breezeblocks new boat project

[breezeblock]

the solar panel is on with a go pro mount onto the roof its only on for storage to keep the battery topped up for the bilge pump the front window is glass and bonded in the sides are lexan or similar it was done in 4 weeks as work had died on its arse and I was not very busy it worked out in my favour

[GuyC]

Thanks for the quick reply.

[willk]

Nice one. Clearly a lot of thought as well as work. I'm guessing you are thinking about side panels as well - roll up or whatever? You're going to find that the boat's handling changes a bit - specifically trim and windage. The boat may run off centre a little - partly due to the COG rising but more due to the windage. At close quarters/slow speeds, the wind may have a marked effect on the steering. You'll be putting some Rainex (for plastic not glass) on the screens. Maybe pricing a pair of Lencos before too long as well - they're very useful...

[breezeblock]

Originally Posted by willk

Nice one. Clearly a lot of thought as well as work. I'm guessing you are thinking about side panels as well - roll up or whatever? You're going to find that the boat's handling changes a bit - specifically trim and windage. The boat may run off centre a little - partly due to the COG rising but more due to the windage. At close quarters/slow speeds, the wind may have a marked effect on the steering. You'll be putting some Rainex (for plastic not glass) on the screens. Maybe pricing a pair of Lencos before too long as well - they're very useful...

it felt faster before the canopy was fitted but still managed 42 knots I am quite happy with that the boat had trim tabs on it at some point the holes and cover plates are on the transom when we had it on Loch Lomond first time it was sitting port side down when moving I presume this was down to the wind trim tabs might be a an option we thought about rainx instead of wipers but decided just to go for the wiper option the side windows aren't affected by the rain I think the angle of the side windows the rain just blows off them anyway overall the positives of having the canopy on far outweigh the negatives you just compensate to allow for them it keeps mrs breezeblock happy when she's dry so that means more boating time so its a win win

[jwalker]

Well done Mr Breezeblock, is that aluminium alloy you've used for the construction? I agree with willk, you may want to invest in trim tabs in time. The windage will cause listing and since the Northcraft hull is a shallow V you'll land on the flat of the hull in a stiff beam on breeze. Also, sides are good...those big sprays which get swooshed back aboard, sides keep them away.

[breezeblock]

Originally Posted by jwalker

Well done Mr Breezeblock, is that aluminium alloy you've used for the construction? I agree with willk, you may want to invest in trim tabs in time. The windage will cause listing and since the Northcraft hull is a shallow V you'll land on the flat of the hull in a stiff beam on breeze. Also, sides are good...those big sprays which get swooshed back aboard, sides keep them away.

5083 and 4043 alloy from memory some sections aren't available in 5083 hence the mix the sides are in the future the kids sit at the back so the spray lands on them

[JamesF]

Originally Posted by willk

... You'll be putting some Rainex (for plastic not glass) on the screens. ...

This was the nudge I needed to try Rainex on my car windscreen. It made a huge difference — now I can see where I'm going when it's wet !