A planned trip to Pueblo Reservoir had to be cut short because of an electrical short in the power tilt/trim switch. Diagnosis was difficult; installing a new switch was simple. There was a crack in the rubber cover for this switch which, after a period of use, allowed moisture intrusion to complete the circuit. This past week we went to Flaming Gorge Reservoir in Utah for some real boating. The lake extends into Wyoming for 75-100 miles filling a deep and scenic gorge. We explored the lake for 30-40 miles and encountered some wind and waves. It is a light boat with little draft so, when maneuvering into the dock with a wind present, we lower the bimini top to cut windage. Also, when cornering while planed out, the hull will skid; when cornering while accelerating onto a plane, the hull will bank well and turn sharply. There is almost no bow rise when accelerating, and the hull rides smoothly and cuts through moderate waves with no fuss. I switched to a 15" pitch prop for this trip. We were operating at 6000 altitude, and the engine achieved 4700 rpm, easily exceeding the 35 mph maximum speed of the speedometer dial. The "sweet spot" for this engine is supposed to be 5000-5200 rpm and our next outing is at Grand lake, over 9000 elevation, so I have ordered a new 13" pitch stainless steel propeller which, hopefully, will be perfect for these circumstances. I have to think that, if we were near sea level, this boat would easily exceed 40 mph or, alternately, I could have installed a somewhat less powerful engine.
I havent yet mentioned that this new boat fits our trailer perfectly, much better than the previous boat. We trailed it 400+ miles to the lake; other than a decrease in acceleration, you couldnt notice that we were towing. Although I cant find anything design-wise to improve on this boat, I am always evaluating what could be made better/ more esthetically pleasing on a next boat. This is a 12 degree deadrise hull; I wonder what a 14 degree deadrise would do to performance? I have an idea for a more modern-looking runabout which I hope to publish here in the near future. I already have all the offsets and need to make up some drawings. Then perhaps construct a model.
I havent yet mentioned that this new boat fits our trailer perfectly, much better than the previous boat. We trailed it 400+ miles to the lake; other than a decrease in acceleration, you couldnt notice that we were towing. Although I cant find anything design-wise to improve on this boat, I am always evaluating what could be made better/ more esthetically pleasing on a next boat. This is a 12 degree deadrise hull; I wonder what a 14 degree deadrise would do to performance? I have an idea for a more modern-looking runabout which I hope to publish here in the near future. I already have all the offsets and need to make up some drawings. Then perhaps construct a model.
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