how to measure strut angle?

[Boatman]

I realize most just eyeball and test their strut angle for example on a single mono or cat setup as I usually do myself. This time I am measuring for a twin cat hull. I know I am not perfect and one strut is a few thousandths higher than the other at the mounting base. That being said I want to at least make sure they are neutral in angle. So what does everyone use in this situation? I was thinking a dial indicator on a base with the boat just setting on a table. I know this would work but I dont have an indicator available and have even thought about adjustable parallels but also I don't have those available. Any ideas that would be within a few thousandths?

[m4a1usr]

If you dont have a set of dial calipers just use a ruler. Take the props off, mark what you believe to be the center of the shaft with a dot from a marker and using a flat surface like a decent level table/ work bench measure off the surface to your mark. It doesnt have to be perfect to start out. If your within a tenth of an inch thats more then good enough to put the hull in the water. Its not perfect but if your with out the tools what options do you have. A ruler with a 32nd or 64th scale will get you very, very close. Since water is dynamic even a hull with both struts perfectly aligned could very easily wander about. Thats not reason not to get the hull wet untill you can get access to some form of decent measurement. Good luck.

John

[siberianhusky]

I use a small digital angle gauge, turn the hull over, put the gauge on the bottom at the transom and 0 it, then just put it on the stinger or strut and it tells you how many degrees + or - you are from the 0'd setup.
It's just a cheap pocket one but it compares as well to a more expensive one I have for setting up machinery.
I keep notes, or try to! makes setting things back to a known good setting easy.
Works great for sponsons on riggers. Easier than measuring and math!

[denboy01]

Check out the photos here

http://astecmodels.myfreeforum.org/Envoy_set_up_Info_about10.html

Boat is upside down with hull level then the strut angle is measured.

[Boatman]

Unfortunately I am dealing with huge hull and upside down unless in water ain't happening. Great idea though. You all have given great ideas so I will combine them and give a shot. Vids to come... Thanks all!!!

[siberianhusky]

The angle finder will work fine from under the boat, just a bit easier to reach etc. with the boat on its back.
It doesn't care what orientation it's in, press the 0 button and it 0's at whatever angle you are at.
LOL in a pinch you can use the Stanley level app for an Iphone, it's also damn accurate after you calibrate it!
Not brave enough to stick my phone in a baggie and use the GPS for top speeds though!