comin' unscrewed
03-29-2002, 08:20 PM
My favorite toy needs a complete makeover. So, while I'm at it I'm gonna make some changes (hopefully improvements http://free.***boat.net/ubb/wink.gif ).
First a short history:
In '96 Gregs shop performed a stage 2 (3?) blueprint on the jet, removed the jet intake, machined it for a shoe & ride plate, and reinstalled it at 4 degrees, and installed a snoot and "R" nozzle with changeable inserts, and a closed loader grate.
After the changes the hull was actually trapping air and working as it was meant to for the first time since it was purchased new by my dad in '77. I gained approximately 7 mph top end (now running a best of 93 mph according to a Rex speedo). But, sometimes on flat water it will loose the air trap on one side or the other and begin to pitch back and forth from side to side. The effect starts gently and increases it's intensity with each side to side shift until I back out of the throttle slightly. (Is this what is referred to as "sponson walking"?).
I spoke to Greg about it on the phone (in '96) and he suggested adding aluminum strips to the inside edge of the outside sponsons to maintain the air trap and help stabilize the boat. (I never did.)
Well the Gel Coat job I did in '95 went south so I've got to redo the boat from top to bottom. And while I'm at it I'm planning to add some depth to the outside sponsons (glass and wood, not aluminum strips).
My questions?
1. How much depth should I add? An inch? More?
2. Do the tunnel gods have any advice or suggestions to improve this particular hull?
Thanks for your help,
Steve
First a short history:
In '96 Gregs shop performed a stage 2 (3?) blueprint on the jet, removed the jet intake, machined it for a shoe & ride plate, and reinstalled it at 4 degrees, and installed a snoot and "R" nozzle with changeable inserts, and a closed loader grate.
After the changes the hull was actually trapping air and working as it was meant to for the first time since it was purchased new by my dad in '77. I gained approximately 7 mph top end (now running a best of 93 mph according to a Rex speedo). But, sometimes on flat water it will loose the air trap on one side or the other and begin to pitch back and forth from side to side. The effect starts gently and increases it's intensity with each side to side shift until I back out of the throttle slightly. (Is this what is referred to as "sponson walking"?).
I spoke to Greg about it on the phone (in '96) and he suggested adding aluminum strips to the inside edge of the outside sponsons to maintain the air trap and help stabilize the boat. (I never did.)
Well the Gel Coat job I did in '95 went south so I've got to redo the boat from top to bottom. And while I'm at it I'm planning to add some depth to the outside sponsons (glass and wood, not aluminum strips).
My questions?
1. How much depth should I add? An inch? More?
2. Do the tunnel gods have any advice or suggestions to improve this particular hull?
Thanks for your help,
Steve