Any solid craft displaces water even when its skimming and the impact of every ripple against a solid hull adds to the drag.
So...... Im testing a new design with a solid deck, ultra thin rails and a hull made of 70 Denier ripstop fabric.
Initial testing shows that low inflation gives a smooth ride and the pliability of the fabric lets the hull slip over the ripples rather than impact into them. I havent done any GPS runs yet.
I initially made a few bodyboards to test the idea in the surf and on some waves it builds up to a certain speed and then takes off with a great burst of speed so thats why Im trying it on a windsurfer.Could be barking up the wrong tree but its worth a try.
Anyone else tried this ?