A leeboard is a movable board that reduces drag on the downwind side of a boat. It acts like a foil, allowing boats to move more smoothly. Leeboards are more common on small boats and can be custom-designed or adapted to existing boats. They are a useful alternative to the central plate or daggerboard, which can take up valuable space.
A leeboard is a movable board that can be lowered on the downwind side of a boat to reduce drag. Known as the leeward side, the downwind side is the position of choice for the board because if the boat lists or lists to the side in the wind, the board will remain submerged. This device acts like a foil to allow boats to go faster and move more smoothly, with less lateral movement and slippage. Such installations are more common on small boats, including those built by hand, rather than larger boats.
Configuration is an important consideration with dashboard design. When lowered into the water, the board needs to reduce drag, minimize splashing, and avoid catching water on the side of the boat. The stirrups are usually slightly curved and their angle is controllable with adjustments on the surface. They must be angled correctly to be effective, as shallow or steep angles can interfere with navigation.
When a starboard is not used, the boater can lift it out of the water and secure it. This can be important when boats are traveling in shallow water where the trawl board could run aground, or when sailing conditions do not require the use of a starboard to stabilize the boat. Some boats have a pair of combination boards, allowing the sailor to control which one is lowered, because the leeward side of the boat can change. In others, the board comes apart and can be moved from one side to the other as needed.
Custom boat orders may include a call for a leeboard, in which case the boatbuilder can determine the needs of the boat and design an appropriate accessory. It is also possible to adapt them to add to an existing boat. Sailors can ask a shipyard to do this work if they are not comfortable with their own installation. Detailed guides on reading board construction and placement are also available for boaters who are feeling more confident in their abilities.
This device fulfills a function very similar to that of the central plate, also known as the dagger. The main disadvantage of the daggerboard is that there must be space available in the middle of the boat for times when the sailor wants to retract it. On a small craft, this can consume valuable space and make the boat much less comfortable for passengers. The running boards stand out of the way on the sides of the boat and do not take up space, making them very useful for small boats.
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