Fat ass transoms

[windship]

Do they hurt when going to weather??

[WHOOSH]

A wide transom doesn''t necessarily dictate the underwater hull form but, as the boat heels, it''s probably a reasonable generalization to say that the waterplane of the hull becomes increasingly asymetrical. IOW the intersection of the hull with the water increases at a proportionally greater rate back aft than it does up forward. This is going to generate increasing weather helm...at just about the same time that your sail plan does so, as well.

Jack

[Jeff_H]

Not all broad transomed boats are designed alike. If properly designed, so that there was a minimal increase in drag and so that there was a minimal change in underbody shape when heeled and if sailed comparatively flat, then the additional width aft, combined with moving the longitudinal center of buoyancy aft can result in a finer bow and a more powerful stern section which in turn would result better windward performance.

But if designed so that the hull shape changed rapidly with heel angle, and a change in trim so that the bow was forced down, or was coupled with a full bow and a lot of flare, or was coupled with extreme beam throughout the length of the boat, then a broad transom could really hurt windward performance.

Jeff

[windship]

Woosh and Jeff,
Thank you for your responses.
So... an aft section that is shaped like a cresent moon is more desirable for performance to weather than an aft section shaped like say, a wide ''U''?

Dennis

[ct]

Jeff,

I think you are pretty much correct, as always.

In discussing this very subject with a very well known Canadian Ship designer, he pointed out that my 53'' cutter with a flat buttocks aft, would have superior performance on all points of sail, particularly offwind.

Your concern with the bow was also discussed and he seems to agree with you and carefully attends to the bow design to prevent "digging in".

[starcresttoo]

My girlfriend has a fat ass transom and she has no problem blowing to weather at all

[Denr]

I think this comment was way over the top and want you to know that I really enjoyed it!