[PCW] Fin stabilizers on cats

[Robert Deering]

On 11/15/09 4:46 PM, "Georgs Kolesnikovs" <gxk at earthlink.net> wrote:

> I am not sure if your forum is still operating bit I am keen to hear if
> anyone has experience with passive fins set between the hulls of a
> displacement catamaran for slow or modest speed stabilisation.


I've explored it a bit.  There's at least one boat around here featuring a
hydrofoil spanning between the hulls, using the Teknicraft design from your
parts (New Zealand).  My understanding is that the foil only becomes
effective at speeds exceeding 20 knots.  At slower speeds the increased drag
of the foil exceeds the performance advantages of increased lift, which is
almost nonexistent at slow speeds.

Bob Deering
Juneau, Alaska