Most novice anglers and just lovers of water trips, when choosing their first boat, are primarily focused on power potential. The combination of the material from which the small vessel is made and the capabilities of the engine are considered by many as the main factor in assessing the operational properties of the model. At the same time, structural advantages are considered mainly as an indicator of ergonomics.
In fact, it is the hull structure that is most important for the boat’s ability to overcome distances along the water surface. Just in the initial category of boats the so-called glider is widespread. What is this in terms of operation? This is the physically conditioned ability of small vessels with less resistance to move on the water surface. Under this opportunity, both the design of the model and the body material are ground.
Glider Overview
The principle of operation of a planing boat is based on the flat pebble effect known to many since childhood, which performs spasmodic actions at a high launch speed. A flattened surface with a small mass of the object not only implies lower resistance indicators of the water surface, but also receives additional energy for moving forward, that is, slipping. On this principle the sea glider is built. What is it in the construction of boats and boats? First of all, it is a flat bottom that provides swimming with minimal support for the power unit. But there is another structural feature. The fact is that for the possibility of a glider you have to pay with the fragility of the same bottom. Even on the lake, when small waves appear, there is a risk of damage to the boat hull. For this reason, gliding models get V-shaped noses that cut off the waves. But this is not found in all modifications.
Planning Modes
Three types of practical glider are distinguished. This is a displacement swimming format, transitional and sports glider, at which the speed can reach more than 20 km / h. In the displacement mode, the maximum “wetting spot” is assumed and the boat’s speed characteristics are almost not involved. In this case, the movement is accompanied by the formation of a high wave. The transitional mode is characterized by a high rise in the bow, and the average speed is 17-18 km / h.
Actually, a full-fledged glider in sports mode is the most desired effect that is achieved when driving high-speed vessels. This is movement along the water surface, the activator of which is only the high-speed pressure of water. In other words, achieving minimization of resistance to movement is the sports glider. What is it for practical use? The use of this mode is not due to attempts to obtain a higher power potential or new speed capabilities of the vessel. Experienced shipowners use it to reduce fuel consumption. The glider lifts the boat out of the water massif and practically leads it above the surface with minimal resistance.
PVC boats
One of the most affordable materials in the segment of small planes is polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Reinforced fabric is usually used, the choice of which depends on which planing mode to be used. The advantages of polyvinyl chloride per se include lightness and elasticity. In terms of ease of practical use, this is the best option, but in terms of protection against damage, of course, this is not the best choice.
Nevertheless, manufacturers do not abandon this concept, seeking to raise the strength properties of the fabrics that form the PVC boat. The glider is also organically combined with polyvinyl chloride, due to the small mass of the object, allowing you to get quite high rates in terms of reducing resistance. Subject to careful operation and the use of suitable adhesives, the working life of such boats can reach 10 years.
Features fiberglass boats
Initially, fiberglass allows you to solve the problems of durability of planing boats. It is not so convenient in physical handling and transportation, but in "field conditions" it proves worthy. Of course, if you compare it with aluminum, you will find a lot of shortcomings, but as a budget and more or less serious solution for the full use of fiberglass boats justify themselves. Their indisputable advantages include the appearance - what are the only solar reflections on the case. As for gliding, the material in some aspects is more effective than aluminum and fabric models.
Limitations on the use of fiberglass gliders
Almost all glider models are sensitive to operation in shallow water. Fiberglass is also contraindicated for long parking with the nose facing the shore. Unlike some blends of polyvinyl chloride, fiberglass is toxic. Moreover, not its very basis, but mandatory protective coatings in the form of gelcoat and especially ether resins. Therefore, the frequency of direct contacts with such housings should be minimized. Fiberglass boats require special conditions in terms of storage. Again, the gelcoat mentioned is characterized by the ability to accumulate moisture, which, when freezing, has a destructive effect on the structure of the body. Therefore, with regular use at least once a week, the boat should be dried, and long-term storage in the winter should be organized only in heated rooms.
Where are gliders used?
The range of applications of the glider is quite extensive. These are rescue small boats, and the sports sphere, as well as passenger boats with a small capacity. An important condition for the implementation of this mode is low workload. Not always, even fishermen manage to achieve minimization of the area of contact with the water surface due to incorrectly calculated load distribution. It is important to note that air glider is also practiced. What is this in practice? Most often these are ships equipped with pushing propellers. Such equipment is used on security, fire, rescue and some postal models of boats and boats.
What determines the effectiveness of the glider?
Regardless of the material, the same factors are envisioned for each glider to facilitate its implementation. The basic condition for entering this mode is light weight. The ratio of the force potential to the mass of the vessel should be such that the object can overcome the wave barriers that are formed at the moment of increasing the feed trim. In addition, the hydrodynamic force of retention is also affected by the shape of the body itself. A traditional speedboat features a flat bottom and a narrower nose.
Conclusion
The introduction of the glider into the widespread use of small boats is due to a logical desire to lower fuel costs. The gliding swimming format eliminates the tight contact of the object with the waves, which eliminates the need for connecting the power potential from the engine. But some disadvantages of this regime should be taken into account. The fact is that a light high-speed vessel under conditions of a glider undergoes rapid wear in the part of the bottom close to the stern. Because of this, for example, the same fiberglass and polyvinyl chloride models regularly require repair. If in the case of PVC there is a risk of an elementary cut of the fabric in shallow water, then the plastic is adversely affected by the collision of the coating with small sandy and rocky particles. However, modern housing coatings in the form of the same essential resins provide high-quality mechanical protection.