13/07/2023
Rafnar aces a US comparative test with less wave impacts in all directions
In the maritime industry, we often encounter buzzwords, but 'slam-reduction' is not just a term, it's a critical issue directly tied to the short and long-term health and safety of our crews - the very principles Rafnar was founded upon. Many of us who have spent time at sea understand the detrimental effects of slamming, but the data, when examined, is still sobering.
At the High Speed Boat Operations Forum 2023, engineering consultant Keith Hubble from TMS Group USA presented compelling data on the forces at play, emphasizing the vital importance of minimizing slamming. He highlighted the benefits of addressing the problem from the ground up, from the hull design to the implementation of shock-absorbing seating.
In a comparative test in 1m waves at a speed of 30 knots, the Rafnar boat significantly outperformed a comparably sized vessel, despite the latter having twice the displacement of the Rafnar boat. The Rafnar hull demonstrated significantly lower accelerations and impacts in all three directions (vertical, front-to-back, and lateral) and 50% less roll and pitch. In heavier seas, a 5.5X difference in speed at which the bow is rotating in the up or pitch direction when it encounters a wave This equates to significantly fewer and less intense impacts for operators, contributing to a safer, more stable journey for the crew. The true value of any boat lies in its crew. All else can be replaced.
In a community where injury rates are alarmingly high, the research conducted over the last few years is not just noteworthy, it's a call for the industry to evolve. We highly recommend watching the video - slam-reduction brings about many benefits, most importantly, it enhances the safety and longevity of our most valuable asset, the crew.
Ullman Dynamics Mercury Marine Yamaha Motor Suzuki Marine Rafnar Hellas Hjálparsveit skáta í Kópavogi Slysavarnafélagið Landsbjörg
