Abstract
The mechanism of deciding a posture of the trolling depressor in the towing was investigated. The hydrodynamic characteristics of the trolling depressor, which has been widely used by Japanese coastal fishermen, were investigated using models with a 394.5 cm2 plane form area in different shapes and cambers. These models were rigged for an attack angle from -10° to 90°. The lift, drag and moment were measured by a three-component load cell in the circulating water tank. The difference in the shape of the trolling depressor did not affect the drag coefficient. Superior efficiency of the trolling depressor is considered to be due to the effect of camber. The position of the pressure center very near the front edge makes the trolling depressor move downward. Disagreement of points between the towing point and the pressure center accelerated the swinging movement of the trolling depressor.
