Blueprinting hulls... (info quest)
 

What can one expect from doing this? I have been told I can expect a 2 - 5 mph increase, and significant handling improvement. I don't have room in my engine compartment for a blower, and can't presently cut the decklid , (wife likes to sun herself there...) so I'm looking for alternatives to increase performance. I've got a stout 454 Mag MPI @ 385 bhp, and presently am running mid 70's @ 5k rpm. I am also looking into engine modification to increase power. Any and all input is appreciated! :cool:

TTT :)

Look up "FRY" from Team Liquid on this board. He's got an F1 Warlock. I talked to him at the St. Louis boat show and he said he had the hull blueprinted. Sounded pretty happy with it.

Red - It all depends on your bottom, Rocker, Hooks, Straightness, etc....Wardey

My guess is that 5mph would be if you had something wrong with the bottom. ie a hook. I'm thinking that 2 mph would be optomistic for just sharpening and straightening. Dollar for dollar, I'd think you'd be better off saving the money for a whipple.

The big question is what is your hull bottom like to start with. When the hull bottom is blue-printed, it is being made as perfect as possible. The primary area of concern is the wetted surface when running on plane. Depending upon who does the work, shops that do this will typ. sand, gel, re-sand, gel, re-sand, etc. Some times dye will be used to uncover low spots, etc. In addition, strakes will be reworked for straightness & sharpness, and blending at trailing edge as needed. Yes, some shops claim that 2-5 MPH increase can be obtained. But, if the hull is already flat, sharp, etc, it is possible to spend the $ and not achieve any gain.

Mach1-is "Fry" a real little fellow? Oh, maybe 5'6" say...150lbs? Just thinking that I meet him once. Seemed like a pretty friendly fellow.

Thanks!!!
 

Red, it varies by boat but I just installed a Whipple on my 24 Progression. You can not tell from outside except for the water dump from the intercooler. The overall height is about 1.5" taller (maybe less) than the stock motor and that is only in a small area. Clearance is more likely a problem in front. Do you have room between your engine and bulkhead/rear seat? Should put you in the upper 80's. Of course you will need external steering at those speeds.

I thought you weren't able to Blueprint the bottom of Factory Race boats? But then again that was back in the early days of Factory Racing!
Brad