Maximise your wind propulsion power savings
Integrating a Becker Daggerboard, an anti-leeway fin designed for ships with modern wind-assisted propulsion systems (WAPS), offers significant advantages in terms of reducing drift. Reducing leeway can save power and make navigation more efficient.
Designed to integrate seamlessly with all major WAPS technologies, the Becker Daggerboard is the perfect fit for vessels across the full spectrum of wind-assisted propulsion solutions.
Compensation of lateral forces
The Daggerboard balances the lateral forces generated by the WAPS system, thereby reducing the ship's leeway.
Reduction of travel distance
Reducing drift enables the full efficiency of wind propulsion to be achieved and energy savings to be maximised.
Efficient drift reduction solution
Becker offers two high-performance Daggerboard variants: a liftable and a foldable Daggerboard. Their design ensures precise and efficient leeway compensation when sailing with the wind.
Technical features
- The symmetrical NACA-profiled fin generates high lift with minimal hydrodynamic drag.
- Both options fully retract into the hull, providing unobstructed engine-powered transit, port operations and navigation in shallow waters.
- The hydraulic drives are controlled by a programmable logic controller (PLC).
Technical comparison of the models
| FEATURE | LIFTABLE DAGGERBOARD | FOLDABLE DAGGERBOARD |
| Profile | Symmetrical (NACA) | Symmetrical (NACA) |
| Rotatability | Rotatable | Fixed (non-rotatable) |
| Aspect Ratio | Approx. 1.5 | High (> 5) |
| Lift/Drag Ratio | > 4 | > 20 |
| Leeway Reduction | Active and highly efficient | Passive, through high aspect ratio |
| Retraction Function | Fully retractable into the hull | Fully retractable into the hull |
| Crash Protection | Predetermined breaking point at shaft coupling | Emergency fold function |
| Drive System | Hydraulic | Hydraulic |
| Control System | PLC-controlled | PLC-controlled |
Unlock full efficiency with the Daggerboard
When using WAPS, the thrust components not only drive the ship ahead, but depending on the wind direction, stronger or weaker lateral force components can also lead to leeway from the desired course. Using a Daggerboard reduces these force components, meaning the rudder requires less compensation. This increases efficiency and minimises power consumption.
A: No compensation
A minimal underwater lift results in significant leeway, causing the ship to drift noticeably sideways.
B: Partial compensation
The underwater body provides some counterforce, meaning the ship maintains its forward course, though with visible drift.
C: High compensation with Daggerboard
The Daggerboard neutralises the lateral forces. This means the vessel remains on its course, maximising the benefits of wind propulsion.
Turn the wind into maximum performance
The Becker Daggerboard is designed to maximise wind propulsion.
Hydrodynamic expertise
The fin profiles are optimised using advanced CFD capabilities and proven rudder technology.
Efficient side force compensation
It reduces the leeway angle, allowing for more accurate course-keeping and reducing the need for rudder activity.
Maximised WAPS efficiency
It retains the full power savings generated by the wind system, avoiding drag penalties.
Retractable for flexibility
It is fully retractable, allowing unrestricted operations in shallow waters or during port manoeuvring.
References
Trusted by pioneers in Wind Propulsion.
RoRo Vessel for Louis Dreyfus Armateurs (LDA)
- 2 foldable Daggerboards
- Fin area 8.8 m²
- Lift force 300 kN at 8° and 14 knots
Sailing Cargo Vessel for TOWT
- 1 Becker Daggerboard
- Fin area 7.68 m²
- Lift force 50 kN at 7 knots (0° heeling)
