The need for speed - AKA adventures in hull modifications

  • May 16, 2022 2:30 PM
    Message # 12782635
    Anonymous member (Administrator)

    In 2018 Pygmalion was hauled out in the Napa Valley Marina for a bottom job and of course as boat projects go - ended up with a few modes to the W32 hull.

    In 2022, I ran across Norm in the same yard and he has some hull mods that may also be of interest. 

    Fairing the rudder trailing edge. I extended the trailing edge about 2". The rudder is now more sensitive. I used epoxy and H80 foam in both the images below. 

    I also faired the bow leading edge - but there isn't a noticeable change to the vessel worth mentioning. I just wanted a finer edge.

    Finally, the typical gel coat crack in the bow area was resolved by removing all the "bondo" filler and replaced with thickened epoxy and glass then faired and painted to match the hull.

    Norms modification to the hull was also interesting - a small platform was added above the prop to redirect the prop wash from vertical to horizontal.  Norm says that this has increased his boat speed a little under power and also increased his prop walk.

    Norm also adds zinc's to the pin bolts to protect the bronze pins from pinking. He drills out the hole to match the bolt and creates a pocket for the nut. See https://www.boatzincs.com/Suz55300-95500.html 


    So if you are out of projects while hauled out - here are a few to keep you busy. 


    Last modified: May 16, 2022 2:37 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)
  • May 17, 2022 10:57 AM
    Reply # 12783782 on 12782635

    Nice work Jay , I love your yard .

    Mark .

  • May 31, 2022 2:38 PM
    Reply # 12800518 on 12783782
    Anonymous member (Administrator)
    Mark Miller wrote:

    Nice work Jay , I love your yard .

    Mark .

    Mark: 

    The Napa Valley Marina is the most DIY yard in the SF Bay area - the other yards are slowly removing the DIY side of their business - thus IMHO harming those are w/o the funds to pay $90 per person per hour for sanding the bottom. 

    Jay