dear jade,
although eric has replied to your enquiry quite extensively, there is still a point which i feel needs clarification. that is, what happens when planning boats are not able to go up the plane due high seas.
there is a simple answer, it is a very uncomfortable passage, if not dangerous. the boat becomes very unstable, it is like a a bath tub on the water. however, when you can go up to planning speed she is much more stable than displacement boats without stabilizers. so, you watch out the weather and if it gets bad you use your speed to run away to a secluded place. in fact a boat with planning hull is a coastal boat, in line with the italian way of using them.
Quote:
| Originally Posted by Jage Thanks, I was indeed referring to active fin stabilizers and not trim tabs. I have been researching used yachts in the 65-80ft range from the mid 1980's -mid 1990's. (mostly 25 knot Itallian/eurostyled vessels) Maybe 1 out of 100 of these type yachts in that vintage utilize active fin stabilization. I was wondering why that was? From your answer it would seem that if a planing yacht traveled above 20 knots the utility and value does not present itself for active fin stabilization? How do these planing yachts act in rough conditions? Can they maintain 20+ knots or would they be forced to slow down and as a result be even more unstable.?
It also could be assumed that perhaps some loss of speed on these type yachts from active stabilization may affect owners reluctance to stabilize the yachts because afterall "speed" is one of the major advantages of a planing hull to begin with.
Thanks for your thoughts
Jage |