There is a certain unavoidable dichotomy about this. I cannot see how a
racing sailor would want it, but a cruising sailor would probably really
like it (depending on his waters). We grow a lot of marine flora and fauna
here in Connecticut, and I wouldn't want it, whether racing or cruising. But
wherever it could be kept clean, it would make a serious difference in
thrust, at a cost in drag (especially under sail).
Similarly, there is an even simpler device said to give certain beneficial
effects to an outboard. Back around 1987, I was editor of Powerboat Reports
and we decided to test a device called the Dol-fin. I don't know whether it
is still available. Essentially, it is like adding stylish wingtips to your
anti-cavitation plate. There were various claims of fuel efficiency, speed
and control, I believe. As I recall (20 years ago now) there was no
appreciable difference in any parameter when we tested it in real-life
conditions. You were trading off some well-understood aerodynamic (er,
hydrodynamic) benefits versus wetted surface (wetted surface always means
drag).
--Dave S.
On 2/6/08 1:56 PM, "tim ford" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> Not to be unkind, but....ummm....
>
> man, how many ways does that thing say, " S L O O O O O O O O W."
>
> whatever maneuverability it provides, I hope it compensates for the
> piggy-factor.
> nothing like doubling your wetted surface, skin friction, turbulence
> and....shudder...drag.
>
> Is it a recreational vessel or does it have some sort of limited
> maneuverability function
> in the commercial vane?
>
> Cutter as in "cutter rig" or cutter as in..."small, armed vessel?"
>
> --tf
> not trying to be mean about the thing
>
