Stinger Strut Adjustment (Pros and Cons)

[sanyijr]

I cannot seem to find any place that summarizes your "tipical" installs for hardware. So if this is basic.....it's still better than work. (I hope)

I have a 26" DF Mono and Speedmaster Stinger hardware. My temptation is the install the bracket flush with the bottom of the boat. But I see builds with 1/8" +/- vert. gap. What are the advantages/disadvantages of putting the strut too high or low. Way too high obviously will cause cavitation problems, but I am looking at the smaller adjustments. What would be the difference between flush and 1/16" gap if any. Can't the stut angle be trimmed out without any vert. adjustment? Does higher strut mount lower amps draw due to less drag on prop? Does that 1/8" make a big defference?

What about offset rudder offset distance? And suggestions? (Besides obvious clearance with prop?) Does too far out from center plague the boat with poor turning or stability?

Appreciate the input.


Sean

[Steven Vaccaro]

You dont want the strut even with the bottom because of the drag it will cause. I mount my stinger about 3mm up from the bottom on the 26 hull.

[properchopper]

Sean,

The vertical height of the strut above the bottom of the V determines how much the hull will settle in the water ; V hulls need to settle some to avoid teetering
( commonly called chine walk). Raising the strut off the absolute bottom lets the hull sit in the water some to minimize this.

Keep the rudder as close to the centerline as possible without the blade interfering with the prop when deflected to the left ; mock up with the biggest prop you will use & mount high enough to allow room for your trim tabs.

[sanyijr]

Thanks Tony and Steve,

Good point about possible prop upgrade. It would suck to have to drill more holes in such a nice piece of work. I will mock it up and see how she looks....

[Clueless1]

This is what I needed to hear as I'm about to mount my speedmaster strut on a DF26 I got here a couple of weeks ago while I wait on my Insane FE30 Tony is building for me. Actually, being a newbie I started a build thread to get advice! Sanyijr popped in and directed me here. The only question was trim tabs on the DF26 with the Speedmaster hardware..it doesn't seem possible with the rudder in as close to the strut as possible and having turn fin as well? I'd like to see a pic of someone's with trim tabs? P.S. How's the build coming Tony?...take your time!

[lectriglide]

The only question was trim tabs on the DF26 with the Speedmaster hardware..it doesn't seem possible with the rudder in as close to the strut as possible and having turn fin as well? I'd like to see a pic of someone's with trim tabs?

I wouldn't bother with trim tabs on a 26. My 29 runs just fine without them.

[properchopper]

DSC02482.JPGDSC02483.JPG

P.S. How's the build coming Tony?...take your time!

Comin' right along; I use West Marine G-Flex 24 hour cure epoxy for superior strength, have to wait between steps which slows down assembly time but you'll have a STRONG boat

[LarrysDrifter]

Where is the West Marine epoxy bought?

[properchopper]

Where is the West Marine epoxy bought?

Larry, at West Marine stores. One in St Charles and one in Osage. Not sure if they're near you.

[1truckerdan]

here is a place in Maryland to get it;
http://www.clcboats.com/shop/boat-bu...-system-epoxy/
Daniel