Taboma

NB, Tell us about your power steering, helm (tilt, etc.) I assume that you are using the Verado electric/hydraulic pump and CharLynn type helm valve?? If so, area you mounting the pump forward of the dash?

Nastybug

Hey Tab, Not sure about any of that yet. I think they were still trying to work some of the steering issues out when I switched to the 400s.

Nastybug

Hey everybody, My boat has been primed and I'm waiting for pics of that. In the mean time I had a question for all. I know the flat deck with the wind shield scrubs speed thats been well established. My question is that is it actually from the windshield alone or is it a combo of that and the cut down deck. If you look at it and I'm sure that everybody has seen this the deck actually slants down a great deal more in the front compared to the classic version. This may also contribute to the down force on the boat along with the windshield. Not a big deal. Was just curious what everyone else thought.

Double Rigged

Steve, I do not know of any documented data that supports what you are saying. Just too many opinions. Regarding the 28's and smaller windshield there is no loss of speed on my boat and Taboma's boat runs the same numbers as well as Zero's.
Time will tell my friend!

Skater30

The speed loss everyone talks about over a standard deck is a combination of things. First of all, any flat-decked Skater is heavier than a standard deck Skater, as it takes a LOT of material to blend the "flat" deck onto the hull. Second, the big full-wrap windshield is heavy. Third is the biggest factor - the size, angle and placement of the windshield on the deck (well forward of the cg) places a lot of drag and downforce on the deck at 100+ mph speeds. On inboard boats with lots of hp, it's really not much of a factor (Chip Romer's full-wrap windshield open cockpit 388 has gone 200+!), but when you have such limited hp with outboards, it can play a factor. I've heard that the orange 30' flat deck 30 with wrap windshield never broke 100 (99 was the best). And I know firsthand that the standard deck 30 will run 104 best w/ the same XS power (we ran that # in my buddy's in 2007). Not saying for sure that the flat-deck/windshield was completely responsible for the 5mph slower speed (coulda' been some setup differences), but I don't doubt it costs some mph on the outboard boats. It definitely IS NOT the angle of the flat-deck vs standard, as that angle actually helps lower wind resistance at speed due to the angle of attack of the boat at speed. The attached pic is a pretty good head-on shot of my 30 at over 100, and it really gives you an idea of the aerodynamic shape of the boat when it's running. As you can see, there's a lot less frontal area (drag) with my two canopies than there is with a full wrap windshield. They also divert the wind around the driver/passenger, rather than up/over the entire cockpit, which doesn't create much downforce or near the drag of a full wrap windshield. With the relatively light power in my 30, I always figured I'd lose about 5 mph if I converted it to a full wrap windshield.

Nastybug

Hey Dale, I see what you are talking about. The cut down deck actually runs flat more or less under power. I saw on the review article of the 30 foot outboard years ago that just putting those small wind screens up took 1 mph off the top speed of the boat. I was just curious about this for a while. Thanx for the input. Steve

skate

Dale

I don't think the profile of the windshield in my application is going to be significantly higher than the classic deck 308 especially when you factor in those windscreens. We went with a carbon fiber deck and even with the glass and body work I bet it's a wash on the weight. That deck was not light and created a lot of surface area both vertically and horizontall. The new sides are significantly lower than they were. We will know the answer in a few weeks as I'm throwing my same power back into the boat. It will be heavier due to addition Of an extra bolster in the rear, new heads up displays and cables, VV7's larger Garmin and 2 10" subs. But at the end of the day I boat in a wash tub and have a lot of air time most days. My point is if you wanted to scrub creature features I think the weight difference and drag would be minimal for the wrap around. But then I could be wrong and you are the Skater guru
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Zero Patience

Skate, that looks Great!!!

Taboma

Damn, looking great!! I love your direction and attitude of having a "just a great boat" mantra. I cant wait to meet you and talk about your boat's transformation.My original 28 Skater vision was a " widened 28 flat deck with wraparound, but Pete's numbers were insane! Love my Classic 28, but I have always been overly competitive and have been addicted to speed. Tickfaw, LOTO, or Tenkiller SKATER FEST 2015???? Still wanting to get us OB guys down here!

Double Rigged

Skate, I agree with you. Wash tubs, Rough Seas and Bling man!
You will have one bad a$$ 30' Skater. You are an innovator and leader. I am sure Skater is watching as well.
Looking forward to fine tuning your electronics and sending them on its way!