wegcagle GV15

[wegcagle]

Finally got the old gal splashed today She performed beyond my expectations. The only hiccups on the day were that my right speaker wasn't working (probably a connection came loose on the drive), and my transom transducer had a case of the "Launch water backwards in to the boat." Both easy to fix.

I splashed her lonesome as I sent the family off to the beach for a long weekend. (I am working all weekend). Probably for the best as I was able to get the first 5 hours of the breakin period done.




She tracks straight and true, and pretty much drives herself


So I just took a seat in the passenger's seat and let the boat do the driving for a while.


Here's a picture with her planing after the initial breakin period


Closer picture of where the water was coming in. Turns out that there is a small space between the transom mount for the transducer and where the transducer is attached to the mount. Water was funneling up that hole and launching straight up. Good news was that the raised rounded transom did it's job and kept most of that water outside. Also, I had some tin foil and duct tape in the boat, so I just shoved the tin foil in that hole and wrapped with a couple of layers of duct tape. Completely cured the problem. I've got some left over starboard that I plan to mount under that hole to permanently fix the problem.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/m1yv82pnfki75 ... 7.MOV?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/vsngaeu44x9bk ... 9.MOV?dl=0

Hopefully the links above will work for the quick little movies. Enjoy!

Will

[wegcagle]

Also here's the numbers as I recorded them. Couple of things could definitely be adjusted to squeeze out even more performance, but truthfully I'm beyond happy with how she did day

1500rpm=3.1 mph
2000rpm=5.2mph
2500rpm=6.4mph
3000rpm=7.5mph (The boat was definitely trying to plane out here, but couldn't quite get over the boat wake)
3500rpm=13mph (Started transitioning to planing)
4000rpm=18.8mph
4500rpm=24.5mph
5000rpm=27mph
5600rpm (WOT)=32mph

The boat really liked to sit in that 4800-5000rpm range where I was cruising at a sweet 26-27mph. This was just with the standard 12pitch Yammi aluminum prop.

The jackplate was a new experience for me as I was used to having to really trim the motor to dial it in. Didn't have to do that at all. With the jackplate set at 1.5" above the keel I only had to tap the trim a couple of times to get the motor just right. I will say that if I tried to take a sharp turn it would want to blow out on me. Trimming the motor back down before a sharp curve cured the problem. I may ultimately need/go with a cupped stainless prop, but in the meantime I may just drop the motor back down 1/2"-1" and run it as is.

Full credit should go to Jacques on this boat's design. Despite that fact that a rookie builder used WAY too much epoxy/fiberglass/etc (ie it probably weighs too much), I bought a heavier 4 stroke motor at the max hp recommended, and I have too much other weight near the back (batteries, etc), this boat completely outperformed all of the performance comparisons given to me from the Yamaha dealer. Thank you Jacques for the design and help along the way.

Of course thank you to everyone on the board as she would definitely not be half the boat it is without all of your help, experience, and guidance!

Will

[Noles309]

Nice! That is an awesome feeling isn't it?

[terrulian]

Congratulations, great photos! Video's cool too, with the ghost skipper.
I plan to follow your lead this weekend and get my boat launched.

[Fuzz]

That is one nice looking boat! From the numbers it runs good too. I bet you are one happy guy today I am sure you are going to have fun with the result of your efforts.
Fuzz

[Cracker Larry]

It's about time you finished that boat Great job, Will

[Walkers Run]

Great job! congratulations

[topwater]

Congratulations Will The boat looks awesome , now go catch some fish

[gonandkarl]

Congratulations Will to the launching of this beautiful boat. I wonder how you did make the boat move by itself whilst making the film ? Dont worry about too much epoxy you have a stronger boat. I checked my epoxy deliveries since the start of my boatbuilding and I am now already at the amount of Jaques plan. My excuse I used some for 2 3-metre carbon spars and for the carbon legs of a bathroom chair.
Wish you lots of fun with your boat.
Greetings from Karl ( Austria )

[jacquesmm]

Nice job, congratulations and thank you for the performance report.