Weight Distribution in the Ends

[nc sailorman]

How important is keeping the weight to a minimal in the extreme fore and aft ends of the boat.

Should anything such as tanks or winches with any significant weight be somewhat centered over the CLR?

How does weight in the ends effect pitching?

Thank You,

Rod Jordan
Oriental, NC

[messabout]

Weight in the ends is to be avoided as much as is practical. In extreme cases, heavy ends make the boat behave as if it were drunk.

The pitching period of oscillation will increase with weighty ends. That is to say it will pitch more slowly but with greater amplitude.

You did not say what kind of boat. Sometimes a dinghy is forced to endure weight near the ends because of space constraints. Cruisers will have sail lockers, lazarettes, anchors, etc, near the bow and tankage or other stuff near the stern. Whatever you can do to lessen the burden will make the boat more comfortable and possibly safer. Many racing sailors are fanatical about this subject, and for good cause.