Trnaround
2013-02-23 14:07:16
I went to a stability seminar (not related to mental health) at the Marine Expo one year, which was pretty interesting, mainly geared to big crab boats and how they load them. They actually have to adhere to a stability report, forget what they called it, anyway very scientific. I asked the marine architect giving the talk about stabilizers, and do they actually make the vessel more stable. His response was that no it doesn't make the vessel more stable, more comfortable ride, but the key factor he said was the amount of freeboard you have and how the boat is loaded (center of gravity). Surprised me.
Trnaround
2013-02-23 16:24:26
Oh another surprising fact was that he said commercial boats increase in weight every year because things like new equipment being added (shelter sheds) and old parts and tools being stored, re-fiberglassing, paint etc. keeps adding up and can change stability. I know I have stuff stored that has no use at all just adding weight, probably get another foot of freeboard if I got rid of it.
Salty
2013-02-23 22:33:15
If I took the computers, spare computers, monitors, back-up power packs, inverter, and all the associated cables off I would probably gain a foot too.
Trnaround
2013-02-25 13:29:17
So keeping the center of gravity over the keel and as low as possible is the most stable situation, and when the trolling poles are in down position the CG is lowered and over the keel, what happens when you break a pole. I have never had that situation occur but that has to be a mess. Do you raise the other pole to keep from listing or what? Anyone had the misfortune of this happening?
gumpucky
2013-02-25 17:45:19
I've always fished a double ender. Their stability characteristics are pretty much the same, they don't like following seas on the stern quarter. Stabies are great especially in a following sea but you can lose a knot to them. I've found that if the seas aren't too rough you can pull your stabies then a pole,usually to the lee of the following swell and ride comfortably that way gaining back the knot you lost to the birds. There will be a list but no too considerable. Poles down and one stabie pulled on the lee side works too to regain a little speed.
Trnaround
2013-02-26 12:59:05
Gumpucky, never thought of using them that way, I either have them both up or down and I usually pick them up too early and them wish I had them back down. Or forget I have them down and it's flat calm or try to raise the poles when they are still down.(things I usually won't admit to)