Bow rail vs trolling motor

[seabob4]

When the object is pushed, the vertical component of the push increases the normal force. Hence, there is an increase in friction.

Now when you pull the object, the vertical component of the pull is in the opposite direction of the normal reaction and hence, reduces it, thereby reducing the friction.

Hence, friction in (b) is less than friction in (a) Pulling a body is easier than pushing

The force one must exert (or machine) is not the same, pushing or pulling, because the forces working against the puller are less, due to the reduction in friction force...

[seabob4]

Let me ask you guys this question.  If you were moving a washer up a flight of stairs, would you push it...or pull it?

Remember, the huge majority of aircraft are pullers.  There MUST be a reason...

[Aquamaniac]

I just knew I should have stayed awake in Physics  
Since we have gone down this path, something to think about is indeed the vertical component of the push or pull forces. No doubt, when dealing with a heavy box on the ground, this is easy to understand. When I think of where the prop of the TM is in relation to the boat moving through water, well....not so clear.  

[RickK]

SB, you've riddled around both sides of the argument. So what is your opinion? Is a trolling motor best on the front or back of a boat?

[Capt. Bob]

When the object is pushed, the vertical component of the push increases the normal force. Hence, there is an increase in friction.

Now when you pull the object, the vertical component of the pull is in the opposite direction of the normal reaction and hence, reduces it, thereby reducing the friction.

Hence, friction in (b) is less than friction in (a) Pulling a body is easier than pushing

The force one must exert (or machine) is not the same, pushing or pulling, because the forces working against the puller are less, due to the reduction in friction force...

That's only true if there is in fact a vertical component. Forces acting in a horizontal, whether pushing or pulling will be the same once they overcome the forces holding the object at rest. Humans can pull easier because the mechanical nature of the motion creates more force on a horizontal direction but the force needed to move the object is the same in either direction.

[seabob4]

Fore Rick, and here's why.  You're up on the foredeck/casting deck.  This is where you want to go...to that oyster bed, leeward side.  You can see the reds tailing.  You want to get close, you don't want to spook them.  Your eyes tell you where you want to put your boat.  That's best done where you don't have an entire boat between you...and what you need to see.

Can you do that with a remote and a stern mount TM?  Sure.  But I feel you have more control with the boat placement with a bow mount.  No physics, no scientific BS...JMO...

[Capt. Bob]

SB, you've riddled around both sides of the argument. So what is your opinion? Is a trolling motor best on the front or back of a boat?

Couldn't tell ya.

I do understand forces, haven't seen many bulldozers that "pull" dirt and would hire some thugs to move the washing machine up the stairs anyway they wanted.

[seabob4]

When the object is pushed, the vertical component of the push increases the normal force. Hence, there is an increase in friction.

Now when you pull the object, the vertical component of the pull is in the opposite direction of the normal reaction and hence, reduces it, thereby reducing the friction.

Hence, friction in (b) is less than friction in (a) Pulling a body is easier than pushing

The force one must exert (or machine) is not the same, pushing or pulling, because the forces working against the puller are less, due to the reduction in friction force...

That's only true if there is in fact a vertical component. Forces acting in a horizontal, whether pushing or pulling will be the same once they overcome the forces holding the object at rest. Humans can pull easier because the mechanical nature of the motion creates more force on a horizontal direction but the force needed to move the object is the same in either direction.

CB, there is ALWAYS a vertical force component on any object, statically or dynamically...the normal force, which we typically think of as gravity.  Once a body is in motion, that same force is still present, but it is diminished due to the fact that it now becomes an angular force.  

Interesting you mention "mechanical nature"...as in mechanical advantage.  While the resultant force applied directly upon the object is the same, pushing or pulling, i.e., to get the damn thing moving, because of mechanical advantage, the force exerted to propel an object into motion is less...

[seabob4]

I haven't seen any dozers that pull dirt either, CB.  Sometimes you can just overwhelm the object d'jour with brute strength.

[Capt. Bob]

I haven't seen any dozers that pull dirt either, CB.  Sometimes you can just overwhelm the object d'jour with brute strength.

Yes sir.
That's been the strategy these past couple of years with my son.
Seems even the smallest objects have increased in weight around the house and with my bad back and all....

Back on point, seeing how "our" type craft seem to get the bow blown around in the wind easier (at least to my experience) it just makes more sense as you stated, to control it from up there. Now when it's on a trailer, I don't think it really matters what end it's on.

[seabob4]

Kids are like that CB.  The mass of an object is inversely proportional to the reward offered to move said object.  

Move a pile of clothes to the washer for Mom?  That will take hours.  Tear down an old shed and you can take my truck to Atlanta for the weekend?  Shed is down in minutes...

[gran398]

When engineers come in my place....I go run and hide. Buncha anal weirdos.

Not you guys though  

[seabob4]

PV=nRT

Anyone up for that one?

[Capt. Bob]

PV=nRT

Anyone up for that one?

Let me guess.
It has something to do with "hot air".

[seabob4]

PV=nRT

Anyone up for that one?

Let me guess.
It has something to do with "hot air".

That would be the V and the T part...