Technical

Catamaran basics The daggerboards: understanding and adjusting them

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1) All the Catanas are equipped with daggerboards. They are very long, and held structurally in their cases by the whole height of the hulls. Simple and strong, but beware of the significant windage in the raised position.

Adjusting the daggerboards step 1

2) The latest Catana models are equipped with curved daggerboards. On the 59, the foil effect is worth 500kg at a speed of 15 knots.

Adjusting the daggerboards step 2

3) The latest Outremers have adopted shorter structural cases, to reduce the size of the daggerboards. Less windage in the raised position and less weight, but the construction is more complex…

Adjusting the daggerboards step 3

4) Numerous trimarans are also equipped with daggerboards/centerboards. They can be central and integrated into the accommodation, as aboard this Dash 750.

Adjusting the daggerboards step 4

5) Other trimarans, such as the Tricat 25, are equipped with centerboards integrated into the floats.

Adjusting the daggerboards step 5

6) Builders such as Outremer provide stopper knots for the daggerboard control lines; a good way to judge the position when the daggerboard is not visible.

Adjusting the daggerboards step 6

7) Once the daggerboard is out of its case, it is easier to judge: the lifelines are an excellent adjustment indicator!

Adjusting the daggerboards step 7

8) To windward in light weather, the daggerboards are fully lowered, to take advantage of maximum 'grip' on the water.

Adjusting the daggerboards step 8

9) When the speed increases, it is worthwhile raising the windward board to optimize drag. Note: a daggerboard which moves is no use. Therefore we raise it!

Adjusting the daggerboards step 9

10) But for safety, it is preferable to raise the leeward appendage: in the case of a strong gust, the risk of the boat ‘tripping up’ is thus reduced. The compromise could be to raise both the daggerboards by half... It’s up to you to judge!

Adjusting the daggerboards step 10

11) Downwind, the daggerboards are no longer useful, especially when the boat exceeds 10 knots... Keeping one third of the surface can however help the helmsman or the autopilot to steer a straighter course.

Adjusting the daggerboards step 11

12) Heavy weather? Raise them completely so the hulls slide. On the other hand, with big seas from behind, (just like downwind in more manageable weather) it may be useful to keep a little daggerboard lowered to avoid yawing.

Adjusting the daggerboards step 12

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