Sail #3 / DAK Foils

Sail #3...

First day chickened out. Took the boat back to the shed. Wind was gusting to more than 22kts.

Second day. Great wind. 12kts gusts to 16kts.
Took the H18 out for the 3rd time with great wind. We were thrilled with the speed we were getting. Had the hull out a few times and heard some harmonics when we really started moving. Love to pass pontoon boats!

Does anyone have any experience with these foils? I have got to do this!
http://www.wingo.com/dakh/beachcats.html

-Scott

I'd be careful with something like that. The boat was never designed to foil, and there's a very good chance of breaking something. You're supporting all the weight of the boat by the rudder pins/castings/gudgeons and seemingly the forward crossbar, neither of which were designed to support the full weight of the boat. I'd be more concerned about the loads back aft than up forward, but it's still something that would have to be carefully designed for. Personally, I'd want to see the complete design, modified attachment points and run my own numbers on such a system before putting any money down on it. I don't see any pictures or drawings specific to any catamaran other than what looks like an old picture of an old boston whaler cat, so I wouldn't really trust it on my 18

_________________
Mike

'79 H18 standard 'Rocketman II' sail #14921 RIP
'78 H18 (unnamed) sail #14921
'08 H16 sail #114312
'97 H21SC sail #238

Thanks Mike,

I was thinking if it came it a kit form they would have done testing. But, I see your point about loads on the cat. I just tried to email they for some information and got an undeliverable mail response. I think they may be gone.

-S

It doesn't seem to be a very elegant hydrofoil system compared to what modern foiling boats look like.

A couple T-Foils or banana boards for the 18 might be cool, but I don't think I'd be too keen on strapping those monstrosities onto my boat.

sm