Tunnel hulls

Discussion in 'The Commercial Zone' started by John_Rosende, Mar 4, 2011.

  1. Mar 4, 2011 #1
    John_Rosende

    John_Rosende I Love microskiff.com!

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    What are the down falls to tunnel hull boats in the 15' to 19' size range?
     
    John_Rosende, Mar 4, 2011
    John_Rosende, Mar 4, 2011
  3. Mar 4, 2011 #2
    John_Rosende

    John_Rosende I Love microskiff.com!

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    Are there any?
     
    John_Rosende, Mar 4, 2011
    John_Rosende, Mar 4, 2011

  5. Mar 4, 2011 #3
    Brett

    Brett > PRO STAFF <

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    Needs more horsepower.
    Requires more attention to load and balance.
    Much more finicky with regards to prop specifications, engine height and trim angles.
    Designed for use in calm water, running a chop can present problems.
     
    Brett, Mar 4, 2011
    Brett, Mar 4, 2011
  6. Mar 4, 2011 #4
    John_Rosende

    John_Rosende I Love microskiff.com!

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    How do they require more hp, and why do they not perform as well in chop?
     
    John_Rosende, Mar 4, 2011
    John_Rosende, Mar 4, 2011
  7. Mar 4, 2011 #5
    Brett

    Brett > PRO STAFF <

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    More wetted surface means more friction.
    Tunnel takes up planing surface, provides less lift on plane.
    Reshaping water takes energy and usually causes aeration
    so a cupped 3 or 4 blade prop is needed to get efficient bite.
    Power jack plate needed to fit engine height to conditions.
    Chop lifts the boat out of the water, pushes air under the hull and tunnel loses prime.
     
    Brett, Mar 4, 2011
    Brett, Mar 4, 2011
  8. Mar 4, 2011 #6
    East_Cape

    East_Cape Well-Known Member

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    Slower by 10-20% than non tunnel, reverse is a pain, drafts more as well, ride suffers....
    However, if you wanna run skinny than a tunnel is needed as you'll run shallower than you'll float. Places like Bahamas and TX all are tunnel fans...
    Hope this helps?
    Kevin
     
    East_Cape, Mar 4, 2011
    East_Cape, Mar 4, 2011
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