Darin's LeeCraft/Geraghty 3.5 Tunnel FE Conversion

[j.m.]

What about angling the surface so they don't grab? Or how about a rounded inside edge?

Jon

[Darin Jordan]

What about angling the surface so they don't grab? Or how about a rounded inside edge?

Jon

I've made new recovery pads that are flat, no curves. No rounded surfaces. Perhaps a bevel would work, like on the WoodStuff tunnels, but the edges are not the issue... I think generally we want all the edges to be sharp, and planing surfaces flat...

If you look at the JAE rigger sponsons, and tubs, for that matter, you'll notice there are no curved surfaces that might come in contact with the water...

[j.m.]

Well if the flat surface still doesnt solve the problem it won't be hard to bevel the inside edge since the blocks are WOF.

Jon

[Darin Jordan]

Well if the flat surface still doesnt solve the problem it won't be hard to bevel the inside edge since the blocks are WOF.

Jon

I think on this hull the sponsons are actually built-up, not WOF, but you are right... I could bevel the edges if necessary... We'll see this weekend!


Here is how the blocks and inside sponson edges were on my WoodStuff 28... Is this the type of bevel you are referring too??

[j.m.]

was actually talking about the edge of the blocks, you said those were foam?

[Darin Jordan]

was actually talking about the edge of the blocks, you said those were foam?

I see... Yes... those are a composite foam core (like the stuff they use as the core for commercial airplane stow-bins, etc.)... Could modify fairly easily... I don't think I'll need to though.... New blocks look pretty much like those on that WoodStuff hull, which worked out fine.

[Stealth Assassin]

It's hooking? How Is the nose weight and are the bottom of the sponsons hooked or flat?

[Darin Jordan]

It's hooking? How Is the nose weight and are the bottom of the sponsons hooked or flat?

It's not hooking... it, sometimes, barrel-rolls to the outside. I think I've fixed the issue and it should be better now...

Could also just be lousy driving!!

[Darin Jordan]

Done... Here is the before and after... We'll find out how well this works out on Saturday...

[Darin Jordan]

OK, the ridepad updates, as pictured, did NOT work well!!

I ran them down too close to the ride surface. Thank goodness I tested it before racing began on Saturday.

The fix was to cut them down and make a flatter ridepad that was approximately 3/16-1/4" below the sponsons. After cutting it down, I used a couple of trophy plates and a bunch of tape to make the ride surface and get me through the day.

Worked out GREAT! Handling was really good. Flipped wickedly in the final heat, but I think the tape was coming loose. Otherwise, I could fly through the turns without an issue.

I'll post some pics once I get them finished up properly again.

In the meantime, here are a couple of action shots that Jerry Dunlap shot!

[Kris Flynn]

Hey Darin,

Good looking boat good to see something different!

Kris