[MHml] Rudder angle

[Martin Schöön]

2009/2/14 Kerry Thomas <kjthomas at ihug.co.nz>:
> Hi
> There were several series of experiments to find out the most effective way
> of slowing down large ships with different combinations. A staged reduction
> in speed and then staged increase in speed astern while slow rudder cycling
> (hard over to hard over) gave the shortest stopping distance. Turning the
> rudder past stall was less effective as it only blocked the water in front
> of the rudder whereas using it to begin turning the ship each time presents
> the whole hull at an angle to the water flow. I can just imagine calmly

Yes, cycling the rudders is what does it but on my boat and, as opposed
to real ships, the drag of the rudders is pretty important. The rudder to hull
ratio is much bigger.

> doing that while heading for an imminent collision and then trying to
> explain it to a nautically ignorant court afterwards!
>
You have to make sure there are a bunch of experience Hobie 16 sailors
in the jury. They know they can loose a lot of speed by throwing the boat
sideways, skidding to a stop sort of.

-- 
Martin Schöön

"Problems worthy of attack
prove their worth by hitting back"
                                         Piet Hein