Series Drogue - Stern Transom Attachment

Discussion in 'Boat Design' started by oldsalt1, Feb 3, 2008.

  1. oldsalt1
    Joined: Dec 2007
    Posts: 7
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    Location: Boston, MA

    oldsalt1 Junior Member

    We have all heard the benefits of para-anchors, drogues and series drogues in heavy weather.

    My preference is stern attachment using a series drogue. The question is can a transom above the deck support the pull of a bridle attached to the the port and starboard sides?:?:
    The vessel is steel, the transom where the Pad Eye or Eye Nuts will be attached is approximately 36" off the height of the deck making it easy to reach over the rail and shackle the bridle to the drogue. The steel vessel uses 3/16" steel.

    The working load is about 5000lb, the breaking strength is 20,000lbs. on each side. In use, the transom effectively has handle a total pull of 40,000lbs. The transom width is 16 feet. The Pad Eyes will be mounted about 12 feet apart, thus about 2 feet in on the each side.

    If anyone with engineering background can explain whether this type of load could damage the transom structurally or even pull the transom off.:confused:

    Apparently, the transom attachment is the best way for a series drogue bridles, but the bridles can be attached to stern mounted deck cleats which can lead to chafe and does not work quite as well.

    Thanks for all your thoughtful help and suggestions!!
     
  2. OldYachtie
    Joined: Jan 2006
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    Location: near Seattle

    OldYachtie Junior Member

    There should be framing to support the plates at the attachment points. I have read claims that an early Bruce Roberts steel design sank off the Bay of Biscay because it didn't have reinforcing frames and girders where the rudder skeg attached to the hull. I would want frames, girders, knees, stringers and a stanchion from the attachment points down to a fore and aft stringer, preferably to a big, heavy girder, all welded together into a box type structure, attached to my sea anchor / drogue attachment points, just as I would want them at sampson posts, rudder attachment points, and other potential high-stress areas.
     
  3. Gilbert
    Joined: Aug 2004
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    Location: Cathlamet, WA

    Gilbert Senior Member

    Does the transom extend above the deck 36"?
    Or are the attachment points 36" below the deck?
    I am having trouble visualizing this setup from the description.
     
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