Optimised ship handling with the innovative Daggerboard

Integrating a Becker daggerboard, an anti-leeway fin for ships equipped with modern Wind Assisted Propulsion Systems (WAPS), offers significant advantages for drift reduction. By reducing leeway, power can be saved, and navigation can be made more efficient. The Daggerboard from Becker Marine Systems features an effective and slim design that can be integrated into various types of ships. 

• A vertically retractable Daggerboard with an adjustable fin angle.
• A Daggerboard with a fixed fin that can be folded out from the hull.

Both models can be completely retracted into the hull, avoiding any interference in shallow waters, during engine-powered navigation, or while manoeuvring in harbors.

When using WAPS, not only do the desired thrust ahead components drive the ship, but depending on the wind direction, there can also be stronger or weaker lateral force components leading to leeway from the desired course. The use of a Daggerboard reduces these force component, requiring less compensation by the rudder. This increases efficiency and minimises power consumption.

A WAPS system harnesses wind power to propel a ship. While these systems have significant potential for power reduction, they also generate leeway that counteracts their positive effects. Here, Daggerboards can make a substantial contribution:

1. Compensation of lateral forces: The daggerboard compensates the lateral forces generated by the WAPS system, reducing the ship's leeway.

2. Reduction of the travelling distance to the destination: The full potential of the WAPS system can be utilised as the drift is reduced. This maximises the benefits of wind propulsion and contributes to significant energy savings.