Pivoting leeboard on a catamaran

Discussion in 'Multihulls' started by Periwinkles, Apr 1, 2026.

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  1. Periwinkles
    Joined: Mar 2026
    Posts: 7
    Likes: 2, Points: 3
    Location: Europe

    Periwinkles Junior Member

    Has there been a catamaran designed with either one or two pivoting leeboards on the underside of the bridgedeck attached to the hull?
    Ideally the pivot would be 1/3 from the top of the boat and the top of the leeboard would fit in a slot when in the down position. That would be stronger than having the pivot on top of the board. Similar to what is done on some dinghies. See photo attached

    The advantages over LAR or daggerboards would be numerous

    Kicks up when it hits something
    Out of sight for those finding leeboards ugly
    High aspect ratio
    No crash box needed
    Hits the water earlier than LAR or daggerboards since it isn’t placed under the hull

    What would be the disadvantages?
     

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    Periwinkles, Apr 1, 2026
    #1
  2. Skip Johnson
    Joined: Feb 2021
    Posts: 275
    Likes: 155, Points: 43
    Location: Lake Tenkiller, Ok, usa

    Skip Johnson Senior Member

    Seems like a nice idea, may have been done before but I've not seen it.
    An added advantage is the possibility of asymmetrical boards. Now that I think of it Brian Eiland has some stuff on a central 2 part CB for the same reason.
    A disadvantage is having to make two boards.
     
    Skip Johnson, Apr 1, 2026
    #2
  3. oldmulti
    Joined: May 2019
    Posts: 3,258
    Likes: 2,356, Points: 113
    Location: australia

    oldmulti Senior Member

    oldmulti, Apr 1, 2026
    #3
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