Best design for Heavy Seas.

Discussion in 'Boat Design' started by Ozymandias, Dec 24, 2015.

  1. Mr Efficiency
    Joined: Oct 2010
    Posts: 10,386
    Likes: 1,042, Points: 113, Legacy Rep: 702
    Location: Australia

    Mr Efficiency Senior Member

    If ozymandias gets out into those survival conditions aboard anything of a size he can afford, he'll definitely know he's not in Kansas anymore !
     
  2. PAR
    Joined: Nov 2003
    Posts: 19,126
    Likes: 498, Points: 93, Legacy Rep: 3967
    Location: Eustis, FL

    PAR Yacht Designer/Builder

    Agreed. I think all wantabe circumnavigation folks should take a 14' jon boat to the local beach and motor slowly through the surf and breakers for several hours, just to get a taste of what it's like to be a small (relatively) boat and a big sea. I've been in survival conditions, more than once and there's nothing that can prepare you for the motion, fatigue and eventual surrender that you will have to face. Your effective helm time has to be limited to just a few hours, after the first day, you can't get into REM sleep, so thought processes go down the dumper very quickly and it doesn't take long, before you shoot yourself in the foot. People that haven't experienced these conditions, just can't get their head around it, so the 14' jon boat at the beach thing, will give them a small taste.

    Of course, this assumes an average yacht that someone might be able to afford (65' or less). If you can afford a larger craft, with gyros and other conveniences accompanying the physical size benefits, well this is a different story, but a ride through a hurricane in a CG cutter sized vessel (225' Juniper class for example) is still going to kick your butt.
     
  3. viking north
    Joined: Dec 2010
    Posts: 1,868
    Likes: 94, Points: 48, Legacy Rep: 1146
    Location: Newfoundland & Nova Scotia

    viking north VINLAND

    Agree to a limit Gonzo but one must be still careful in choosing both the motor and sailing rig. In both cases the KISS principal should be adhered to. Wouldn't want a modern diesel loaded with computer controlled electronics nor would I want to depend on furling rigs alone.
     
  4. Ike
    Joined: Apr 2006
    Posts: 2,677
    Likes: 478, Points: 83, Legacy Rep: 1669
    Location: Washington

    Ike Senior Member

    PAR Is absolutely right. I have been through three hurricanes at sea on a 327 foot Coast Guard Cutter and even at that size it is unbelievable. Stuff that you think is permanent structure gets stoved in and swept overboard, Seas break over the flying bridge over 70 feet above the waterline, and you get no sleep whatsoever. And that assumes you aren't so damn seasick all you want to do is die.

    This is in a ship that was designed and built to withstand that sort of thing. a ship that lasted over 50 years under hard service (twice what the Navy usually considers a service life) So. The poster needs to reconsider just what they plan to do with this boat. Not many recreational boats can survive that kind of weather and even if they do the occupants more than likely won't. Some unlucky helo flight crew will be hoisting their sorry butts out of the drink.
     

  5. Velsia
    Joined: Oct 2008
    Posts: 106
    Likes: 14, Points: 18, Legacy Rep: 15
    Location: Antigua, West Indies

    Velsia Floater

    I'm surprised nobody has mentioned C A Marchaj's book "Seaworthiness; The forgotten factor". Contentious book to some but brilliantly written with the flair of a Sailor and insight/facts of a scientist.

    When I read this book as a student it was a revelation to me.
     
Loading...
Forum posts represent the experience, opinion, and view of individual users. Boat Design Net does not necessarily endorse nor share the view of each individual post.
When making potentially dangerous or financial decisions, always employ and consult appropriate professionals. Your circumstances or experience may be different.