Can hull design prevent speedboats from flipping?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the impact of hull design on the stability of speedboats, particularly in relation to the potential for flipping at high speeds. Participants explore various forces acting on the boat, including torque from the motor and hydrodynamic effects, as well as the balance of these forces during operation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether the torque produced by a submerged motor could cause the bow of the boat to rise, potentially leading to flipping at higher speeds.
  • Another participant shares a link to images related to hydroplane flips, suggesting a visual reference for the discussion.
  • A suggestion is made to research "angle of attack" and "resultant force," indicating these concepts may be relevant to understanding the dynamics involved.
  • A participant describes the various forces acting on a speedboat, including hull water drag, hydrodynamic lift, air drag, and gravity, emphasizing the importance of hull design in managing these forces to maintain stability.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the factors contributing to speedboat stability and flipping, indicating that multiple competing perspectives remain without consensus.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes references to specific forces and concepts that may depend on particular definitions or assumptions, which are not fully explored or resolved in the thread.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in marine engineering, speedboat design, or the physics of fluid dynamics may find this discussion relevant.

fahraynk
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If a speedboat has a motor that goes below the boat into the water, then shouldn't that motor produce a torque on the boat?
Shouldn't that torque cause the bow of the boat to rise? And the faster it goes, the more likely it will flip?
 
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Google "angle of attack" and "resultant force."
 
Prop force vector (3D) is but one total force there are: hull water drag, hydrodynamic lift on planing surface, air drag and lift topside and below, gravity vector. All can be in or out of balance at steady top speed and while accelerating. In the outboard hydros I run there is a sensitive balance to keep it right side up. Hull design is a great part of success of force management.
 
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