32 Dominator question - twin versus single engine bay
 

Hey guys, I've searched but can't find what I'm looking for. Might be a stupid question but is the engine bay in a 32 Dominator twin engine the same layout as a single engine....? To be more specific, can a single engine be installed where twin engines were once mounted? Not speaking about misc items, I'm asking about beams that might be in the way. Pics would be great if possible. Thanks in advance!

Center stringer is going to be in the way

You are going to have a little more work than just redoing the transom, but anything is doable. Plenty of big boats have had triples reduced to twins, including stagger configurations; totally changing stringer configurations. Sunsation uses traditional stringer bonded to hull construction, (vs. liner/grid/other alternatives); so this is likely doable.

You are going to have to reinforce the center stringer to shave it down, think knee braces laterally; tied into stringers on opposite sides of the oil pan. Also, you can go high on your X-dimension; and bring the actual prop height down with spacers if needed. Perhaps a dry-sump system without a deep oil pan would also save you some engine depth below the crankshaft.

Can i assume that is the engine mount runner (I'm sure there is a technical term) and not a structural stringer? Thanks for replying! T

I would consider every stringer structural, especially one mounting an engine. The amount of torque applied to those stringers is the same that the engine is putting out when your prop is hooked up.

I can't find the Freeze Frame Video, but there is one looking aft from the cockpit and the engine hatch blows off during a race. You can see the two Mercury Racing motors twisting all over the place with the torque of the motors loading and unloading.

Found it:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fin2S42e_5M

hey brian, i must have missed this post when i typed earlier. This is exactly what i was thinking.... lateral braces off of the outer runners and reinforce the hell out of it just in case. That video is crazy... wow, lots of movement! This is a dry sump so i will go easy on the trimming of the center runner as you suggest. My plan is to go with a #6 drive but at the very least, have a #5 on it. I have not purchased the boat yet but i know there are very few single 32's out there so i'm just planning ahead. I really dig the lines on the 32"!! Thanks for the help!

I have two friends lucky enough to have Single 32' Dominators; both in VA. I can probably have one of them snag pictures when you need them. (I think there are only 5 or 6 total).

Be aware, they are VERY difficult to dock. If you are doing fiberglass/hull work; you might consider a bow thruster; and yes I'm serious.

Yes, pics would be awesome if you could make that happen! I can PM my email if that would be easier. I will look into the bow thrusters as well. Seems like that wouldn't be too difficult to install. Did your friends go that route or do they NEED to install them, lol. Thanks again!! T

Brian,

Singles? What's the Docking issue?

On Bill's (Check300) zero docking issues.
Single Engine #6 drive, with 1500 hp and the key is the 3 blade prop to this set up.

Brett at BBlades knows how to make this prop..


Jon

hey jon, i actually spoke to Bill on the phone a few weeks ago and he was gracious enough to share his thoughts on the #6 drive and the TT setup. He was very nice and even mentioned Brett at BBlades. I was leaning towards the checkmate 30' but the 32' sunsation is just gorgeous so i shifted my focus. p.s... Bill did mention you were "The Man" if i needed the advice of an expert. Thanks! T

In a current, which we often have here in tidal/coastal waters, it's tough to overcome, especially with a big power single engine, often with a tall prop that wants to idle the boat at 7mph or so. Couple that with an engine driven power steering pump that may be a little more effort to spin the wheel when the engine is at idle RPM; it can be a bear.

Transmission drive/shifting (SSM) vs. Bravo cone clutch shifting, plus an electric or constant velocity power steering setup would help.
Also, the SSM VI drives have a bit smaller steering swing than a Bravo setup, correct?

Another question if i may: I'm looking for the most stable ride at big mph..... is there any particular year i need to buy or avoid? The years i have been looking at in the classifieds have been from 2000 - 2005. Thanks! T

2000 - 2005 Dominators will all be the same hull - pad bottom with ventilated chine. They are not a stepped hull. These have the lower profile hulls which look great in the water.

Great, thanks Knot! T

This video is a great example of why staggered setups need to have the tailpipes braced on the forward engine. I rarely see this bracing. Eddie Young has done it on the Skater Vee he powered. The starboard header on the forward engine is all over the place!

The twin step Dominator hulls came about around 2006 or 2007. They have much taller hull sides. The decks are identical to the non-stepped hulls. The first runs of these hulls did not have a pad. A few years later Wayne added a small pad on this hull. These are the S, SS, SSR, and XRT models. All the same hull, just different levels of trim and the XRT has the unique dash layout. I've not been in the twin step with the pad. Only the non-pad twin step and the older non-stepped hull with the pad. Running in the 80's I found the twin step to be more stable. It all depends on setup. Again, the older hulls are just way more sexy looking in the water.

If you convert a twin to a single, remove the 3/16" hook in the bottom.

That is good info, i appreciate it! T

hey lee, i don't own the boat yet so i'm not sure where the hook is?

P.S. Don't attempt any of this without calling and talking directly to Dave or Wayne Schaldenbrand; FIRST. They are very open an honest about the possibilities.

IIRC, they have advised just waiting for one of the single engine boats to surface which happens about once every 2-3 years; vs. doing a conversion. The single engine Dominators were built to be capable of F1 Racing back in the day. They had some tweaks done to them that made them unique.

I've pinged Aggressor25 who is on OSO occasionally to see if he can weigh in. He has around 950HP in front of a bulletproofed Bravo drive on his 32' Sunny Single. Who knows, you might be able to throw a number at him.

Buying a single would definitely be ideal.... I'm probably six months out anyway so maybe I could work something out with Aggressor if he is interested. I'll search for some pics and details. Dave/Wayne, are they Sunsation? Thanks brian! T

I'd like to hear the specifics on that.

Bill / Check300 (572 tall Deck) idles I believe at 500RPM which most don't believe.
In comparison to what your sharing, this probably why it docks so will even with Big Power.
Also has a very very mild cam, it is quieter and softer sounding than a stock 365 mag.
When Bill idles by, our taxi's out you would never have a clue 1500 hp plus is under the lid.

Jon

TracyRR

Glad you and Bill connected, Honestly after all the time in his
I would never hesitate turning any reasonable sized boat into a big HP Single with a #6 drive.

1) With any conversion I would add knee braces to the top of the stringers for more transom support.
Both for the push, and for the weight of the #6

2) Speak with Sunsation or John Pompi
www.marineperformance.com for proper reconfiguration of stringers

3) Use True offshore engine mounts that have the 4 to 5 bolt flange per side and through
bolt to your stringer. Then your engine becomes part of the boat.

Jon

Another note. I believe it has been discussed in the past but all of the 32 singles I am aware of are the older, non-stepped hull. I once stated that to my knowledge no single engine twin step 32's had ever been built. I can't remember now if someone corrected me or not. Pretty sure I am correct, though.

I think all of internals were cryo-frozen. He sourced some really strong parts some of the bigger custom houses. Hopefully he'll chime in.

Great advice jon! I appreciate your input! T

Ok, good to know. Thanks! T

Thanks Brian. First off, definitely consult Wayne at Sunsation. He is a wealth of information and remembers many of the boats. Everyone at the factory is very helpful and willing to chat.

The stringers will be a big task switching from a twin to a single. I agree with Knot 4 Me, the older Dominators have a much sleeker look. Twins are definitely more friendly around the docks when there is a current and/or wind. As for a bullet proof drive, it does not exist. Both Emil (has the other single Dominator in Virginia) and I have Imco SCs. Even the cryogenic frozen gear sets failed. We both found the the 5 blade Maximus prop had too much bite with little slip and took out the built drives. I raised the x-dimension on mine and now have a standard XR drive on mine now while the Imco is rebuilt.
My job and family has kept me from getting out much in the last few years. Unfortunately, I can count on one hand the number of times I have been out the past few years. My father's Maxium bow rider gets most of the use pulling tubes at Smith Mountain Lake.

Tracy just buy my 2004 Dominator and love as I did for 11 years.[IMG]2011-08-06_13-13-44_332[/IMG]

Thanks Aggressor! Let me know if you are selling your single. Just shoot me a PM or i can get you my number. Tracy

Hey gizzi, feel free to send me some pics. My email is [email protected]
Thanks! T

X2, I couldn't imagine my boat with a single. That front end is such a sail and when it catches wind, it moves VERY fast and I couldn't imagine a single being able to cope with it.

OP: Can I ask the obvious here? Why a single? Just to be different or is there a perceived advantage to all this time/expense?

No Disrespect, actually not bad at all switching to Single, much less work than from a triple to a twin.

Fyi, only a few Houses I would trust with Stringer Refit.
(Sunsation, Saber Marine, Team Archer Marine, Skater, Adaptive Composites run by Jim Dyke) just my .02
I mention these because I am aware of there actual capabilities.


Selling extra hardware off will pay for most of his conversion.

#6 is the only way to go with Big Boat with a single and Big HP.
Otherwise you will continue to chase broken parts

Jon

I wouldn't let the docking thing make my decision. My boat is just shy of 32' LOA and I manage.

I think a FAST hull of that length with twin SBC's would be nice.

I've been texting with Aggressor about his single 32' (he seems very cool!!) I'm months out with my house and he is not in a hurry and is too busy to use his boat so we just may work something out. Why a single 32'....? I already have my power and don't care for how tight a twin engine can get under the hatch.... and I like big boats, lol. If docking aggravates me too much, i'll add a thruster like brian suggested. That would be pretty cool. My power is a twin turbo (twin billet 80's) Big Chief style 540" and plan on using a #6 drive (if I can scratch it!). Let the flaming begin, lol... sorry but I'm an ex-drag racer with a serious horsepower disease! Thanks for all of the input guys!! I really appreciate it, Cheers!

I think this would be way cool. Keep us posted if it works out..

I don't blame you....love my 32' but changing spark plugs etc. is not fun....

Thanks guys!!