In any sailing magazine now we see that reverse bows are all the rage. For any multi to look new, it must have them now. I’m seeing an odd trend where designers are now adding reverse bows to any frumpy old design and presenting it as a whole new design. Its like any overweight production cat can now claim that it shares DNA with the America’s Cup cats. I do understand that the reverse bows do help a bit in smoothing the ride, but guys, if you put a hood scoop on a 1993 station wagon, it is still a station wagon. Like on the pic, it could even be a fragile station wagon, but it has the swag now. Its like a yuppie magnet.
I have been doing reverse bows on many designs for at least 5 years, and I respect the power of the style tide. But look at all the station wagons posing.
Added reverse bows (at great labor, fairing and tears expense) to my KH multi under construction. looks great and still has the performance of a KH design.
here is a fashion design from a old design still being designed with reverse bows
http://multihullblog.com/wp-content/uploads/model79WIDEPSP1.jpg
OC
Nothing wrong with reverse bows on a fat hulled 42′ cat that 3′ of extra overall length couldn’t do better. Except catch yuppies.
In some cases it does’nt look bad, but the timeless beauty of a Polynesian bows will never go out of style.
Most cruising catamarans with reverse bows I see end up with a blob at the top of the bow due to the extra volume in the upper part of the hull that is ridiculously unfair. They then attempt to hide it with chamfers. A true reverse bow on a racing trimaran is beautiful though.
http://sailracewin.blogspot.com.au/2011/05/awesome-images-of-maxi-tri-banque.html
How does the reverse bow fit with CM or Stressform hull construction?
seems fine.
I have done a few hulls that way but have not heard complaints nor gotten any pictures.
If the reverse bow works then I will accept it, but I still think it is ugly.