What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Canoe Sterns or Double-Enders ?

[Johnathon123]

I don't know why, but I have always thought double Enders are a bad style of boat, whilst looking at "boat porn" the other day I realized I have no reason for this thought except abject ignorance.

So thus the question, what are the advantages and disadvantages of double Enders or canoe stern.

[RainDog]

Some experts believe canoe sterns are superior in a following sea. Other experts disagree with this idea and feel the difference is only aesthetic.

[velero]

One major disadvantage -you don't know if you are coming or going!!!!

[ReMetau]

We have a canoe stern. We were under the impression that it would be best in a following sea. Haven't had any problems. They are also quiet at a dock compared to the waves breaking on a lifted or flat stern.

A disadvantage is the loss of space.

[Hydra]

Advantages:
- less risk of waves slamming into the stern (underway or moored)
- less hull area: probably lighter

Disadvantages:
- less reserve of buoyancy
- less waterplane area aft: less suited to planing hulls
- less deck space aft
- awkward to fit dinghy davits or a swimming platform
- less space for accomodation below deck

Alain

[Southern Star]

Double-enders are inideed more difficult to make in frp, espeically if they have tumblehome as in most 'canoe' sterns. In that case, the hulls are typically molded in two pieces and then joined along the centerline.

I am not sure that they can be held on course more easily; frankly, I suspect that underbody shape, keel design, rudder placement and windage have much more to do with that (indeed, many boats with transoms present a double ender profile below the waterline). As I recall, it was this as well as the bouyancy advantage of more volume aft, that led Robert Perry ( a naval architect rather famous for designing double enders including the Valiant 40) to write: "I've never bought into that Moses parting the waves suggestion about double-enders" (paraphrased).

Having said that, they are certainly more seaworthy than flat bottoms with wide, dragging transoms aft (and much more pretty to these eyes).

Brad

[Blue Stocking]

Originally Posted by velero

One major disadvantage -you don't know if you are coming or going!!!!

LOL--I must be double ended because I feel like that, a lot

[James S]

Originally Posted by Hydra

Advantages:
- less risk of waves slamming into the stern (underway or moored)
- less hull area: probably lighter

Disadvantages:
- less reserve of buoyancy
- less waterplane area aft: less suited to planing hulls
- less deck space aft
- awkward to fit dinghy davits or a swimming platform
- less space for accomodation below deck

Alain

Ours is a canoe stern.
Alain has covered most of what I would say...I would add to the disadvantage, the shorter waterline.
This was our solution to the difficulties mounting davits, But I really envy those swim platform guys.

[Blue Stocking]

James, sometimes I think you plant these questions just so you can show off your work
Just joking--Beautiful work, as always

[Dockhead]

I think you could add to your list of advantages the following:

-- pretty

[James S]

Originally Posted by Blue Stocking

James, sometimes I think you plant these questions just so you can show off your work
Just joking--Beautiful work, as always

I scan the new posts just waiting for the chance to post a picture......I like the attention.

[daddle]

Certainly the optimum is an open transom. No?

But pointy at both ends in a FRP boat....silly. It was just a way to save having to fit a transom in plank hulls.

[stillbuilding]

Have had a 38' double ender and now building another so must be something in it.

Advantage and disadvantage: Smaller aft cockpit if that is where it is located.

Can lose a lot of space aft, especially in smaller sizes.
Probably stronger construction aft which may be useful in very heavy weather.
Definitely softer ride in heavy going. Seemed to be less water on deck than with some other designs I have been in.
Only had a couple of occasions of significantly heavier going and certainly did not get the stern being pushed up and following downhill rush effect of wider flat sterns. Not quite "parting the waves" but clearly easier movement.

[James S]

We went through Typhoon Tip off the north end of Luzon (I think it was actually a Super Typhon) in the late 70s in this boat. We had lost all directional control when the standing rigging failed and engine mounts broke.
When being tossed around and falling off waves in every direction including back wards in those conditions, Having a stern that parts the water seemed to have its advantages.

[matauwhi]

G'day, Mate. Our compromise to a double ender vs. open transom. Not being able to step directly off the back into the dinghy has been the thing we have sacrificed the most over the years, but we have an excellent side boarding ladder. Cheers.