Witch hats?

[Gludy]

I am told there is omething shaped like a witch's hat that you use to stop the boat rolling too much when anchored or drifting. This was pointed out to me by someone who gets sea sick a bit too easy. Can anyone explain what these things are? My source did not know more than their shape.

Paul

 

[Col]

They are an American idea, they come in a few different shapes-check out West Marine,I'm sure they have a web site.

 

[Deleted User YDKXO]

Paul, I think these things might be 'flopper stoppers'. See last months MBM for an article written by the owner of Dreamworld(?). The flopper stoppers consist of cone shaped drogues which are towed either side of the boat, the hydrodynamic characteristics of which resist the rolling forces on the boat. The drogues are mounted on substantial frames which have to be lowered/raised as required.
Flopper stoppers are only useable at displacement speeds, add considerable extra weight and will cost you thousands so they're not appropriate for planing boats like yours
You will get used to the motion of your boat at speed and if your boat is rolling so much at anchor that the crew are seasick, its probably not a safe anchorage anyway so find another one!

 

[peterg]

no, I think he means...

the little hollow 'traffic cone' things on a rope in the Compass catalogue (if I remember correctly) which you just hoike over the side whilst at anchor.

Don't know if they work but they don't weigh much and I don't think they're that expensive either.

 

[byron]

I think you are talking about Drogues or Sea Anchors. I cannot see these working unless you are being subject to wind drift or if the tide is running quite hard whilst at anchor or on a mooring. As had already been stated if an anchorage is so rock n rolly as to be that uncomfortable, its not a good place to be anyway.

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[Deleted User YDKXO]

Re: no, I think he means...

You're probably right. Interesting to know whether those things work

 

[Guest]

My trawler yacht rolls quite a bit at anchor and I have been using the Compass Catalogue "witch's hat" thingys with fair success.
Three each side plus a 10lb weight slows down the movement noticeably.

They don't cost too much and stow easily.

Bernie

 

[Gludy]

Have you got a web site link or contact phone number for the Compass Catalogue please?

Paul

 

[bryantee]

www.compasswatersports.ltd.uk

page158 part no. L852 207 price£6.95 each see length of boat for no.required

tel 01380-813100

 

[Gludy]

Thank you - I ahve ordered a catalogue.

Paul

 

[Guest]

Paul- the Compass Marine catalogue people are on 01380 813100 their website is www.compasswatersports.ltd.uk
I have no connection with the company but they have given me good service.
The "Flopper Stoppers" are £6.95 each.

I don't know what would happen if you deployed them whilst cruising but they certainly have quite a good dampening effect at anchor. If you are in the Southampton area I could demonstrate.

Regards
Bernard B.