Explore how real experiments with ship models reveal the forces that shape speed, stability, and safety on the water.
This edition, drawn from a century of hands‑on testing, presents clear findings about how water resistance, lateral resistance, and stability guide the form of ships and boats. It covers how bows, midship sections, and stern shapes affect performance, and how changing width, length, or curve alters behavior in water. The work includes practical observations and diagrams that translate complex ideas into approachable lessons for designers and curious readers.
- How water resistance scales with surface area and weight
- Where the center of lateral resistance lies and how it shifts with movement
- How bow and stern shapes influence speed and stability
- Guidance on midship section forms and their impact on performance
Ideal for readers of naval architecture history and engineering, this book offers a grounded look at the governing principles behind the design of ships and boats.