[Jeff_H]

Actually, the Mayflower (either number) was an example of the cods head and tail theory of design where the maximum beam occurred very far forward in the boat. Oddly enough this was very efficient for very heavy displacement boats that could only downwind. If all you have to do is go downwind slowly and carry a lot of weight with a minimal stability available, then the roughly teardrop shape of a 17th century Carvel was actually a pretty good shape. The compartively truncated stern occurs above the waterline by the way.

Jeff