BRADA

not sure where to post this ... but..
I recently read an ad where it stated that a 32" cat was widened 12".. i have 2 questions...??
1).. how will this effect a cat hull ?
2).. and where would they have widen from ...widen the tunnel or widen the pontoon sections ??
has anyone else done this ??

again sorry for double posting .

Steve 1

I would suspect up the tunnel as that would be the easiest, the effect at normal speeds not much as on my military boats we use a full tunnel,Now at warp speed in a light boat different story.

fireboatpilot

Bigger the tunnel the more air can be packed under the boat. The more air packing the more hull lift, more hull lift, less hull in the water. Less hull in the water, more speed. I think you get the picture?

BRADA

Ya, packing more air under it would make sence it would give it more lift..
would that also help stability?.. and if you widen the hull would you also relocate the drivetrain along with that ?

Steve 1

Depends, if the boat was that poorly designed to begin with that it needed a Foot of width in the tunnel to correct some issue, I would be careful,second a cat is all about center of gravity the last thing you would want is to build in a tendency to stuff.

BRADA

I see, so given that the length is say 32' and the beam is 8' (from the manufacturer) ...was it wise to widen it 12" ?? he's running 2 small block strokers with XR drivers and extension boxes.

Steve 1

No I never said that, what is the tunnel width,the compaction rate, the tunnel shape?Lastly how much does it weigh?The boat in the avatar has a 54" tunnel ,but it would be meaningless if all the airflow was just simply allowed to exit without providing lift.

BRADA

gotcha..