TBPNews #91 - December 5, 2005
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In this issue: 
1) World Unlimited Electric Water Speed Record Smashed by Tunnel design
2) Feature Article - 'Winterizing Your Performance Outboard Engine' (Part 2)
3) Powerboat Racing on TV
4) Budweiser sponsors World Champion Professional Offshore Powerboat Racing Team
5) Patriot Motorcycle Corporation Adds Art Carlson as Director of Boat Design
6) SAME OLD STORY; GILLMAN LEADS, CAPPELLINI WINS!  (Qatar 2005 Grand Prix)
7) Jimboat writes Feature magazine articles
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1) World Unlimited Electric Water Speed Record Smashed by Tunnel design

On November 1,2005, 24 year old Helen Loney piloted An Stradag, Henry Engelens 15ft electrically powered hydroplane to a new World Unlimited Electric Water Speed Record average of 68.09 mph.  The hull design was that of a tunnel boat.

The previous UIM record of 50mph had been set some 16 years before by the same boat, then piloted by 75 year old Fiona, Countess of Arran. The new record was set in sunny calm conditions on Coniston Water, in the English lake district, at the very place where Donald Campbell had crashed in Bluebird K7.  The 4 revolutionary electric motors, powered by 12 Chloride Motive Power batteries, were designed by Cedric Lynch and built by Agni Motors of Gujurat, India.  Helen was accompanied by her cuddly duck mascot George as she flew down the lake at 70.610 mph on her first run and 65.561 mph on the return, giving an average speed, and new record, of 68.09 mph.  When she got back ashore Helen said I felt like I was flying, the sensation was incredible. But I think we can go faster still, it depends on the team working out why my return run was slower.  The team plan to run several more times this week, if the conditions are suitable, in an attempt to further increase the record to over 70mph.

The hull was designed by Lorne Campbell - a purpose built 15ft x 8ft tunnel/hydroplane weighing 210 lbs. Built originally by Nick Barlow of Wilments shipyard, Southampton, UK she is constructed of cedar and Sitca spruce stringers, gaboon marine plywood and epoxy resins which makes her not only extremely strong but very light.   

Motors are supplied by Cedric Lynch of Agri Motors they are designed with a disc armature. They bring together the advantage of a conventional wound armature formed into a self-cooling flat unit which is highly powerful versatile and lightweight. The disk armature has magnets either side doubling the flux density which shortens the magnetic path. The technology is mostly un-heard of, but with a power to weight ratio and power to volume higher than most other motors it is extremely efficient.  
 
Batteries are Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) cells that employ the latest spiral-wound technology, with the acid held in an absorbent mat. The AGM technology gives maximum current, deep-cycling capability, minimal gassing, and long service life. Twelve 12V cells in An Stradag will give a maximum 1000 amps for one minute, enough time to complete the flying kilometre at over 72mph on water.
  
see full story and history at: http://www.electricrecordteam.com
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2) Feature Article - 'Winterizing Your Performance Outboard Engine  (Part 2)

Getting your performance powerboat ready for winter storage is more than just pulling it out of the water. Proper winterization of your boat and motor can be the most important maintenance a boat owner can perform to help ensure it weathers the winter without damage, and to ensure safe boating next spring.  In the last issue of TBPNews, Part 1 discussed Tools required, Preparing the Fuel System, and Inspect & Change Gearcase (Lower Unit) Oil.  Now, in Part 2, we will cover Preventing Rust & Corrosion,  Engine Inspection & Preparation, and Freezing prevention.

Prevent Rust & Corrosion
Lubricate linkages - Clean all pivots and visible gears and protect them for the winter with oil or grease, as specified in your owner's manual.  Grease all of the pivot points in the steering and trim/tilt mechanisms. Pumping some grease into these areas will displace any water that might be there.

Allowing corrosion to flourish during the off-season is less dramatic but equally destructive. Corrosion can establish a foothold on idle components, so liberal use of corrosion inhibitors--both internal and external--is a second guiding principle for winterizing. 

Drain cooling passages - Use a flushing attachment (Flushing kits are available from boat dealers.), or run the outboard in a tank filled with clean fresh water. Disconnect the flush attachment or remove the motor from the flush tank. With the motor upright, let all water drain out of the pick-up. Open drain plugs (if any--see your owner's manual) to empty the powerhead and intermediate housing. Crank the motor a couple of times by hand or "bump" it with the starter to empty the water pump. If the motor will be exposed to freezing conditions, it is essential that no water remain inside. 

Fog the cylinders - Remove each spark plug and spray fogging oil into the holes to coat the interior surfaces of the cylinders. Rotate the flywheel (do this by hand, not by turning the starter motor with the ignition key) a few turns to spread the oil on the cylinder walls. While the plugs are out is the time to check them and re-gap or replace as required. Reinstall the spark plugs.  

CAUTION: do not over tighten.  Over tightening is the #1 mistake made when tuning up your outboard engine.  Just turn the plugs until finger tight, and then use your socket wrench to tighten only 1/8th turn more.  (Over tightening can strip the threads in the head, and really ruin your day!).

Fill oil tank - For (2-stroke) engines with automatic oil injection, fill the reservoir to the top fill line.  This will prevent condensation from forming inside the tank.  For 4-stroke engines drain the oil in the sump.  When you're done filling the sump again with fresh oil, check the level using the dipstick (just like you would in your car!).

Touch up damaged paint (you can usually get a perfect color match paint from your dealer or from an automotive paint store.  Mist-coat powerhead and any unpainted parts with an anticorrosion spray.

Spray a moisture displacing lubricant such as a silicone product onto electrical terminals and the fuse panel. Read the label to make sure the spray is safe for use on electrical components. 

Clean and liberally lubricate propeller shaft - The off-season is the perfect time to have your prop(s) serviced. If the engine will be stored on the boat, take the prop(s) home to discourage theft. 

Clean starter motor shaft and pinion gear - now is a good time to clean any buildup of grease and dirt from the starter.  If there is too much buildup on the pinion gear, or the shaft or the return spring, then the starter may not function properly.  Clean it all well, then put some white grease on the shaft and the pinion gear.

Inspect
Check the props for nicks or dings. Even very slight damage will hinder performance. Worse yet, blade damage can cause vibration, damaging other engine parts and the drive system. Get any damage repaired - some damaged props can be repaired by marine dealers for a fraction of the cost of a new one.

Inspect steering systems, including tiller steering friction fittings on outboards. Tighten them if they're loose.  Grease the cylinders on mechanical steering connections to the motor.

Battery Prep - Remove the battery and store it inside. Do not store your battery directly on a concrete floor or on the bare ground as this can discharge your battery. Use an automatic shut-down (current limiting) battery charger to keep your battery charged up over the winter.  If your battery has water fill caps, make sure they are filled to the "fill-line" with distilled water.

Mouse-proof your engine - This might sound crazy, but if you've ever had a bad marine experience with a rodent, you'll know what we mean!  They can do allot of damage mice to an outboard over the course of a long winter - and seem to really enjoy doing it in the most hard to reach corner of your engine. In addition to chewing up your wires and hoses, they really love that foam or plastic soundproofing material on the inside of the cowling.  Use a fitted canvas engine cover, or something smelly that will discourage the mice from living inside your engine during the winter.

Watch out for freezing - It is sometimes a good idea to disconnect gages that use water pressure to operate - such as speedometer and water pressure gage.  Trapped water in the line can make its way to the gage.  The freezing process causes thermal expansion in the lines and inside the gage, ultimately damaging the gage if the water freezes.

None of these operations are very difficult, and can be done by the average handy boat owner. The 'checklist' makes it easy to go through the full process without missing any steps.  For boaters who aren't comfortable doing their own maintenance, a qualified marine technician at your local boat dealer may perform the procedures. Taking a little time in the fall to get your boat and motor ready for winter means that you can be one of the first boaters out on the water next spring.
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3) Powerboat Racing on TV

*** "Thrill Zone: Extreme Powerboats" - National Geographic powerboat show.

Author Jim Russell (Jimboat) is the powerboat design technical consultant on a new National Geographic special for "Thrill Zone" series...It is scheduled to re-air on National Geographic on Saturday, December 3, 10AM.

"Professional powerboat racing is one of the most death-defying sports in the world. Competing at speeds that often reach 200 mph, their boats are marvels of engineering but even the most technologically advanced can crash. From Formula One Racers to Offshore Powerboats to Unlimited Hydroplanes, Extreme Powerboats takes viewers up close with the world's fastest boats, the sport's best drivers, and the most advanced technologies".

Also airs: Saturday, December 10, 3:00A, and Wednesday, January 11, 8:00P; Check out details at: http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/channel/ET/daily/20051128.html

Watch for other show dates on the AeroMarine Research website! http://www.aeromarineresearch.com/NatGeo_thrill-zone.html 
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4) Budweiser sponsors World Champion Professional Offshore Powerboat Racing Team

The worlds fastest offshore driver, Dave Scott, joined forces with Budweiser Select becoming the primary sponsor of Scotts Budweiser Select Offshore Powerboat Race Team.

The Budweiser Select Offshore Powerboat Race Team will incorporate Scotts entire offshore racing program. The fleet includes the multi-time, world champion 46-foot Skater; the newly built 2005 40-foot MTI SuperCat and the speed record-holding 36-foot Skater, which all compete in Offshore Super Series and Super Boat International/APBA sanctioned competition.  The Budweiser Select Offshore Powerboat race team planned to unveil its new sponsorship during the Super Boat International/APBA/UIM Key West World Championships, held in Key West, Fla., Nov. 13-20. 

Since 1995, Scott has amassed an impressive resume, securing 13 world and national championships, 45 career victories, four kilo speed records and two offshore powerboat world speed records. 
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5) Patriot Marine Industries Adds Art Carlson as Director of Boat Design

SAN CLEMENTE, Calif.- Patriot Motorcycle Corporation, exclusive worldwide distributor of the Yamoto by Patriot(TM) line of Dirt Bike motorcycles and ATV's, the Steed(R) (by Patriot) domestic line of V-Twin custom street bikes and Patriot(TM) Marine Industries watercraft, announced it has retained famed boat designer, Art Carlson, as Director of Boat Designs for the newly formed Patriot(TM) Marine Industries division. 

Carlson has designed, styled and built some of the most popular and famous boats in history. A renowned pioneer, continually poised on the cutting-edge, Carlson initially combined a newly emerging fiberglass technology in the early 1950's with daring new hull concepts that like some of the original "Tunnel Hull" designs and the famed lines of Carlson High-Performance and Glastron/Carlson sport boats. 

Many professional race and high-performance drivers -- such as Mickey Thomson, Hayden Profit, Dick Shearer, Bill Muncey, Bob Norskog, Reggie Fountain, Gary Ferguson and Chip Hanauer (to name a few) -- have purchased and/or raced Carlson boats. In the cockpit himself, Carlson won a class in the NDBA National Championships and industry-wise he was one of the first two inductees into the SCMA Hall of Fame. 

Today, the Carlson name is internationally known and synonymous with the sleek beauty, high-performance and extreme quality that truly revolutionized the entire professional and recreational marine industry. 

Carlson's sleek designs have also been a staple in major Hollywood motion pictures such as "Outlaw Blues" (with Peter Fonda and Susan St. James), Walt Disney's "Boatniks" and in classic James Bond 007 thrillers such as "Live and Let Die" and "Moonraker." His boats have also been featured on hit TV shows, such as "The Fall Guy" and "Riptide," and in numerous television commercials. 

"I believe that boats bring something very special into a person's life," notes Carlson, "...and it is why I always combine aerodynamics and hydrodynamics for ultimate performance and safety...along with advanced styling." He states this while already hard at work in Patriot's behalf - but not at the drawing board. Rather, Carlson is out in his California workshop covered with the fiberglass dust of exciting new emerging hull designs being imagined and carved by hand of the master himself. 
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6) SAME OLD STORY; GILLMAN LEADS, CAPPELLINI WINS!  (Qatar 2005 Grand Prix)

DOHA, Qatar  Before the 2005 U.I.M. F1 World Championship season 8-time World Champion Guido Cappellini of Como, Italy announced that he was switching back to his luck number. Since he didn't win the title in 2004 and had only one win in the past season maybe this would change his luck. Number #43 worked again as the 47 year-old picked up his 49th career victory and edged his way closer to a 9th world title by winning the 1st Annual Grand Prix of Qatar on Doha Bay on a rough 2.15 circuit in downtown Doha, Qatar.

The race started with the same as every event so far in 2005 with Emirates driver Scott Gillman showing that he remains the fastest competitor in the series when the race begins as he led from the pole and held a comfortable margin until he had engine problems and dropped out on the 38th of 50 laps. Cappellini who was then in third passed Frenchman Philippe Dessertenne in the Ligier Sports DAC and cruised home the final 12 laps to pick up his third win in four starts with hopes of claiming his 9th title in the season's next event (at the Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi).

Cappellini now has 60 points with 40 still available with Abu Dhabi and Sharjah still to be run. Finland's Sami Selio ran a steady race today in his Baba boat and finished 3 seconds behind Dessertenne in 2nd place. Philippe Dessertenne has 30 points and is still in the title chase.

Fabio Comparato ran a steady race to fourth as he battled with Selio, Cappellini and Dessertenne as all three chased Gillman for the first two thirds of the event. Australian David Trask had a great day starting 10th and driving aggressively into the top 5 for his 4th straight top 10 of the season and his best finish of the season in his XPV Racing DAC. Massimo Roggiero of Team Green left the dock in 7th and just passed Portugal's Duarte Benavente for 6th with just a few laps remaing. Roggiero finished for the 2nd straight race in the top 10 while Benavente had his 3rd top 10 finish in four races this season.

Twenty-two drivers from 12 different countries started the event and only half survived for the 50 laps but the most important finisher with Tamoil driver Guido Cappellini moving another meter closer to an unprecedented 9th world title. In two weeks time in Abu Dhabi for the Annual Grand Prix may just be the crowning day for the man from Como, Italy. But any thing can happen before it's officially his.
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7) Jimboat writes NEW Feature article in F&PB magazine

*** NEW *** 
Jimboat writes Feature article in Family & Performance Boating magazine.  'The Bottom Line'-"Why does a Pad make a vee Hull faster?" is the FEATURE in the F&PB September 2005 issue.

Get your copy of the full article at:  http://www.aeromarineresearch.com/adverts/Vee%20Pad%20Design.html
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and Recently published...

"10 Smokin' Speed Secrets Revealed..." - Jimboat has new article in February 2005 HOT BOAT magazine. "If you don't want to make expensive modifications to your hull or engine setup, then here are some tips for getting the most performance from your current setup.  By Jim Russell, author of "Secrets of tunnel Boat Design" [editor-HB]
Check it out at: http://www.aeromarineresearch.com/adverts/HB_Feb2005.html

and Recently published...

"Winterizing your Performance Outboard" - Jimboat has new article in Jan2005 issue of Family & Performance Boating.  Check it out at: http://www.aeromarineresearch.com/adverts/F&PB_Jan05.html

"What a Drag" - Trim Angle & Engine Height Can Reduce Drag and Increase Speed", by Jim Russell, author of "Secrets of Tunnel Boat Design book [editor-HB].  See September 2004 issue of HOT BOAT Magazine.  Or get your own copy of the feature article at: http://www.aeromarineresearch.com/adverts/HotBoat_Sept2004.html

"10 Safety Tips" - The author of "Secrets of Tunnel Boat Design" offers ten safety ideas for high performance go-fast boats [editor-HB].  See August 2004 issue of HOT BOAT Magazine.  Or get your own copy of the feature article at: http://www.aeromarineresearch.com/adverts/HotBoat_August2004.html
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See you next time!

/Jimboat

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Note: The articles presented in TBPNews are edited excerpts from the "Secrets of Tunnel Boat Design" book, by Jim Russell, published by AeroMarine Research.  The STBD book explains the theory in full, and outlines example design calculations, step-by-step.  The "Tunnel Boat Design Program", software, does all the force calculations, dynamic force balances at all speeds, and reports the analysis automatically, including complete graphical performance results for any tunnel or modified vee hull design.
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