[Rhodes22-list] Change to diamond shaped CB? (Olivier Hecht)

Thu May 12 13:28:32 EDT 2016

At speeds < 1 mph, Stan has provided the v-berth, at least it works for him.

Mike
s/v Wind Lass  ('91)
Nissequogue River, NY

-----Original Message-----
From: Rhodes22-list [mailto:rhodes22-list-bounces at rhodes22.org] On Behalf Of Alexander Cole
Sent: Thursday, May 12, 2016 1:19 PM
To: rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org
Subject: Re: [Rhodes22-list] Change to diamond shaped CB? (Olivier Hecht)

With absolutely no disrespect for Stan's website, and at the risk of arguing theory with a real engineer:    
A more traditional centerboard like Philip Rhodes originally drew, or even higher aspect  foils used by others probably are slightly more efficient at speed, in terms of boat speed and pointing (generates windward lift).   At the hull speed of a 20 foot waterline I believe the effect is insignificant.    They are very long and narrow on modern racing boats.  I had theorized the diamond board  was introduced after Stan moved production to the Albemarle sound.   The water is thin and has a reputation for snags.   I found a Cyprus stump while renting a boat.  I felt nothing but the boat stopped moving and began to weathercock.  I lifted the centerboard and was free.   I assumed that Stan's experiences with inexperienced boaters not used to the local waters had biased him toward a more robust and forgiving board.   To me that was a positive.   Many guys with big boats seldom travel 100 miles from their berth and touching bottom with a bolt on keel is indication to pull the boat and inspect.   As a trailer sailor, new water is part of our math.  Feel free to tell me to avoid nautical engineering and stick to my day job Stan.   

I also love Stan's philosophy of rebuilding old boats.   Not only because I'm frugal and environmental, but because a builder that designs his own product to be rebuilt by his own workers will pay attention to accessibility.    I don't doubt he engineered for reliability benefits.   This beats several boats where you need a hoist if the weighted keel's winch cable breaks.   A robust and low maintenance design was part of my specifications when looking for a boat.  No iron or steel centerboards (pivoting keels) were considered.   Stan's endless refinement solved 'new model' bugs decades ago.   There is only one other weakness of the Rhodes.  It really doesn't perform at its best when winds are < 1 mph and variable.   😣

Alex Cole
SV Lark

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