Has everyone been happy stretching the extra 10%?

[BillJ]

On my upcoming Celerity build, in my mind, I believe the pros of having a slightly longer boat is worth the effort. Have any of you increased the length of the hull then regretted it later? Is the performance penalty worth worrying about? I could easily get away with building the Celerity the standard 14.5 foot length and be very pleased with it. 95% of the time I will be alone in it anyway. Engine wise I am considering an Etec 50 horse Evenrude. Should I consider the far heavier 75 horse if I stretch it out to 16 foot? I'd really like to keep the engine size down to the 50 if at all possible.

[mrintense]

I can't speak for the handling or the power requirements, but these boats were designed in a time when the average person was a bit shorter. Furthermore, what looks like plenty of room when first flipped starts looking a bit cramped when you start putting in the interior. Finally, there is no special difficulty in stretching the design if the plans allow it. Main thing is to remember to measure twice or even three times before committing to anything permanent.

I would have loved to stretch my Vera Cruise the extra 10%, however it's 21 feet just barely fits in my garage.

[Bill Edmundson]

I recommend the stretch for the reason Carl said!

Bill

[hoodman]

The stretch is no big deal to do but definitely a good idea in most cases. I don't think the boat will be significantly heavier to where you'll need a bigger motor. I believe on the Etecs the 60hp is the same weight as the 50. The weight jump comes with going up to the 75 as you say. I'm sure you'd be more than happy with 50-60 hp.

[TomB]

Stretch it. All the added length is in the cockpit.

If the boat weighs 600 lbs. as planned, the stretch would add less than 60 lbs since all the stretch happens between frames. If I'm wrong you will have to go with a smaller cooler.

Tom

[Bill Edmundson]

Bill

I would stretch the boat. The 50hp will push it nicely. The 75hp might give you 5 mph more and always use more gas.

Bill

[BillJ]

Matt,

I was born in New Orleans, grew up fishing with my dad at night on the Mississippi, but I swear you look way more like your from Nawlins than I do!

Glad I got that out of the way.

Anyway, yeah an additional 18" of just mainly hull shouldn't be much in weight for sure. Probably the any additional drag at the slow speeds I'll be going will not matter much either. 16' it will be then along with either the 50 or 60 Evenrude. Happy about getting these decisions made early and out of the way. Now I'll have extra time to dream about Craig's spaghetti!


BillJ

[BillJ]

Stretch it. All the added length is in the cockpit.

If the boat weighs 600 lbs. as planned, the stretch would add less than 60 lbs since all the stretch happens between frames. If I'm wrong you will have to go with a smaller cooler.

Tom

Noooooooooo, no smaller cooler, ill throw out one of the seats before doing that!

[kens]

" Is the performance penalty worth worrying about? "

there is no performance penalty.
remember, it takes more power to push beam, than, length.
length on the waterline adds to performance (if all other weights/volumes are equal)
also, the stretch adds buoyancy.
OH!, I stretched and I'm happy.

[TomB]

What was I thinking, coolers make great seats!

[hoodman]

Bill, maybe I'll play "When the Saints..." at the gathering

[BillJ]

" Is the performance penalty worth worrying about? "

there is no performance penalty.
remember, it takes more power to push beam, than, length.
length on the waterline adds to performance (if all other weights/volumes are equal)
also, the stretch adds buoyancy.
OH!, I stretched and I'm happy.

Ahhhhhhhhhh, hence in rowing competition, they rowboats are 8" wide and 40' long. I've done the land and air thing, behind on my sea.

[BillJ]

Bill, maybe I'll play "When the Saints..." at the gathering

That would be awesome Matt!!!!!!! Love my New Orleans!