Motor Boat Stability

[Deleted User YDKXO]

I dont think you can say its a matter of fast planing motor boat v slow displacement motor boat 'coz there are different types of displacement boats as well. Some displacement boats have a hard chine hull which doesnt look much different from a planing hull so I doubt whether the stability is any better, may even be worse 'coz the engine(s) weight is much lighter
In any case planing boats have an additional stabilizing force which displacement boats dont have and that is the hydrodynamic forces which planing boats inherently develop at planing speed. I guess thats why the experts reckon you should keep a planing boat just on the plane even in large seas

 

[Medskipper]

Is it really possible to keep a resonably large cruiser on the plane in heavy seas? somehow mine just wont do it! maybe I should get bigger engines!

Barry

 

[hlb]

Dont think any will do it unless your completly daft and want to tear it to pieces. Yes you keep it on the plane as long as you can and zig zag if possible. But at the end of the day you just have to come off the plane and push through it. Boat becomes very stable about 8-10 knots. Use allot of fuel, so in some cases not an option. problems become when you have to go too slow and loose steerage.

Haydn