On Sat, 16 Dec 2006 14:00:23 GMT, "Roger Long"
wrote:

It used to be thought that spreading weight out into the ends made for a
more comfortable boat. This was back when boats tended to be more
symmetrical. Now, everyone "knows" that moving weight from the ends to the
middle reduces pitching.

I think there are really two issues related to pitching; comfort and
speed. Putting weight in the ends will slow the pitching moment, and
that tends to be more comfortable. Removing weight from the ends will
allow the boat to pitch at a faster rate, and that tends to be faster
because it keeps the bow from digging into the waves and increasing
drag. Light weight ends also dampen pitching motions more quickly
because there is less angular momentum to deal with.

I can tell you from personal experience that moving fast through big
waves on a lightweight boat with a fast pitching motion is not very
comfortable even though it gives you considerably more speed.