V Twin

Originally posted by Ruscoe I happen to agree about weight, Whilst there are some classes I believe would benefit from substantial weight loss (contender) I think a bit of weight helps with a boats "idle" characteristics.  I like a boat to be slightly less full on in between races, I like to be able to have a bit of control whilst launching and dumping my trolley.  Whilst a light boat accelerates quickly I guess it does not hold its momentum in the lulls as well.  Not to mention, a higher minimum weight (as a general rule) should help with longevity.   As an example, I am not sure a 49er would be any quicker if it was massively lighter.  I should imagine it would be one hell of a handful and would possibly spoil some of the class characteristics.

How much direct evidence does it take? The 49er's drag has been measured at various all-up weights, proving that  more weight= more drag at all speeds.

The performance of the 49er Fx recently shows that weight is not the only issue, quality of design, aerodynamic drag, and waterline length are all important factors too.

Regarding the ease of handling and stability, hull weight will usually improve static stability, but once the boat is moving, the hydrodynamics of the hull and foils are far more significant. Even a fairly traditional boat like the RS400 is far tippier when it's not moving. Of course if we were designing the 400 today, a lighter carbon rig would help static stability as well as speed through waves.

An RS600 is a Contender on weight loss and steroids. I much prefer the Contender, it's a proper boat.

I happen to agree about weight, Whilst there are some classes I believe would benefit from substantial weight loss (contender) I think a bit of weight helps with a boats "idle" characteristics.  I like a boat to be slightly less full on in between races, I like to be able to have a bit of control whilst launching and dumping my trolley.  Whilst a light boat accelerates quickly I guess it does not hold its momentum in the lulls as well.  Not to mention, a higher minimum weight (as a general rule) should help with longevity.

 

As an example, I am not sure a 49er would be any quicker if it was massively lighter.  I should imagine it would be one hell of a handful and would possibly spoil some of the class characteristics.

Originally posted by pondmonkey Take the (heavy, old) 49er with its new rig, nothing seems to hold a candle to it for its size.

That's because its still pretty light for its size (it was *very* light compared to its competitors at Torbole), and none of the other ladies' trial entrants were anything like as big and especially long.

Edited by JimC - 25 May 12 at 11:10am

The V-Twin Thread.... The Boat that got the Y+Y forum talking, going off topic, and also feeds the Troll, (Daily)

Graeme, What you have done is great, lets just hope you can patch it up and get it on the water again.


Edited by radixon - 25 May 12 at 10:24am