came accross these newly designed ....
03-24-2004, 01:47 PM
#2
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23' Regal...wonder if Searay . bayliner etc will go with steps too..seems like there are no boundries for stepped boats....I wonder if it's less expensive to make a stepped hull because the back has less mass??
Last edited by LPA2106; 03-24-2004 at 01:49 PM.
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03-24-2004, 02:05 PM
#8
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I am researching stepped hulls..here is a GREAT article...any comments?
In Step with Hull Design
by Bill Butler
It seems that over the past several years there has been a rise in the number of stepped-hulled performance boats that have spun out or rolled, regardless of water conditions; resulting in injuries, and in some cases, fatalities. What is causing these accidents? Operator inexperience? Speed? Faulty design? All of the above?
This hull design is not new. In fact, it would seem the original idea was formulated by Rev. C.M. Ramus of Sussex, England in 1872. He reported to the Commission of the Admiralty that he discovered a way to make the speed of ships double, and published “Improved section drawing of a Stepped Hull” later that same year. And the records also indicate that the first patent was awarded to a 20’, 7-step boat named “PIONEER”, designed and built by William Henry Fauber in 1908. Several race boats used the stepped design in the early 1900’s. Military seaplanes also incorporated this design in the 1930’s and 1940’s.
The concept of the stepped hull is to produce an air cushion between the hull and water, thereby reducing friction, and increasing speed. However, as a result of this reduction in contact, spinouts and rollovers seem to happen in far greater numbers than non-stepped hulls.
Which brings us back to the question, Why? Is it the design itself, or the way the boats are operated that causes these accidents? After following this topic for the past few years, it seems there are several things that are mentioned most often. They are (not in any specific order):
Don’t let off on the throttle in a turn or,
Feather the throttle in a turn
Don’t “trim in” during turns.
Keep the drives in the water
Have your props spin “out” instead of “in”
Two other very important things also come up. One is education, education, education! Either have the builder/dealer or an experienced stepped-hull boater work with you until you re comfortable with your knowledge. Second is seat time. Don’t just hop into your new boat and try to break all the speed records. Work with the boat, feel it out, recognize its likes and dislikes. Only with time will you REALLY know the proper operation.
The number of manufacturer’s building stepped-hulled boats will only increase with the public’s growing interest. That’s why it is most important that potential owners of these boats are fully versed in proper operation. This, I believe, is the single most important thing that can be done to reduce accidents, and as a result, keep your insurance costs in check.
A stepped hull can sometimes be a little squirrely in the turns. They are made to go fast and accelerate quickly but the aeration that makes them quick also steals a little from stability in turns. They are safe, if you take that into consideration. Many boaters fail to factor that into their day. A vee hull/mono hull has the most predictable, stable and friendly characteristics, if you don't need the speed.
There are ongoing pros and cons regarding this hull design. Therefore, the debate will continue: Are stepped hulls inherently more dangerous than non-stepped hulls?
NORMALLY DO PROPS "SPIN IN " OR "SPIN OUT" ?
I think most come from the facotry spinning in...??
This new personal watercraft is stepped too..
In Step with Hull Design
by Bill Butler
It seems that over the past several years there has been a rise in the number of stepped-hulled performance boats that have spun out or rolled, regardless of water conditions; resulting in injuries, and in some cases, fatalities. What is causing these accidents? Operator inexperience? Speed? Faulty design? All of the above?
This hull design is not new. In fact, it would seem the original idea was formulated by Rev. C.M. Ramus of Sussex, England in 1872. He reported to the Commission of the Admiralty that he discovered a way to make the speed of ships double, and published “Improved section drawing of a Stepped Hull” later that same year. And the records also indicate that the first patent was awarded to a 20’, 7-step boat named “PIONEER”, designed and built by William Henry Fauber in 1908. Several race boats used the stepped design in the early 1900’s. Military seaplanes also incorporated this design in the 1930’s and 1940’s.
The concept of the stepped hull is to produce an air cushion between the hull and water, thereby reducing friction, and increasing speed. However, as a result of this reduction in contact, spinouts and rollovers seem to happen in far greater numbers than non-stepped hulls.
Which brings us back to the question, Why? Is it the design itself, or the way the boats are operated that causes these accidents? After following this topic for the past few years, it seems there are several things that are mentioned most often. They are (not in any specific order):
Don’t let off on the throttle in a turn or,
Feather the throttle in a turn
Don’t “trim in” during turns.
Keep the drives in the water
Have your props spin “out” instead of “in”
Two other very important things also come up. One is education, education, education! Either have the builder/dealer or an experienced stepped-hull boater work with you until you re comfortable with your knowledge. Second is seat time. Don’t just hop into your new boat and try to break all the speed records. Work with the boat, feel it out, recognize its likes and dislikes. Only with time will you REALLY know the proper operation.
The number of manufacturer’s building stepped-hulled boats will only increase with the public’s growing interest. That’s why it is most important that potential owners of these boats are fully versed in proper operation. This, I believe, is the single most important thing that can be done to reduce accidents, and as a result, keep your insurance costs in check.
A stepped hull can sometimes be a little squirrely in the turns. They are made to go fast and accelerate quickly but the aeration that makes them quick also steals a little from stability in turns. They are safe, if you take that into consideration. Many boaters fail to factor that into their day. A vee hull/mono hull has the most predictable, stable and friendly characteristics, if you don't need the speed.
There are ongoing pros and cons regarding this hull design. Therefore, the debate will continue: Are stepped hulls inherently more dangerous than non-stepped hulls?
NORMALLY DO PROPS "SPIN IN " OR "SPIN OUT" ?
I think most come from the facotry spinning in...??
This new personal watercraft is stepped too..
Last edited by LPA2106; 03-24-2004 at 02:34 PM.
03-24-2004, 02:13 PM
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Couple years ago, guy with 42' Fountain was turning hard and fast, all 4 occupants were thrown overboard in the water as the boat drove itself round and round and round and round...( get it? ) till it smashed up on some guys dock on Lake Winnebago, WI. All 4 were picked up safe. He faulted the design and went out, bought a new 47' with triples.....
