Quote:
Originally Posted by cdavisdb
Questions for Denny:
Did the 21 ever feel like it was trying to steer by the bow (and broach) in a big, steep following sea with the boat running a bit faster than the waves?
In the same conditions, did the bow ever sink so deep into the wave in front that it looked or felt spooky?
Connor
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I'll forward your questions to Bob, as I've never ridden in the 21 under those conditions.
On my first return from the Bahamas, we had a north wind crossing the Gulf Stream with steep 6-8' breaking seas, but he didn't seem to have any trouble with them. The seas were so steep and close together that I was a little worried about sticking my Seafari's bow into the back of the next wave and pitch-poling, so I'd pull the throttle back as I approached them! You're right, it's a little spooky when the bow sinks clear up to the rub rail in the next wave, but it always seemed to have plenty of buoyancy and I never had any water over the deck, although I'm sure it could happen if you run a little too fast. Bob said that boat NEVER ever showed any signs of wanting to broach, and he said the best way to run a nasty inlet with it was simply WOT! Those vertical steps are so tall on that hull that the "multiple keel" effect probably does a good job of preventing any tendency to yaw or broach.
I understand where you're coming from with those questions though, as I've had those same thoughts myself about the deep forefoot on the 21 vs. the cutaway on the 21. Moesly designed the 25 Seafari and the 25-30' race boats, which have very similar lines, after many hundreds if not thousands of racing miles in the 21, so I'm sure he thought it was an improvement. It would reduce wetted surface, so it probably helps speed in racing conditions. A lot of modern go-fast boats seem to have that same cutaway. He also eliminated the outer, low deadrise panels on the race boats, probably because they would be clear out of the water anyway at racing speeds, and you also wouldn't want the extra lift on re-entry after going airborne off a big wave either! However the deep forefoot on the 21 increases it's waterline length and probably softens the ride at more moderate speeds. Denny