Capsize Factor Discussion

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Joe Mullee

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Jun 3, 2004
418
Island Packet Island Packet 29 West River, MD
Is a boat with a higher capsize factor than another boat of similiar size more likely to roll over in similiar conditions or does the factor have more to do with a boat turning back up in the event it did roll over? My 1983 Hunter34 has a capsize factor of 2.03. Is it more likely to roll over given the same conditions than another similiar size boat that has a factor of 1.87?

How important is capsize factor in choosing a boat for coastal cruising compared to offshore "bluewater" cruising?

Thanks,

Joe Mullee
 
M

mitiempo

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Sep 28, 2008
922
Canadian Sailcraft CS27 Victoria B.C.
The capsize ratio you are referring to has nothing to do with stability. It favors narrow and heavy, not taking into account whether the ballast is in the hull or 6' lower. A full stability curve showing the maximum righting moment and at what angle of heel it occurs at is much more useful.

Interestingly if you take a given boat and place 500 lbs 10' off the deck its capsize ratio improves - but its ability to self right gets a bit worse.

Interesting discussion here http://www.sailnet.com/forums/boat-review-purchase-forum/7839-value-capsize-ratios.html
See post #2
 
anchorclanker

anchorclanker

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May 27, 2012
1,152
Oday 222 Beaver Lake, Arkansas
I would also consider the AVS and self righting characteristics.

I found this site to calculate some of the factors discussed as well as explain them in an understandable way.
 
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Benny17441

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May 24, 2004
7,215
CC 30 South Florida
Don't place to much reliance on the capsize factor as it is just an oversimplification. For offshore go with a boat of adequate size and proven design and handling characteristics.
 
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