LIBRARY

Although the technology had been around for years at large scale applications, pod drives, or podded propulsors, showed up in the recreational boat world around 2005. A new product introduced by Volvo, the IPS, was a disruptor for the small power boat market.

In our estimation at DLBA, seakeeping considerations remain perhaps the most important element of boat design, for most boats. Certainly racing boats and other craft trying to set speed records have a need for speed which is paramount, but boats carrying workers, paying passengers, or recreational guests need to be comfortable.

In our estimation at DLBA, seakeeping considerations remain perhaps the most important element of boat design, for most boats. Certainly racing boats and other craft trying to set speed records have a need for speed which is paramount, but boats carrying workers, paying passengers, or recreational guests need to be comfortable.

The first step in having an efficient boat is to have an appropriate hull form for the intended vessel size and speed range. Most new recreational vessel designs today, with the exception of small outboard powered craft, fall into the non-dimensional speed range referred to as semi-displacement or semi-planing. While some people believe there are some minor technical differences in the terminology, we at DLBA believe they are one in the same.