Positives to a Wave Piercing Hull
Wave piercing hulls are either loved or hated by sailors, but it all boils down to how you want to sail. Depending on your sailing goals, you need to understand that there are many options available to reach those goals.
There are a handful of positives to consider in a wave piercing hull. There are variations of a wave piercing hull, such as an axe-bow or reverse hull, that have slightly different characteristics and can provide positives to sailors.
For example, an axe-bow is meant to help the crew be more comfortable and is better suited for medium or larger waves. The boat size, for this type of wave piercing hull variation, is best for smaller vessels. A reverse hull is another name for a wave piercing hull.
Unique Design
In comparison to a traditional bow on a boat, the wave piercing hull offers a longer waterline length. These boats will submerge in the water during rough conditions, but the top of the bow provides an increase in downforce and allows for buoyancy.
The design also allows it to reduce pitching motion, which is when a boat rides a wave and then drops when the wave is going down. This means a smoother ride all around if you are able to cut through a wave, but arguably a wet one.
Wave piercing hulls are a bit slower and do not accelerate as fast as traditional hulls. However, they are likely to remain at a constant speed since they can cut through waves and help you save on fuel.
This can help, in some situations, remain at high speeds in some cruisers or catamarans. In some smaller vessels, this also has a better effect.
The larger the boat, the better, when it comes to the boat’s ability to cut through the waves. The long length will actually cut through waves a little more effectively than smaller vessels.
Reliable in Rough Conditions
When wind and waves are becoming increasingly dangerous, a wave piercing hull could provide a smoother ride. Depending on the situation, you could potentially make the ride more manageable with this type of hull cutting through rough waters.
Since these designs are fairly sleek and slender, it is easier to turn the boat at a higher speed. If you are in a catamaran, this will likely not be the case since that design is much different even with two hulls. No matter what the marine environment is throwing at you, a wave piercing hull can help dramatically in rough waters.
Compared to other traditional hulls, these offer less vibration and noise. When cutting through a wave, you are likely going to feel more than just some vibration, but the overall comfort is much different than a traditional hull.
Drawbacks to Wave Piercing Hulls
Not everyone enjoys a wave piercing hull and that is perfectly fine. Every sailor is going to have their preferences, especially with the traditional boats being the most common.
You could argue that these boats are an acquired taste and need some experience to perform confidently in them. There are definitely some negatives to look at before you decide to purchase one.
Being Wet
Since you are cutting through a wave instead of riding it, there will be water everywhere. On a racer or cruiser, it might not be that big of a deal since they usually experience a lot of water anyway, but on a catamaran, this might not be favorable.
As mentioned, you are not riding a wave’s pitch and are cutting through the water. If you are doing any long trips, this might be undesirable.
If you were to ask an experienced sailor which they would prefer, being dry and safe would be the universal answer all the way around. However, that does not stop many sailors from enjoying the benefits of a wave piercing hull.
Potential Dangers on Deck
Since the deck is constantly wet, this could cause some issues walking around or trying to remain stable on your feet. The slippery surface is one hazard to deal with, which seems to be something sailors are just going to have to deal with.
The other issue is that if you have guests or your crew walking around while you are trying to cut through a wave, they are at risk of being swept off of the deck. If the wave is strong enough, it could potentially push someone off of the deck.
It does not appear to be a friendly environment to be in when waters become rough, especially when the front of the boat is going down into the water. This could also increase the risk of the boat capsizing if mishandled.
Motion and Pitch
If you are used to being on a boat that follows a wave’s pitch, then you are not going to find that here. Following a wave’s contour is not what these hulls are designed to do.
In some instances, too long of a bow might create too much yawing motion or side to side movement. This all depends on how you encounter the wave, but the boat might not be desirable for some sailors.
This will be a new feeling if you are used to riding a wave’s pitch and might even create seasickness for some sailors or their crew. If possible, you might want to experience a ride on one yourself before committing to one.
What to Expect with a Wave Piercing Hull
Out of all of the pros and cons of a wave piercing hull, it is up to the individual sailor on what they could do with or without. Depending on your desired sailing experience, this type of hull could work in your favor.
If you are trying to optimize the best resistance for waves, then a wave piercing hull is a proven design to help combat pitch. Keep in mind that you are going to be wet, essentially the entire time you are on the boat.
You would likely need to utilize clothing fit for wet conditions and quality shoes to help remain stable. You also might want to plan out your trip for shorter stops to make sure you are not overwhelmed in the process.
One of the best things you can do is take a ride on someone else’s wave piercing hull boat and get a good feel for what is going on. This way you can try it and work any issues out so to speak before you decide to buy a boat with this hull design.
Keep in mind that the perfect bow is not going to exist, so take into account what you want to accomplish. Compared to a traditional hull, this could potentially be the hull design for you if you are up for te challenge.
