Copyright (c) 1996 by John D. Eikenberry "Windrunner", wheeled sailboat for the deep desert Structure: 250 cu ft in size, light standard body (wooden) with fair aerodynamics. Maximu load is 6,250 lbs (Body HT: 250). Unpowered wheeled motive system with 5 wheels (DR: 2, HT: 16). Two wheels under the stern, 1 in the bow, and 1 each on the two side out-riggers. Propulsion: Single mast 30' tall, 450 sq. ft of sail (Ht: 150) produces 27KW motive power with a 20 mph wind. Power: None Accomodations: 8 light open seats on 2 benches Crew Req: One (driving, sailing, desert survival) Accessories: None, though a ram could be fitted if desired. Armor: None Statistics: Cost $13,500 ($1250 base + $2500 fair aerodynamic streamlining + $9000 sail + $400 seats) Design Mass 1900 lbs. (1250 structure + 450 sail + 200 seats) Max Payload: 4,350 lbs (6250 mas load - 1900 design) Current payload: 500 lbs (driver & supplies, water) Loaded mass: 2400 lbs (1.2 tons) Size mod: +4, Radar sig: +5, IR sig +0, Accoustic +2 Performance: Power-to-mass ratio: 22.5 Power factor: 2.75 Acceleration: 4.2 mph/s (power factor * 1.5) Top ground speed: 27.5 mph (power factor * ground speed factor of 10 mph) Deceleration: 10 mph/s MR: .25 (manuverability rating) SR: 4 (stability rating) Description: When windrunner is seen for the first time, it usually is seen as a glimmer on the horizon, the heat radianting from the ground giving it an almost ethereal image. Because of the need for a strong steady wind, it can be seen riding just in front of the sandstorms which frequent the deep desert area. Many denizens of the desert say that Windrunner is the what the Polin Oasis legend is based on. The legend describes an oasis which floats above the desert and moves with the winds. It only appears to those that are desperate need of help (i.e., water). On closer views, the basic construction is wood. A 40' strong beam (the keel) runs from the front to back. Near the mid-point of the keel is the attachment point for the mast and two outriggers (for stability). The mast is 30' tall and the outriggers are attached to a single 20' beam, putting the ends of the outriggers 10' on either side of the keel. The mast is supported by a dizzying array of rope attached to all points of the boat. There are two sails, one in front of the mast and one attached behind the mast. At the very back of the keel is a small seating area with two benches running front-to-back. The are 5 metal wheels, one at the bow, 2 at the stern and 1 on each outrigger. The steering and changing the sails can be handled by the single driver from the back of the boat. The driver can also lower the sails from the back, though raising the sails requires a lot of effort. The driver also has a drag anchor which can be thrown out the back to help slow the boat down. A view from the top. Wheels: =, beam: - and |, mast: @, seating: # |= | = =---------@-----####-- | = |= The materials were crafted by the Corin Dwarves, a tribe of skilled craftsman who live in the mountains to the North of the deep desert. They also crafted the drvier's suit amde from all leather including gloves and hat. A pair of goggles was also fashioned to completely protect the driver from the blowing sand. Currently owned by Arken the hermit, retired adventurer who never lost the taste for the desert.