DogsLife wrote:
I guess it is my time to get in on this...
I played with wave deflectors for a while. They are nice in limited conditions to provide some lift. Inside of a wave they are a huge negative, preventing the bow to pop back up.
One thing that has helped bow recovery are flow disruptors on the deck, just forward of the hatch. This was a pure accident. I mounted a thick foam strip just forward of the hatch to keep water off the hatch and reduce leaking. When a bow dives the water pressure and forward motion of the boat press the bow deeper preventing buoyancy to lift the bow back up. The water barrier on the bow disrupts the water flow creating turbulence and air pockets. Buoyancy recovers much faster. V-shape of the disruptor also sheds water faster.
It's like having a secondary bow, and it's a time tested idea.
No reason these could not be added on or molded into our hulls.
And using Hakas now allows us to trim our 150lb boats with 200lb of movable ballast. That's huge, if you learn how to use it.
I think if you EC buffs had a chance to experience the TI Amas on an AI, (Batboat style) you would be closer to the ultimate challenge boat. Though the nightmare would be harder.
I think what we need now is more length, buoyancy and planing capability in our Amas. That, with a couple anti-spray, anti-dive attachments to the bow will net a more civilized ride, while allowing for a larger sail plan.