[MHml] horsepower & sleds

[Glenn Brown]

Ross> sounds as if you have just described a big RIB (7+m long) with a 
Ross> diesel/petrol inboard and tow afterburner on a bridle

Bill> That'd be the traditional approach all right.
Bill> Nothing creative about it though.  :-)

How about a smaller RIB loaded to near capacity with fuel tanks?
Use an aft bridle from the RIB stern to AB's rear beam... and a forward 
bridle from the RIB bow to AB's bow beam.  Then the rib can rise and 
fall but will not turn (assuming a stretchy forward bridle).  Make the 
bridles asymmetric so the RIB is off centerline if needed for clearance. 
  Lash the RIB's helm, and steer with AB's helm.  A deadman switch 
lashed to AB's tramp would avert disaster and allow you to kill the 
unmanned RIB's motor when the coasties approach, or when you approach 
the coast.

Just an idea,
--Glenn