My first dinghy (Caribe c9x RIB) had a Honda 8hp engine on it, which could get it up on a plane if it was properly balanced and the water was pretty flat. But it did scare me to try to guide it thru any wakes or waves greater than about 6 inches. I got pretty good at figuring it out, but would never let my wife try to get it up on a plane, even if she was able to start the engine. The current dinghy (Highfield 290 with Yamaha 9.9) seems to be MUCH more stable on a plane. I don't think these boat had "stepped hulls). but short RIBs seem to require more skill than one would expect when up on a plane.
Stepped hulls have been around for a century. They were a brilliant innovation, and they are here to stay. 100%. There is nothing new under the sun. Yes, stepped hulls are great!
FOR FLOAT PLANES!!! Which take off in a straight line, without turning.
I love your Substack, Pete, for reminding us old timers of stuff we all knew (like our ABCs) over 50 years ago. Now, some folks seemed determined to try to have us forget what happens with stepped hull BOATS when they turn hard at speed, in order to sell their new plastic-fantastics to the latest crop gullible rubes.
My first dinghy (Caribe c9x RIB) had a Honda 8hp engine on it, which could get it up on a plane if it was properly balanced and the water was pretty flat. But it did scare me to try to guide it thru any wakes or waves greater than about 6 inches. I got pretty good at figuring it out, but would never let my wife try to get it up on a plane, even if she was able to start the engine. The current dinghy (Highfield 290 with Yamaha 9.9) seems to be MUCH more stable on a plane. I don't think these boat had "stepped hulls). but short RIBs seem to require more skill than one would expect when up on a plane.
Stepped hulls have been around for a century. They were a brilliant innovation, and they are here to stay. 100%. There is nothing new under the sun. Yes, stepped hulls are great!
FOR FLOAT PLANES!!! Which take off in a straight line, without turning.
I love your Substack, Pete, for reminding us old timers of stuff we all knew (like our ABCs) over 50 years ago. Now, some folks seemed determined to try to have us forget what happens with stepped hull BOATS when they turn hard at speed, in order to sell their new plastic-fantastics to the latest crop gullible rubes.