An outrigger canoe has a canoe-shaped main hull and an outrigger for stability. It can have one or more stabilizers, and is ideal for rough water and high speeds. Paddling techniques vary and racing is popular. The stabilizer provides added security when transporting people in difficult conditions.
An outrigger canoe is a type of boat that features a canoe-shaped main hull and an outrigger that extends from the main hull for added stability. A stabilizer features arms with a float attached to the end. The float can vary in size and is generally much smaller than the main hull, although an outrigger canoe may feature a float that is as long and as wide as the main hull. Some versions of this craft feature more than one stabilizer, and crafts that feature only one stabilizer generally have the stabilizer frame in port, or on the left hand side.
The added stability provided by the outrigger on a canoe allows the boat to operate in rough or unstable water, and makes traveling at higher speeds much easier. Canoes equipped with a sail are more likely to have an outrigger than canoes without sails which are generally operated on flat, calm water. For added stability, an outrigger canoe may feature a second hull of the same size and structure as the main hull. The two hulls function as stabilizers for each other; This style is sometimes known as a catamaran and is ideal for fast speeds in open water.
Since the outrigger canoe has added weight and drag, the paddling technique that will be employed to propel the boat forward will vary from the more traditional strokes used on regular canoes. If the canoe has a sail, the operator will need to learn how to propel the boat effectively and safely, taking advantage of both the sail and the outrigger support. Some canoes may have stabilizers on either side of the main hull, although this is less common and generally not necessary if the canoe is used with a sail.
Racing has become popular with canoes, and the models used for racing are exceptionally light and often very narrow to reduce drag. However, traditionally, boats were used for transportation in open water that was often choppy. The stabilizer provided additional stability, especially when the ship was loaded with a significant amount of weight. These boats were often used to transport several people, so the stabilizer provided additional security against capsizing in difficult conditions. The ship’s maneuverability was an added benefit, and larger ships would not be able to carry people where a canoe could.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
