Tail cut out

[<Alps>]

Sukhdev, what is your opinion for the purpose of the  cut out tail on many of the new boards like Fanatic and Thommen? Do you think its faster than normal type of tail?

[sukhdev]

strictly my 0.0002 cents worth...the tail cut outs balance out some of the consequent effects of having wide tails. The good thing about a wide tail is that it allows for better leverage against fins however at speed, there can be too much lift from the tail and it also changes the outline of the hull thus affecting gybing.

Adding in cut outs allows for reducing the wetted surface and also loosens up the tail of the board for gybing. You also get good leverage but with less lift than a conventional tail so its easier to control the hull in very powered conditions. A conventional tail of the same width but no cut outs may have better low end so you do compromise on early planing somewhat when compared to a standard tail of the same width.

in my opinion the cut outs themself wont guarantee speed difference, you have to consider the whole package (ie rocker line, max wide point, rails, volume distribution, outline etc).

[<Sailed them all>]

I think its all a fad. Tried no cut outs, shallow cut outs, and deep cut outs. The theory might be sound, but i feel the cut outs effect the trim and can cause the tail to dig in and twitch. Just my opinion, give me a flat tail any day.

[<Marco>]

Sukhdev in your experience is it true that the cutouts give less upwind performance? I have heard this mentioned before.

[sukhdev]

Marco, the upwind performance will depend on the total package, ie rocker,outline, rails, vol distribution etc as well as the actual set up (fin sizing especially). cut outs allow for wider tails with less drag so if the fin sizing is done correctly there should not be an upwind disadvantage.

No one single feature (or gimmick) defines the performance of a board; its really the whole design that counts and in the end all designs involve trade off of some kind.