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A Banka Boats is an outrigger vessel used for inter-island travel in the Philippines. It is a marvel of efficient use of materials, efficient propulsion, and adaptation of an ancient outrigger canoe design to modern commercial needs in a particular environment. It is seaworthy, but has a shallow draft, and does not require developed moorage facilities, as even large examples may land on sandy beaches without damage. The simplicity of the Banka design lends itself well to almost infinite scalability, as well as multi-hull configuration. It is also a design whose component structures could be of modular design, making practical the manufacture, disassembly, overland transport and deployment of even quite large vessels. The Banka concept would be well-suited to the Bahamas and Caribbean Islands. Waters of the Caribbean are not typically as rough as the open Atlantic, and the vast number of sandy beaches make inter-island landings inherent to Caribbean travel an economical proposition. The tropical climate is well-suited for the principally open design of most Bankas. This project envisions a modular recreational Banka prototype suitable for travel between Florida and the Bahamas. Modularity in this case means that all of the structures are to be designed to fit on a standard-width & length semi flatbed trailer without the need for a wide-load permit. This means that each module needs to fit within an 8' x 40' footprint. The proposed design is to consist of two hulls and two outriggers. Modular decking and enclosed superstructures are to be attached to this platform. The main cabin is to be designed to break away as a fully enclosed emergency lifeboat capable of surviving any foreseeable sea and weather conditions.
Banka Boat Concept Sketch The two main hulls are proposed to be constructed in a modular configuration reminiscent of a 3-piece 8-oared racing shell: The watertight bow and stern sections would be identical, and would be bolted to a middle module of uniform cross-section, consisting of multiple watertight compartments. Deck modules would be attached to the two parallel hulls, and would extend beyond them laterally, reinforcing the spars to which are attached the two outriggers.
Banka Boat Concept Hull Schematic, w/ Cross-Section Strength and light weight would be obtained by extensive use of stainless cable and spars to create a space frame design. Propulsion would be via both sail and engine power. An engine module would be suspended from a deck module between the two hulls. The propeller shaft would project rearward from this module. The propeller would be raised or lowered into the water as needed for maintenance or use. The resut would be a vessel with stability and an expansive deck area suitable as a large-capacity tropical party boat, and with sufficient speed, efficiency & seaworthiness for inter-island travel from Florida to South America among the Caribbean Islands.
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