Tumblehome: Pros & cons?

palacegrand · #1 (**permalink**) 10-15-2004

Further to my interest in purchasing a Ranger 28, I''d like some opinions about tumblehome in design. (Jeff H?)
I''ve searched way back through the various messages, and Jeff had some interesting things to say about the early IOR designs. I really like the look (Ranger 28, Martin 29, Yamaha 25 to name a few) but am now wondering if there is price to pay for the large tumblehome.

Comments?

Thanks,
jcm

Jeff_H · #2 (**permalink**) 10-15-2004

Tumblehome does almost nothing good for the sailing characteristics of a boat. It reduces reserve buoyancy. In 1970''s era boats it came to exist as a way to beat the IOR measurement rule and in traditional water craft as a way to beat the tonnage ratings used for tax purposes. Tumble home also reduces usable deck space and room down below. It makes the topsides a bit more vulnerable to damage and makes boarding and debarking a bit more difficult.

That said, the Ranger 28 is a reasonably nice boat for that era.

Jeff