stepped hull

[Didier]

This is a just a question.................Do most manufacturers of RIBS
offer a stepped hull? If I were to be purchasing another boat , would someone have knowledge of a manufacture that offers this ammenity. On my present vessel I have this, I noticed that the boat comes to a plane quickly and it has a very smooth ride, even though it has a deep vee, are there any other advantages to this "stepped hull"? I do not have anything to compare it with and I have not been at sea with any other type of Rib. (besides my own). Thanks ...........Didier

[John Kennett]

It's not that common, and it tends to be the manufacturers of racier RIBs that offer stepped hulls (eg Scorpion, Revenger).

There's a good article by Lorne Campbell about the pros and cons of stepped hulls on the HotRIBs web site

John

[Jari Hjerppe]

The reason for the steps is reducing the drag. Steps allows the air to flow to between the hull and the water (if I'm wrong correct me please) and are usually used in "so called" high perf boats. Normal RIB don't need steps.

(My point of view..)

Jari

[Didier]

Thanks John for the reply and great site you pointed me to regarding stepped hulls.
Didier