Airdeck 340 - 2nd keel stiffener?

lineofsight · 12 July 2012, 22:25

Found that could feel transition to plane as ripple through hull. Thinking a second stiffener between factory stiffener & transom may help hull shape, improve plane, and reduce stress on seams - same thickness, round edges, coat in varnish...

Anyone ahead of me with this idea? How executed, what was the result?

Running 20hp Merc, no problem planing at 21 mph with full tank and 410 pounds of adults and kids.

lineofsight · 13 July 2012, 08:00

Was a little charitable in weight estimate, closer to 550 pounds + 50 pounds fuel. Plane at about 12 mph, topped out at ~22mph. Metric to standard conversion...

Tubes, keel, floor all at spec based on pump gauge and confirmed with manometer

Fenlander · 13 July 2012, 10:24

>>>Found that could feel transition to plane as ripple through hull.

It's an airdeck thing that goes hand in hand with their light weight and ease of unpacking/inflating. They all do it to some degree or another and different folks view it as either a very minor thing they notice or something they realkly dislike.

Why not buy a wooden/alloy floor sib?

lineofsight · 13 July 2012, 10:48

The ripple gives the mrs a giggle - am good with that.

Airdeck as not have one before, easier to transport in truck bed / no trailer through rougher forestry 'roads', lighter to move around once setup, little more comfortable for mrs & kids, and little easier to manage without motor.

Do find more drift in turns & maneuvering. Overall serves purpose well (and cannot expect it to be race boat though would like it a little tighter).