- Nov 11, 2004
- 12,576
- 7
- 81
Subject: Strange boat
These pictures were taken in the Port of Ilwaco off the Washington State coast. The crew wore civilian clothes but guarded the boat closely and would not answer any questions.
It was suggested it may be something Boeing is working on. The pontoons appear to be made of very thick rubber and may be fuel cells. Note that each of the steel spider-like legs are jointed in three places. Perhaps the boat can be lowered in calm seas and raised when it is rough.
The boat had no name or number...
A friend who lives there said it arrived out of the fog the nite before. The crew would not say who they were or where they were from, and were not allowed to discuss the craft. Notice how the rear of the cabin can be lowered into the water but has a very small prop.
One man stayed on the float at all times ... none wore uniforms.
Comments: These images (photographer unknown) began making the rounds in October 2006, generating a good deal of discussion on Internet message boards, where a consensus was rapidly reached that they are authentic and reveal the prototype of an inflatable power catamaran designed by Antrim Associates based on a concept by oceanographer Ugo Conti.
According to Yachting Monthly, the experimental vessel is 100 feet long and 50 feet wide and powered by twin diesel engines mounted to the rear of the inflatable pontoon hulls. The cabin is suspended on flexible legs about 15 feet above and between the hulls, allowing them to glide independently over the service of the water.
The "mysterious" craft was first spotted during sea trials in various locations off the northern Washington state coast, including Anacortes, where it was assembled, and the Port of Ilwaco, where the foregoing snapshots were taken. It was also reportedly seen in San Francisco.
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These pictures were taken in the Port of Ilwaco off the Washington State coast. The crew wore civilian clothes but guarded the boat closely and would not answer any questions.
It was suggested it may be something Boeing is working on. The pontoons appear to be made of very thick rubber and may be fuel cells. Note that each of the steel spider-like legs are jointed in three places. Perhaps the boat can be lowered in calm seas and raised when it is rough.
The boat had no name or number...
A friend who lives there said it arrived out of the fog the nite before. The crew would not say who they were or where they were from, and were not allowed to discuss the craft. Notice how the rear of the cabin can be lowered into the water but has a very small prop.
One man stayed on the float at all times ... none wore uniforms.
Comments: These images (photographer unknown) began making the rounds in October 2006, generating a good deal of discussion on Internet message boards, where a consensus was rapidly reached that they are authentic and reveal the prototype of an inflatable power catamaran designed by Antrim Associates based on a concept by oceanographer Ugo Conti.
According to Yachting Monthly, the experimental vessel is 100 feet long and 50 feet wide and powered by twin diesel engines mounted to the rear of the inflatable pontoon hulls. The cabin is suspended on flexible legs about 15 feet above and between the hulls, allowing them to glide independently over the service of the water.
The "mysterious" craft was first spotted during sea trials in various locations off the northern Washington state coast, including Anacortes, where it was assembled, and the Port of Ilwaco, where the foregoing snapshots were taken. It was also reportedly seen in San Francisco.
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