimarans have a smoother ride than catamarans.
Each Constant Camber plans package<NEED LINK TO PRICE LIST PAGE> includes a complete set of working drawings, the descriptivePanelmaking how-to booklet, theLiquid Joinery epoxy guide, our Standard Details booklet, and other articles by the designer. Consultation, to a reasonable extent, is included in the design fee to assure the successful completion of each vessel. Here is a list of our current Constant Camber Trimaran designs, from a variety of mold sizes:
3M Trimaran—A cat-rigged solo harbor racer and sail trainer. The sailor sits in the hull like a kayak and can control sails and rudder from that position. Without any need to move about, the novice can concentrate on handling the mainsail. As the novice gains competence, he or she can add a spinnaker for more complexity and fun. Study Plans $10. Design Fee $100
CC23 Cyclone—This fast day-sailing sloop trimaran with central cockpit and up to six person capacity, folds for highway trailering.
CC26—Four adults will enjoy daysailing on this fast trimarans. It can also serve a weekender with berths for two adults and two children. Since it folds for highway trailering behind the family car, greatly multiplying your possible cruising grounds.
DC-3—Winner of WoodenBoat Magazine’s Third Design Challenge, this 27’ trimaran is a twin-cabin, expedition-sailing sloop for two people. Like the CC26, this design folds for highway trailering.
CC30—You can take five your best friends for an exciting daysail on this sloop, or invite your very best friend on a longer adventure. The CC30 folds to 9’6” wide for storage.
CC32—The CC32 is a high performance day-racing sloop for protected water. It offers overnight accommodations for two people in a small cabin. This boat dismounts for seasonal transport to storage.
CC35—The CC35 can be rigged as a sloop or cutter. Designed for extended cruising, this design can be built with a mid- or aft-cockpit.
CC37—Winner of the 2005 OSTAR race (small boat class), this fast cutter is designed for extended cruising.
CC40M—A twin-cabin, cruising cutter for extended cruising with berths for four people. The large cockpit and deck will easily hold 12 for a daysail.
CC44M—The CC44M is a slightly larger version of the CC40M, but with more carrying capacity, carrying up to 15 persons on a daysail.
CC44FC—A fast-cruising sloop or cutter has large main cabin amidships, and a smaller cabin aft that serves an owner’s stateroom. The CC44FC carries four people on a long cruise or 12 on a daysail.