BamBam2022

Why do Catamaran hulls have an tendency to flip mid-air, than V- bottom hulls. Is it by design or , wind out weighting gravity at higher speeds?

rak rua

Wind outweighing gravity is sort of the reason but don’t overthink or exaggerate the very small number of accidents that occur Vs the huge number of enjoyed boating hours around the world.
So many factors but the biggest difference between a V and a cat is the tunnel. At speed, they force a lot of air through the tunnel to create lift, reduce drag, increase speed. Works like an aircraft wing.

So many more things to consider, driving is a huge part. Reading the waves, knowing how and when to back off the throttles and also when to get back into it. While many cats look similar, those in the know will tell you no two cats are the same. Weight, balance, props, design are all critical. Add to that the speed factor, cats are generally capable of higher speeds.

Nearly all accidents are avoidable, so you can’t blame the boat. Learning to drive and staying within your capabilities in any boat is they key to safe boating. In a racing situation, everything is on the limit, no different to cars, motorbikes or any other Motorsport. Accidents in racing will always be a risk.

RR

JaayTeee

Darr?

rak rua

Hope not, I may have wasted a perfectly good post. 🙂

phragle

iTrader: (3)

Get in your car, go down the freeway, open the window and stick your hand out parallel to the road. now raise the front of your hand. now rotate your hand 90 degrees and do the same thing,
simple physics you learned when you were about 4.

bajaman

Cat hulls are not 'designed to flip mid air', no.
Air compressed inside the 'tunnel' combined with a number of other factors as noted above can cause the boat to flip.
If you are old enough to remember the halcyon days of Unlimited Hydroplane racing, you'll remember seeing some classic 'flips' from those boats. Same cause.

One wonders how long it will be before these hull's designs get out of the pre-historic era and start incorporating accelerometers, angle of attack sensors, pressure and drag and a whole host of other electronics available and currently used in auto racing, particularly Formula 1 racing...that, combined with some sort of pressure-relief flaps and other "active aerodynamic" features will eliminate 'flipping' forever? One would think it is entirely possible, but then...I am not a boat designer.

SB

iTrader: (1)

Kids no longer make paper airplanes and experiment with shapes ? I

Interceptor

Yup and once you understand try it at 100 mph on a bumpy potholed dirt road.

the deep

iTrader: (8)

There is a fine line between balls and oh ****. Myself personally, I love the ride characteristics, the speed and efficiency of flying a cat. Running hard has its risks no matter the sport(or boat) but we learn to manage those risks. Ever hear of, witness or experience a trip and stuff? Kite or stuff both suck equally.

BamBam2022

Thanks, for all feed back put! All factors equal resulting truth. I had to also ad “FEAR”, especially from the unknown. But, as stated time and practice, prevails.