This article convinced me to take the plunge from a Sea Pearl 21 to a Core Sound. My Core Sound is still a work in progress but I am looking forward to comparing them.
One other aspect which goes to usage. A double end is length that is not very usable. What I mean is that it is length in your garage, on the trailer, when you maneuver in tight places, and marina fees (if you're into that sort of thing). But it is not very usable, because even as a short guy there's not much room in the last few feet aft. It's hard to lean over and reach the outboard, for instance, as not only is it narrow, it's also tippy.
My Sea Pearl 21 is, well, 21 feet, and my Core Sound 20 is, well, you get the idea. The actual size difference of them sitting in my driveway is enormous! Yes, the Core Sound has a foot more beam, but that width translated all the way to the back, instead of the Sea Pearl tombstone transom, is a huge difference when sitting at the helm.
I think transom stern boats are best for high speeds, and pointed stern boats are best for lower speeds. I also believe a pointed stern needs to be higher than a transom one, as there is less buoyancy there. Lighter boats are faster boats, as the leeward buoyancy shift is further with them than with a heavier boats. This leeward buoyancy shift is what is what gives a boat initial stability. So, as a boat gets heavier, its top speed capability goes down to an S/L ratio of 1.34 or less. It is then that the pointed stern comes into its own by parting overtaking waves.
Hard to disagree with the higher speed potential of a transom stern. But! The double ender just looks so good the 95% (more/less???) of the time our boats are simply sailing along under the 1.34 radar. Also, I think the Egret style stern may be a different kettle of fish. It’s more like an extension of a transom. Next boat…
I will add a point that may not have been considerred...I am partial to "Double Enders" but mine have transoms on both ends! Does that count? Lol! BestRoy
As a former Sea Pearl 21 owner (22 Seasons from 1989 to 2010), I can relate to the troubles running downwind with a good breeze up her skirts and a significant following sea running. Stern would squat and she'd start to roll. One had to be on high alert to keep steering her back under her sticks to dampen the roll and, as the waves got bigger, to get the stern squared up to them to avoid broach, possibly inducing a capsize. Eventually, the helmsman gets tired and screws up. Of course, that's true at some point in any small boat, transom sterned or not. <;-)
Excellent article! In watercraft design as in most most design disciplines, myth too often trumps experience and fact. Though I've always preferred the aesthetics of double enders, I've only owned transome boats (Alberg Typhoon and Pacific Seacraft Flicka). Experience taught me they were good sea boats. Now I better understand the principles behind that. Thank you!
Terrific article, thank you. Delighted that after nearly 5 decades I am still learning things.
Roger C.
This article convinced me to take the plunge from a Sea Pearl 21 to a Core Sound. My Core Sound is still a work in progress but I am looking forward to comparing them.
One other aspect which goes to usage. A double end is length that is not very usable. What I mean is that it is length in your garage, on the trailer, when you maneuver in tight places, and marina fees (if you're into that sort of thing). But it is not very usable, because even as a short guy there's not much room in the last few feet aft. It's hard to lean over and reach the outboard, for instance, as not only is it narrow, it's also tippy.
My Sea Pearl 21 is, well, 21 feet, and my Core Sound 20 is, well, you get the idea. The actual size difference of them sitting in my driveway is enormous! Yes, the Core Sound has a foot more beam, but that width translated all the way to the back, instead of the Sea Pearl tombstone transom, is a huge difference when sitting at the helm.
I think transom stern boats are best for high speeds, and pointed stern boats are best for lower speeds. I also believe a pointed stern needs to be higher than a transom one, as there is less buoyancy there. Lighter boats are faster boats, as the leeward buoyancy shift is further with them than with a heavier boats. This leeward buoyancy shift is what is what gives a boat initial stability. So, as a boat gets heavier, its top speed capability goes down to an S/L ratio of 1.34 or less. It is then that the pointed stern comes into its own by parting overtaking waves.
Hard to disagree with the higher speed potential of a transom stern. But! The double ender just looks so good the 95% (more/less???) of the time our boats are simply sailing along under the 1.34 radar. Also, I think the Egret style stern may be a different kettle of fish. It’s more like an extension of a transom. Next boat…
I will add a point that may not have been considerred...I am partial to "Double Enders" but mine have transoms on both ends! Does that count? Lol! BestRoy
As a former Sea Pearl 21 owner (22 Seasons from 1989 to 2010), I can relate to the troubles running downwind with a good breeze up her skirts and a significant following sea running. Stern would squat and she'd start to roll. One had to be on high alert to keep steering her back under her sticks to dampen the roll and, as the waves got bigger, to get the stern squared up to them to avoid broach, possibly inducing a capsize. Eventually, the helmsman gets tired and screws up. Of course, that's true at some point in any small boat, transom sterned or not. <;-)
Excellent article! In watercraft design as in most most design disciplines, myth too often trumps experience and fact. Though I've always preferred the aesthetics of double enders, I've only owned transome boats (Alberg Typhoon and Pacific Seacraft Flicka). Experience taught me they were good sea boats. Now I better understand the principles behind that. Thank you!
That's one of the reasons I got a Core Sound!