Carolina Flare on a Planing Hull

[blacklab]

Gents,

Got into a internet discussion/argument on the necessity of "Carolina" flare on center console boats betwee, say 25' and 38'.

I don't type as well as I should so I'll post a link to the discussion rather than try to completely re-enact:

http://www.thehulltruth.com/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=188650&start=81

The link goes to the 5th page of the thread where the discussion started - it continues on the 6th page.

Bunch of awfully smart people here with a wealth of boat design knowledge - I'd appreciate any input!

[rasorinc]

JUST SOME INFO FOR YOU. https://www.boatdesigns.com/products.asp?dept=729

[dockdave]

Yes, because sex sells

[eponodyne]

It certainly looks sexy but what the flare does, besides directing spray 396 feet off to each side, is provide a huge amount of reserve bouyancy. So much so that the increased accelerations, particularly when driving into a head sea, will almost certainly be really uncomfortable for anyone in the boat. OTOH, it does help keep from stuffing the bow and submarining so it's not all bad, Also helps give a bit more deck space but increases weight while doing so.

tradeoffs, right?