Hull extension

Again guys, thanks for all your kind words and the name suggestion. I'm flattered.
New Guy- fiberglass only length, stem to stern= 23' 2", add tilted motor and anchor assembly= another 4' and my tongue extends the length another 3' for an overall of 30' 2".
Dusty- you outlined exactly why I did this mod and even though it didn't extend the cockpit any, it feels like it because there is nothing cluttering up the deck. I might insulate the new fishwell to make it a better cooler but we don't really need it up here so much. A chunk of glacier would probably keep for most of a 3 day outing.
Joe- I followed your link to the Murphy tug. I'm with you, all that wood is sure nice but one boat is enough to keep me cashtrated and no way I'd get rid of the Beer:Thirty.

Bill
 
Bill, Dusty, and all-

Well, as long as we're discussing the various ways to accomplish the goals Dusty mentions above and the ones Bill mentioned earlier, here's a idea that borrows from both the hull extension idea and the trim tab school of thought.

Rather than go through the expense of fully extending the hull, including all the plumbing, controls, etc. why not build a set of very large three dimensional trim tabs that would supply extra bouyancy at rest and at displacement speeds, and work as trim tabs at planning speeds?

These would have to be large solid triangular forms, hinged to the boat at the bottom transom edge. They would be cut away enough on the surface that fits against the rear of the transom to allow sufficient retraction at speed to eliminate them as a lifting source in following seas. The top/aft facing surface could taper down towards the rear somewhat while still maintaining enough volume to supply the additional bouyancy desired when immersed at rest and slower speeds. Obvioul;y, the bottom edges serve as very large trim tabs.

Control would be hydraulic, using as many as three cylinders per side, and would probably require a single large pump on each side to port and starboard.

These could be fabricated of fiberglass over a wood core, but welded aluminum might well be simpler answer, employing a custom gas tank fabricator. The aluminum would need to be painted for aesthetic reasons.

The hinges would be subject to considerable strees, requiring a search of industrial as well as marine sources.

The top / aft surface could have steps built into it with a fold-down ladder to the rear. Lots of additional projects could be incorporated into their design. A motor mount for a small remotely controlled kicker might be possible for those not wanting the trolling motor on the transom.

Such a device wouldn't add the amount of volume that would be gained in a full hull extension, but, designed properly, would gain a lot of desired bouyancy and trim control without the full cost of a true hull extension.

???????............Joe.
 
Sounds good to me, Joe -

Build a set and I'll come down for the demo :lol: :lol: -

there are hundreds of us running around with heavy boat butts (among other), and larger tabs, like RFs, would help a bunch.

There just isn't any turning back the clock and until they make light 4-strokes, many of us will just trim away and enjoy!

My, what a beautiful boating day up this-a-way. Just back in from a 30 mile trip and it couldn't be sweeter. Fish in the box would have been nice, but not necessary :wink:

Dusty
 
Joe,
You're a dreamer and I love it! I can imagine the books you read as a child. Of course there is another possible explanation, in which case I'd like to have two of what ever you're on. Either way, I could see us as fast friends! You've a great imagination and I look forward to many more of your ideas!

Bill
 
WOW what a ballsy project. Turned out great. The place that did the glasswork looks like they did an excellent job. Hope to see you out on the water this season. I would love to see it in person. If you ever make it down to Homer give me a ring.
 
Hey everyone,
I haven't posted in a while but I needed to make a correction on some stats I posted previously. I stated that the Beer:thirty did 21 mph at 4 mpg. OOOPS! It actually was 21 mph (average) at 4 gph (average) and 5.25 mpg (average).
Going out tomorrow for the first time since last post and I'll take better notes.

See ya,
Bill
 
Ok, latest stats,

101.6 Miles,30.4 gals, 9.6 hrs.= 3.3 mpg and 3.16 gph.

5 people, food and gear, 56 gals of fuel on board, 5gals water, 2 1/2 gals of beer.

Saw dolphins, seals, otters, goats and caught 3 halibut, 5 rock fish and 2 1/2 gallons of shrimp.

Good luck to all of you contemplating any kind of similar addition. I'd do it again for just the extra room but I think she performs better too.

Bill
 
Hello Billy,
Well you have had all summer to use the "new" boat. Let us here of your openions and obersvations on how the boat is performing and any adjustments you might do or change if you were doing it again.

Mike
 
Yeah! Let's hear it Billy......!!!

Would be great to hear all that before the winter season when others planning that type of modification will start working. Might save them some time, effort, and mistakes to hear from the voice of experience!

Is your boat put away for the winter yet?

Joe.
 
Hey all,
Sorry for the delay in replying. I've been building a new house and just haven't been online at all.

Would I do it again? In a heart beat. I would do it for the extra room alone. The useful space gained far exceeded my expectations but then maybe it is the kind of space I needed and others may not find it so useful. I was able to eliminate the oversized ice chest I once carried. The new fish box is large enough for me to put several halibut in the 40-50 lb range, a couple of limits of Silvers and still have lots of room for the other things that just get under foot. I bag up my trash and it goes in there along with a bucket, bait and extra beer and ice.
It's also really handy for emptying the shrimp pots. I just set the pot over the hatch and open up the bottom dump. Neat and clean.
As for performance, you may recall that with all of the extra weight I usually carry the boat "felt" stern heavy. No more. I think the added displacement balanced the boat right out again and I think it comes up on plane a little faster than before. No negative experiences with following seas to report thus far.
I don't know that I've realized much in the way of improved fuel economy or at least I can't say I have for sure. Not enough time on the water this summer but I can say that I'm sure the extension didn't negatively impact the fuel consumption.
The only negatives I can come up with were design flaws that I've already expressed in previous posts and are easily remedied.
I'll try to check in more often, best of luck to you all.

Billy[/i]
 
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