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Sailboats Are Getting Fatter - Why it's BAD - Ep 298 -Lady K Sailing

October 7, 2024 · 9 min · 142K views

What this video covers

Modern production sailboats increasingly feature wide, flat-bottomed hull designs that carry their maximum beam to the transom.2:23 While this geometry maximizes interior volume, cockpit space, and downwind speed, it introduces significant handling and comfort compromises.2:35 Twin-rudder configurations, often required by these wide sterns, lack the responsiveness of single-rudder setups during low-speed marina maneuvers because the propeller wash does not flow directly over the blades.4:57 Consequently, these vessels rely heavily on bow thrusters, which introduce additional points of mechanical and electrical failure.5:09 Furthermore, the flat forward sections of these hulls lack the deep V-shape necessary to slice through waves, causing the boat to slam and pound when sailing upwind in chop.6:10 While these designs excel as comfortable, spacious platforms for reaching and downwind sailing, they struggle with the structural and physical demands of beating to weather. The Catalina 445 offers a compromise by combining a finer, wave-piercing bow with a wider stern.7:23

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Boats in this video

Chrysler Marine 22Their boatHughes 35Their boatBeneteau Oceanis 40.1ReviewedCatalina Yachts 445ReviewedBeneteau 461Toured

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