WE’VE MASTERED THE M-HULL TECH
M-Hull vessels use air encapsulation technology to provide exceptional stability and increased speeds. Bow wave energy is captured and directed into planing tunnels of the unique M-shaped hull, generating non-mechanical hydrodynamic lift, decreasing overall drag, and improving performance.
STABILITY
The Central Displacement Section (CDS) is the backbone of the vessel and provides most of the displacement lift. It has a fine entry with a deep bow and a broad shallow
exit. Planing Tunnels (PTs) on each side of the CDS provide the hydrodynamic and aerodynamic lift. They are high above the static waterline in the bow to capture air and the bow wave, gradually sloping down to the water line. Finally, the Rigid Skirts (RS) on the outside of the vessel recapture the bow wave. They are designed to reflect the bow wave energy and control the inboard pressure gradient.
SPEED
M-Hull vessels achieve higher speeds through reduced drag. This reduced drag is achieved by creating hydrodynamic lift as the innovative M-shaped design captures the energy derived from bow waves.
This energy is generated by the formation of water slough, forming an air cushion that creates non-mechanical hydrodynamic lift, decreasing overall drag.
COMFORT
The M-Hull has several inherent damping factors to improve ride quality. M-Hull geometry reduces the excitation response of the hull when encountering undulating sea conditions. The CDS “teeth” bite through the water, minimizing pitch accelerations and the high volume of the afterbody sections damped oscillations. The unique tunnel design of the M-Hull uses the increasing bow wave as a self-adjusting damping factor to reduce slamming accelerations. Finally, the high-pressure vapor in the PT acts as a cushion.
LOW WAKE
The M-Hull was originally designed as a low wash solution for passenger ferryboats to the problem of wave damage in sensitive areas. M-Hulls convert wave energy into a useful form, increasing lift and reducing drag. By capturing the frothy bow wave, the vapor/fluid flow field passively dampens the visible and acoustic signature of the ship. The stern wake energy that moves away from the vessel through the momentum transfer process of water molecules is inhibited by the presence of millions of captured air bubbles under and trailing the ship.
THE MOULD METHOD
Ghostworks Marine produces reusable hull moulds for all production vessels. This production methodology allows for rapid manufacture of the hull, reducing production time by up to two months per vessel.