Volume and planing

Question
Hi!

Concerning the Fanatic Shark 145 lts, somebody  has commented in one of the Forums that , while it planes early due to its relative low weight and moderate width, it is relatively hard  to keep it planing (as  compared to a 160 lts) without a constant, sustained  wind.I was unable to understand if this, (if true) , is attributable to the specific design of the Fanatic board, regardless of the volume/width , or if  there is IN GENERAL an inverse  correlation between volume/width/ and planing capability.
In other words, do  the very same factors which make the board plane earlier ( lower volume and  lesser width) become then a handicap when it comes to keeping the board on planing? Is it perhaps because  the lower volume/narrower width of the 145 as compared to the 160 tends to make it sink more , therefore  resulting in  a loss of planing momentum?

After all, the wing thrust which keeps an airplane flying is proportional to the surface of the wing and the pilot lowers the wing flaps when he wants to lose altitude: the aircraft then " sinks" through the air much in the same way that a narrower board sinks more than a wider one...

I'd like to have your comments on thgis

Thank you

Franco V.

Answer
Hey Franco,

There is an old adage that says 'Once on a plane, you should be able to stay on a plane'.

But, with the advent of newer board shapes and the pursuit of planing in light winds, this old adage may or may not be as true as it once was.

The thing about not staying on a plane is fairly dependent upon the wind conditions and the ability level of the sailor. The wind HAS to be enough to sustain planing or when it is up and down, then the sailor may have to work a bit harder to maintain the plane. Some of the board design will have some effect on how well a board stays on a plane. These are usually fairly subtle differences that only advanced and expert sailors will notice. When you read these reviews, you are probably hearing from this level of sailors. When you try to compare different volumes and widths, it's like comparing apples to oranges. You just won't find a good comparison. Comparisons should be made on similar sizes for good results.

How it will affect an intermediate sailor that is still learning all the various techniques of planing, probably not as much as is would seem from reading reviews. What a person should be considering when shopping for a smaller board is 'What characteristics of the board am I looking for once I'm fairly proficient on this board?' Try to determine what your end goals are for a new board. Speed, ease of planing, jibing, upwind ability, light/moderate/heavy winds, level of board - intermediate/advanced/expert, and various other aspects. Once you determine where you want to be in the next season or two, then look for a board that will take you to that level and beyond. Find something you can grow into instead of outgrowing it.

Hope this helps.
Keep on sailing,
Windlover