4-foot Caribbean chop • 4 mph forward speed • 14.5 ft legs
Pitch reduction estimates are based on simple moment calculations and typical active damping effectiveness for low-frequency wave forcing.
| Configuration | Wave Direction | Base Pitch Amplitude | With Modulated Thrust | Pitch Reduction | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base Case (No modulation) |
Head-on | ±4.8° | ±4.8° | — | Natural response only |
| Base Case (No modulation) |
Following | ±4.2° | ±4.2° | — | Slightly lower due to wave orbital motion |
| Thrusters @ 2 ft above bottom (Lever arm ~7.25 ft) |
Head-on | ±4.8° | ±3.1° | ~35% | Good phase alignment possible |
| Thrusters @ 2 ft above bottom | Following | ±4.2° | ±2.9° | ~31% | Slightly less effective |
| Thrusters @ bottom of leg (Lever arm ~8.75 ft) |
Head-on | ±4.8° | ±2.4° | ~50% | Best performance |
| Thrusters @ bottom of leg | Following | ±4.2° | ±2.3° | ~45% | Strongest moment arm |
Pitch reduction: Yes — a 35–50% reduction in pitch amplitude will be clearly noticeable and appreciated. The motion will feel significantly more stable, especially when moving between seasteads or performing tasks on deck.
Thrust modulation sensation: Likely minimal. At 4 mph with 0.35 Hz modulation, the thrust changes are relatively slow and smooth. Most people will perceive it as a gentle "push-pull" rather than abrupt surging. The effect is comparable to a boat with active trim tabs or a well-tuned autopilot adjusting throttle.
Conclusion: Occupants will primarily notice the reduced pitching and be happy with the improvement. The thrust modulation is unlikely to be bothersome at this frequency and amplitude.