Leeway Prevention
I read that with a "slab-sided" keel like on the Micro series it holds
way more from the area of the keel's resistance on the downwind side
than from actual lift being generated. I think it was in the write-up
for the One Person Liveaboard that Mr. Bolger talks about that. Also the
resistance from the boxy hull itself.
So it works best in water that is not drifting itself - say as in a
tidal current or water that has begun to move on the surface from
persistent winds over a period of time. Therefor not the best design for
an off-shore boat I would suggest. Micro was designed for more sheltered
waters in the Ft. Myers area that is protected by a series of islands
off-shore.
He also talks about an end-plate on such a shallow keel would probably
help a lot IF built strong enough to prevent damaging it when grounding
or launching. This is mentioned on the write-up on BOBCAT in BWAOM where
he talks about rudder end plates.
Nels
way more from the area of the keel's resistance on the downwind side
than from actual lift being generated. I think it was in the write-up
for the One Person Liveaboard that Mr. Bolger talks about that. Also the
resistance from the boxy hull itself.
So it works best in water that is not drifting itself - say as in a
tidal current or water that has begun to move on the surface from
persistent winds over a period of time. Therefor not the best design for
an off-shore boat I would suggest. Micro was designed for more sheltered
waters in the Ft. Myers area that is protected by a series of islands
off-shore.
He also talks about an end-plate on such a shallow keel would probably
help a lot IF built strong enough to prevent damaging it when grounding
or launching. This is mentioned on the write-up on BOBCAT in BWAOM where
he talks about rudder end plates.
Nels