NC11 pounding on moderate seas

[marc421]

Let me first say, I am most likely at fault here for the poor performance, but I'm wondering how others are faring with their NC11 at 2-3 foot seas.

I cannot seem to get my 2017 NC11 to cooperate - and find myself often hitting a smallish 2ft wave with enough force to really be concerned about the stringers. It won't be all the time, but it will be several times in a one hour run in those seas.

In 2ft seas I've tried running the boat slow around 15-16 knots, I've tried it at planing speed, I've tried it running at different running angles to the waves (this works best but is exhausting and elongates the ride immensely).

It seems to me I'm doing something wrong and the NC11 should be able to handle 2ft seas at some speed without much slamming.

Additionally I've found the only way to run the boat on plane is to trim the drive all the way in. No matter the conditions this is the only way to run the boat.

Like I said - convinced its pilot error - thats why I'm looking for some insight into how to get a more comfortable/economic/productive ride.

[belmar]

Hi Marc,
I would like to answer your question but than I need to know if you have trim tabs mounted and if so are they the original ones fitted by Jeanneau?

CU
Remko

[marc421]

Yes I have trim tabs and they are original. 

[belmar]

Jul 5, 2017 17:21:11 GMT marc421 said:

Let me first say, I am most likely at fault here for the poor performance, but I'm wondering how others are faring with their NC11 at 2-3 foot seas.

I cannot seem to get my 2017 NC11 to cooperate - and find myself often hitting a smallish 2ft wave with enough force to really be concerned about the stringers. It won't be all the time, but it will be several times in a one hour run in those seas.

In 2ft seas I've tried running the boat slow around 15-16 knots, I've tried it at planing speed, I've tried it running at different running angles to the waves (this works best but is exhausting and elongates the ride immensely).

It seems to me I'm doing something wrong and the NC11 should be able to handle 2ft seas at some speed without much slamming.

Additionally I've found the only way to run the boat on plane is to trim the drive all the way in. No matter the conditions this is the only way to run the boat.

Like I said - convinced its pilot error - thats why I'm looking for some insight into how to get a more comfortable/economic/productive ride.

Hi Marc,

I can not analise your situation from a distance but I can tell you what my experience is. The NC11 is not a 'wavekiller' but than any planing boat will pound at a certain speed and seastate. With the NC11 and  on 2 foot head seas I just trim in the engines (-3) and the trim tabs fully and I am able to maintain a speed around 22 knots for more than 100 NM. Yes, every now and than there will be a big bump but after four years and a fare share of bumps the boat is still in one piece.
The most 'killing' kind of seastate is a choppy sea at great lakes at a 2-3 sec. interval: I have to go back to 15 knots and the boat is still pounding.
The same effect also occurs when you have a situation where current is against the wind direction: you better wait until the tide changes in the same direction as the wind is coming from.  Going against the current and wind is by far the better option in that case.
The NC will not need any trim at flat seas or rivers running above 27 knots: it will show in your instant fuel consumtion. 
If you have a bowrise of more than 5° when at plane and fully trimmed, something is probably wrong with your weight distribution: so check if you don't have any extra weight on the back of the boat. 
In the end: there are more comfortable riding boats than the NC11 when the sea state is not so favourable but those boats have a wetter ride and/or are consuming much more fuel due to their different hull shape. The boat that does it all well still has to be invented. 
In practice I will plan no sea trip above force 4 and/or current against wind. This rule will do for longer trips reasonably comfortable: drinking coffee and eating my lunchsalad without spoiling the ceiling. 
Hope there are some points of recognition in this story....

CU
Remko

[marc421]

Thank you so much for your reply. I did mount a 60lb electric cooler inside the farthest aft storage locker - while not extremely heavy it could be affecting my bowrise somewhat.

I hadn't tried using the tabs at all (except to lean me into or out of spray) in the 2ft seas.

I think if you're doing 22 knots in similar conditions - then I'll try lowering both tabs as well.

I have had to trim the engines in -6 degrees almost exclusively to plane.

And yes, the wave interval definitely plays a role for my speed. The slamming I mention seems to come from almost no discernible wave difference at all, and it can be quite startling, enough so for me to bring it up here. It may mean I need to get that bow down further.

My last boat was a deep V hull, and sliced very differently. So it may just take some getting used to. 

Thanks again.

[belmar]

Hi Marc,
The fridge will not be the key thing here.....the usage of the trim tabs is probably the right medicine: like taking a Aspirine when having headache. After trimming the engine in, trim both tabs in all the way and than go to a comfortable speed or cruising speed whatever comes first. After that you can put the tabs up to the point that you hear some noise on the hull: go a little bit back than and you will have the most comfortable and economic ride. Whenever you encounter a big wave on a almost flat surface ( passing boat) put the tabs full down immediately to soften the blow.

The NC11 has about 30° deadrise in front and 15° aft: that is not very much so you have to push the bow in the water to cut through the waves.

Please let me know if it works!

CU

Remko 

[marc421]

This makes total sense. Thank you. I'll try the tabs on next outing.

[marc421]

Tabs work to reduce the pounding. Getting that bow down through the wave works well. Battled 4-5 footers this past weekend. Had to take them at about 6 knots and the tabs all the way down, trim all the way in.

[belmar]

Hi Marc, glad to hear that it works. I hope it softens your ride at higher speeds and more moderate seas too!

CU
Remko