Length to Width ratio ?

T

TJM

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We are looking at 1980's larger Trawlers with more live aboard amenities (LRC), somewhere between a 46' - 52'.
We found a 50' Bestway that had a 14' 6" beam. The boat seamed a bit narrow for the length. It did have the Naid stabilizers.
After some research, we found that on that boat model the hull was originally built in a 43' mold, which was then lengthened to 46' and then 50'.

The Engineer in me struggled with that and then someone said never go over a 3:1 ratio of length to width.
Is there any truth in that ?
What is the reason other than the obvious ?
 
For a given displacement, a longer and narrower boat will run better in seas than a stout, shorter and wider boat. Take performance boat, for example. If you kept their displacement the same, but changed them from around a 4 to 5:1 ration down to a 3:1 ratio, there's no way they take the seas they do at the speeds they do. Look at Naval vessels. What are they ... about 8:1 ? Wide profile boats feel stable at the dock, and at pack in the creature comforts. Longer do better in heavy seas. Longer water line will also give you better "hull speed" without having to get on plane. That could be very important with trawlers, given that you won't be planing much. Your choice might depend on your use.
 
<"... Your choice might depend on your use.">

Agree.

Look at the profile of "A", or better yet, a WWII Battleship. If you are going to be dock queens of ICW only, your options open a lot.

As an aside. Make sure you can stand up in the thing!!!!
 
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