Mini Hydro

[boater76]

Here is my Mini Hydro I got from the swap shop on here. It is 16" long by about 8" wide. Has a crac in the gel coat on the hatch. It is fiberglass. Is there a rule of thumb when to use carbon fiber to strengthen up a hull? Also There is a ridge I guess you would say that is off center in the hull. Is this where I am supposed to mount the strut?

Ken

[Jesse J]

hydros suffer from prop walk and drive lines are typically positioned just starboard of center to counter act this effect (sometimes even rotated a couple degrees clockwise). So this ridge is helping you locate the ideal position for the strut.

Rule of thumb? I guess if you can flex it too much or knock on it and it has a dull thump instead of a tight one. with this small of a boat, you may not need it unless it is really thin. Try flexing it with your hands, how much does it give? If more than 1/8-1/4" you may want to reinforce it.

I have repaired damage in gelcoat with epoxy. Using the 30 minute kind, I make sure it is worked into the wound and then try to wipe off excess before it cures. Just before it hardens, it gets kinda jelly-like and you can trim it with a knife. Once it is cured, sand it down and you shouldn't even see it. You can recoat with clear to fill any sanding scratches.

[boater76]

How is the placement of the strut as I have it in the photo? Is that about right? I have to check the hull out as per your instructions for flex.

Ken

[boater76]

I tried to flex the hull and seems strong and didn't really flex, although the glass seems thin to me.

Ken

[FE Wannabe]

Ken,

I think this hull is a Skunkworks mini bullnose hydro. Here is a link I found about this hull from Scott who owns Skunkworks,
http://forums.offshoreelectrics.com/...ead.php?t=9705
He mentions that he has some hardware that he prototyped for this hull. Not sure he is selling it or not, but he should be able to make recommendations.

Brad

[boater76]

I got a hold of skunkworks. He was going to check the thread out but don't know when he could. Can any of you guys check out the placement of my strut and let me know if it would be alright or need to move it down and run the tube and shaft under the hull. And would I also have to mount the motor offcenter just like the strut or mount it in the center. Thanks.

[boater76]

Inside hull shot.

[Jesse J]

I was wondering if that was a little high. To get the best placement, try setting the hull on a table and raising the transom until the tunnel is parallel with the table. keeping in mind these are 3 point boats, your prop depth will adjust this angle. A good place to start is having your stuffing tube come out to this depth (tunnel parallel to table), essentially the depth of the sponsons below the tunnel. This is the starting point. then you adjust to suit. lower the strut if it cavitates too much, raise it if the tail hops around too much. You may end up running a stuffing tube below the hull.

[boater76]

But keep the strut placed offset still though? What about mounting the motor? Should that be mount offset in the hull too or in center? This is my first hydro. I'll post a pic later of newly positioned strut.

Ken

[Jesse J]

You want the strut offset, and if you do that you either mount the motor as offset and drive line straight, or motor center and driveline skewed. I would mount motor off set a tad as well to keep the turn fin planted in corners.

However, you will be having to deal with torque roll on these little guys, so weight on the port side is needed to counter act that. you can solve this with battery placement, just be sure to allow for flexible battery placement.

[boater76]

Ok thanks for the help. That is what I was thinking if I was to mount motor offset was to use the battery to counter act the balance of the motor being mounted offset. Where would I mount the turn fin? On the right sponson?

[Jesse J]

yep

[boater76]

Repositioned strut. I think this should work. Let me know what you all thing. Will just have to bring stuff tube under hull a bit.

Ken

[Jesse J]

cn't really tell, try a shot where she is on the table flat and work on getting it in focus. Cant really assess. Is the canopy off set as well? if so you should position your motor under it.

[boater76]

I'll get it done tomorrow and redo it.

Ken