[TarJak]

Originally Posted by Stealth Hunter

I just noticed that the pontoon floaters were flexible so they could contour to the motions of the waves. Quite an innovative design. Still, I have my doubts that it would function well in rough seas... if at all. Your legs that hold the floaters on would probably rip off from stress, assuming they aren't flexible.

From their website:

Wave Adaptive

Unlike conventional boats, the hulls of a WAM-V™ conform to the surface of the water. A WAM-V does not push, slap or pierce the waves. She utilizes flexibility to adapt her structure and shape to the water surface. Instead of forcing the water to conform to the hull, she gives and adjusts; she “dances” with the waves.

A superstructure is flexibly connected to specially designed pontoons by several components that actually move in relation to one another. A WAM-V™ has springs, shock absorbers and ball joint to articulate the vessel and mitigate stresses to structure, payload and crew. Two engine pods, containing the propulsion and ancillary systems, are fastened to the hulls with special hinges that keep the propellers in the water at all times.

Originally Posted by SteamWake

I dont get it. How is a pontoon style catamaran a 'new' concept?

The wave adaptive technology is what makes it a 'new' concept. I alos feel this is where it will likely be an engineering headache in heavy seas.