Would you take a bouncy castle across the Atlantic?

[tcm]

Custom built, but nonetheless, a useable bouncy castle. I was asked this a little while ago, and I know at least one suitable nutcase hereabouts who would definitely be up for the trip, but he might have to do away with his shoes whilst on board this time, perhaps. I think it would be a sort of catamaran-type bouncy castle, a nice big one, probably length 2 x beam. Any other design suggestions very welcome, especially regarding the rig, if any, and if perhaps one method of reefing be to deflate the upper walls. I would take it downwind from the canaries, really.

 

[oldbilbo]

Running backstays on the upper walls, and a log fire in the Great Hall.... Don't forget the drawbridge will give 'rated sail area' under the RRS,

 

[Tranona]

What sort of anchor would you need for a bouncy castle?

 

[LittleSister]

Like this one?

 

[Daydream believer]

Custom built, but nonetheless, a useable bouncy castle. I was asked this a little while ago, and I know at least one suitable nutcase hereabouts who would definitely be up for the trip, but he might have to do away with his shoes whilst on board this time, perhaps. I think it would be a sort of catamaran-type bouncy castle, a nice big one, probably length 2 x beam. Any other design suggestions very welcome, especially regarding the rig, if any, and if perhaps one method of reefing be to deflate the upper walls. I would take it downwind from the canaries, really.

Already been done , albeit in a smaller model & not that particular route.
it is a pretty old design concept - It's called a "life raft"
People have done some epic trips in them in the past

 

[A1Sailor]

Already been done , albeit in a smaller model & not that particular route.
it is a pretty old design concept - It's called a "life raft"
People have done some epic trips in them in the past

Would the bouncy castle need to carry a liferaft as well?

 

[sarabande]

some interesting preliminary design issues.

I reckon it has two main 'styles'

1 floating across the top of the water, unencumbered
2 ditto with ballast bags below the surface

Tyoe 1 means faster progress scudding along driven by Aeolus and Co, but in danger of rolling/tipped over; type 2 would be more stable but a lot slower, effectively current speed plus a bit of additional from wind.

I'd look at a catamaran shape with the bridge deck above water; ramparts, sally ports, drawbridge, crenellations, and the occasional keep, ad lib . Perhaps a Thor Heyerdahl type adventure ? Lots of area for sponsorship slogans


EDIT.

Ideal project for being powered by a large kite....

 

[mrming]

My main concern would be the crew's footwear which would usually be left on a mat just outside the entrance to the bouncy castle.

You would look very silly indeed if, after successfully crossing the Atlantic, you were forced to come ashore in your socks because your unsecured shoes had fallen off the mat.

 

[Twister_Ken]

My main concern would be the crew's footwear which would usually be left on a mat just outside the entrance to the bouncy castle.

You would look very silly indeed if, after successfully crossing the Atlantic, you were forced to come ashore in your socks because your unsecured shoes had fallen off the mat.

Quite right. I think that possibility alone renders the whole enterprise impractical, let alone the fact that there's a 13 year old age limit for users.

 

[Wandering Star]

Quite right. I think that possibility alone renders the whole enterprise impractical, let alone the fact that there's a 13 year old age limit for users.

I think the 13 year age limit is in respect of mental age not physical age, TCM should be fine.

 

[richardbayle]

Didn't Thor Heyerdahl do this in 1947.

No sorry my mistake he did the Pacific!

 

[prv]

there's a 13 year old age limit for users.

Ah, but that doesn't apply if you hire the whole castle, as at a mate's wedding.

The effects on one's best suit are not ideal, though.

Pete

 

[Lakesailor]

Where would you put the fan unit that keeps it inflated?

 

[aussi]

Where would you put the fan unit that keeps it inflated?

That's easy, it would fit neatly between the V12s.

​

 

[oldbilbo]

I'm a bit worried about Sarabande's 'water ballast bags'. If the thing capsizes, like any multihull can, wouldn't they empty themselves all over the hapless crew? And wouldn't the darned thing go scudding about downwind to god knows where....?

 

[DownWest]

They could keep the 'shore' shoes in the dungeons, quite safe there.

 

[Lakesailor]

Too late.