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Dumb question about leading edge.

Discussion in 'Technical Discussion' started by Blue Ghost, Feb 11, 2015.

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  1. Blue Ghost, Feb 11, 2015
    #1
    Blue Ghost

    Blue Ghost Member

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    So, on a lot of yacht videos and pictures I'm seeing metallic leading edges with what look like metallic deflectors; either a very polished stainless steel or a nickel plating.

    Does this really help a hull slice through water, or is it more decorative? Could someone explain the material science engineering or basic theory of the all metal leading edge?

    Thanks for any reply.
  2. Capt J, Feb 11, 2015
    #2
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    Metallic leading edges? I think you're seeing the reflection from the water. What yachts are you talking about specifically? It might be a stainless steel anchor pocket that you're talking about, that's to protect the hull from the anchor hitting the hull when dropping or retrieving it
  3. gr8trn, Feb 11, 2015
    #3
    gr8trn

    gr8trn Senior Member

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    anchor gel coat protectors?
  4. Capt J, Feb 11, 2015
    #4
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    Which boats are you talking about?

    Many yachts have a stainless steel anchor pocket that the anchor (and chain) will ride up on when it's being retrieved or dropped, so that it doesn't damage the paint or gelcoat, or hull itself (metal).
  5. Ward, Feb 11, 2015
    #5
    Ward

    Ward Senior Member

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    There are a few examples of what I assume the OP is asking about right on the home page of YF:

    This one seems to join up to the anchor pockets:

    http://www.yachtforums.com/index.ph...ristensen-yachts-43-meter-missing-link.24237/

    This one is what I pictured when I read the question - shiny metal right at the bow:

    http://www.yachtforums.com/index.ph...-83-5-meter-hybrid-superyacht-savannah.24175/

    Venus' is probably the most obvious:

    http://www.yachtforums.com/index.php?attachments/mac-yacht-jpg.55722/
  6. Blue Ghost, Feb 11, 2015
    #6
    Blue Ghost

    Blue Ghost Member

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    Well, it's the aerospace major in me talking. I'm talking about the larger motor yachts.

    In days of yore (when I was a lad) the entire prow was usually just painted white with a couple of wells for the anchors. Now I see these highly metallic and reflective surfaces. I was curious if this was a new thing.
  7. Blue Ghost, Feb 11, 2015
    #7
    Blue Ghost

    Blue Ghost Member

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    Yeah, that's kind of it. I figured the second set of metallic surfaces were for anchors, but the leading edge on the hull, to me at least, is a new thing. I've seen it before on older vessels, but it was strictly functional to bind the two hull pieces together.

    More recently it appears, to me at least, that perhaps a stainless steel edge cuts through the water easier. A shot in the dark here; maybe the water doesn't bunch up and react as much with a painted bow? I thought maybe it was a safety feature to resist collision with submerged objects.
  8. Capt J, Feb 11, 2015
    #8
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    It's for the anchor chain. Since the anchor is aft of the bow a ways, if the boat swings on anchor, the chain will not hurt the paint. For example, if you have the port anchor out and the boat swings counterclockwise, the chain could as some point rub against the bow. It depends on how aft of the boat the hause pipe for the anchor is as to whether or not the bow needs to be protected.
  9. Blue Ghost, Feb 11, 2015
    #9
    Blue Ghost

    Blue Ghost Member

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    Cool thanks.
  10. Perlmudder, Feb 11, 2015
    #10
    Perlmudder

    Perlmudder Member

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    How would an anchor snubber or bridle work on something like venus with the anchors so far back? Would you have a long enough snubber to go under the bow? It is not really difficult when you have a regular bow, but with the plumb bow and anchors set so far back it looks like it could get interesting.