Description
The World's Most innovative storm Drogue system
Fool-Proof System™ by Fiorentino
Shark Storm Drogue Size Chart
A New Science for Handling Storms at Sea
| SHARK Size | Packed Dimensions | SHARK Weight | Boat Size | Model | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 20cm x 20cm | 4,5kg | 22 to 31-feet and up to 9 ton | S-SHARK | View |
| Medium | 20cm x 20cm | 5,4kg | 32 to 49-feet and up to 22,5 ton | M-SHARK | View |
| Large | 20cm x 25,5cm | 6,4kg | 50 to 90-feet and up to 90,5 ton | L-SHARK | View |
| X-large | Custom sizing | Over 90 feet | XL-SHARK | Contact Us |
FAQ or Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Shark combat shock loads, skipping or popping out of the water?
Using a ground anchor, with the “drogue tail” located on the backside of the Shark, sinks the drogue underwater and removes slack rode at the same time. The anchor weight connected to the “drogue tail” is very effective at pulling the back of the canopy down while tilting the mouth of the Para-Ring toward the Ocean’s surface. This optimal angle increases water flow into the drogue ensuring that the solid canopy is inflated at all times. A solid canopy that remains fully inflated catches a lot of water to slow your boat. These patented design features permit Fiorentino to build a smaller drogue that takes up less space and is much easier to handle than other drogue devices.
Can any ground anchor be used to sink the Shark?
Yes. While I prefer mushroom anchors, any type of ground anchor can be attached to the “drogue tail” located behind the Shark.
Why is a ground anchor easier to handle than chain?
An average of 20- to 40-feet (6- to 12 m) of bulky chain is needed to equal the same weight placement of a small ground anchor. For example, a mushroom anchor is small in volume, making it easier to handle, and it can be used for a secondary purpose such as a dinghy anchor. Chain is more difficult to deploy because of its length and it tends to bang the hull of your boat during retrieval. The Shark is the only speed-limiting drogue that can operate without chain.
How much weight is needed to sink the Shark?
Proprietary tests conducted by Fiorentino suggest the use of “10-pounds (5 kg) for gale strength weather and 25- pounds (11 kg) for heavy weather conditions.”The amount of weight placed on the Shark is somewhat flexible since the forward motion of your boat maintains some tension in the rode in addition to the weight itself. Total weight placement should not exceed 50-pounds (23 kg).
How much force does the Shark generate on your boat?
Fiorentino’s average load cell readouts indicate 400 lbs. (181 kg) of force is applied to your vessel when towing a small Shark. Shock loads have been recorded as high as 550 lbs. (250 kg). Fiorentino projects forces could potentially reach 2,200 lbs. (998 kg) in severe weather.
How much rode is attached to the Shark?
Tests conducted by Fiorentino indicate that an average length of rode to use with the Shark is “150-feet (46 m) for gale strength weather and 300-feet (91 m) for storms.” If you choose to prepare for extreme weather, then Fiorentino suggests “10-feet (3 m) of rode for every foot (0.31 m) of boat.” The most common diameter rode to use with the Shark is 5/8-inches (16 mm). I prefer to use a Dacron/nylon mix rode because the combination stiffens the rope, protecting against chafe and slack while maintaining its ability to absorb shock loads with the nylon.
Can I use gear already on my boat?
Yes. The Shark saves you money and space, because you can use gear like an anchor rode or a spare ground anchor already stowed aboard your boat. Dock lines are useful as well. They can be converted into a bridle setup if you choose to use the Shark as an emergency steering device, a subject I discuss later in this manual.
Should I use a Fiorentino bridle with the Shark?
Yes. A bridle helps because it allows you to easily alter the position of the Shark placing your boat on a better track to improve steering. Typically, waves approaching from the windward quarter bring about the best comfort and steering control. Bridles can also reduce force placed on your boat’s cleats. Setting a bridle before or after the Shark is deployed is a matter of personal preference. I’ve tried various lengths of bridles, but prefer to use shorter ones since rode slackens less and the bridle tends to correct a boat’s steering much faster. Bridles should match the diameter of the rode deployed with the drogue and be long enough to span the transom with the option to secure the bitter end to your primary winches.
Can the Shark be used for emergency steering?
Yes. Several race events, like the Transpac, approve the use of the Shark as an alternative emergency steering device in the event your rudder or steering cables break. The small size of the Shark makes this stern drogue exceptionally easy to maneuver. The above photo demonstrates Fiorentino’s highly effective “2-Line”bridle set-up developed specifically for emergency steering. Both lines are typically anchored to winches. However, cleats may also be utilized.
Can the Shark be converted to a stopping drogue?
Although the Shark’s “drogue tail” could allow the drogue to be converted into a stopping drogue by attaching a second Shark, it is not recommended. The Shark has been extensively tested through Fiorentino sea-trials and it’s intended for use as a speed-limiting drogue. Proprietary test results demonstrate that “two drogues towed in tandem has essentially the same drag speed reduction as adding weight to a single drogue in tow” as demonstrated in the Shark Drag Characteristics chart on page 19.
Can you use a trip line to recover the Shark?
I wouldn’t. You’ll spend more time trying to capture the float at the tail end of the drogue than it takes to recover the drogue set-up. Wind constantly pushes the retrieval float away from the boat making it difficult to capture with a hook. Since recovery is at the stern, you typically motor in reverse in an effort to chase down the retrieval float. Most boats don’t maneuver well in reverse, especially with a sloppy sea state. You also have to avoid running over ropes and the drogue at the same time.
How do you retrieve the Shark?
Motor alongside the deployed rode with the boat’s bow quartering the waves. This generates enough slack to pull the Shark in by hand or with a winch. As soon as the Para-Ring (mouth of the drogue) breaks the surface of the water, slowly haul up the Shark. This permits water to exit the canopy from four different slots. Once the Shark reaches the deck, grab the “drogue tail” and haul in the mushroom weight. The “drogue tail” is short so this process occurs rather quickly.
How do you pack the Shark?
Packing is simple after you disconnect the Shark from its deployment rode. Grab hold of the drogue tail and push the red canopy inside the Para-Ring. After the red canopy is inside the Para-Ring coil the drogue tail into a circle. The two nylon buckles snap the bottom lid closed so everything is stored inside the cylindrical package. The unit is self contained without the need for a separate stowage bag.
Can moisture eventually damage or rot the Shark?
Dacron and Nylon fibers are essentially plastic and can’t mold or rot. If possible, it’s a good idea to rinse the
equipment to avoid smelly growths that can develop on the surface of the fabric. A fresh water rinse also prevents any build up of salt or rust blemish on the Jaw & Jaw swivel connected to the Para-Ring hardware.
For those who might not know, iron particles that contaminate the surface of stainless steel can rust, if not properly rinsed with fresh water. The stainless itself doesn’t rust. The good news is that it takes many years for this type of equipment to wear out. So rinse equipment when it’s convenient for you.
Any Doubts About Shark Storm Drogue Size?
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