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Gordon Gordon is offline
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First recorded activity by BoatBanter: Oct 2006
Posts: 878
Default Naca Foils for self steering

Justin C wrote:
In article , Gordon wrote:
One of the big problems with wind vane steering is that they don't
work well below 3 knots or so because the foil in the water doesn't/
can't generate enough lift to move the steering device, be it tiller or
wheel.
So, I'm wondering how one would design and build a foil to maximize
power through water at low speeds. Would longer or wider or fatter be
better? Would a wing on the bottom help at such low speeds?
Impossible dream?
Gordon


There is a database of NACA foils at
URL:http://www.worldofkrauss.com/foils/search?contains=hydro. It's
searchable and you can specify lift and lift-to-drag ratio. If you
understand the physics of it all I'm sure it'll be elementary, dear
Watson.

Justin.


Thanks for the link. I've been studying other pages and I think I now
have a fair understanding of what is needed.
Gordon