I am looking for a new boat project and have been looking at the Honda Cougar 225 hull at a starting point as they really are a stunning looking boat and seem to perform really well. I am not into racing and it will be used for pleasure.
All though I am an engineer boat dynamics setup and design are not really something I know much about. I have noticed from the video’s below that this hull engine combination have a tendency dig in, roll and spit its crew out.
Without starting a bitching match about designers, teams or drivers I was wondering if any one has any constructive theories or comments on why this specific combination seems to have this tendency to roll more so than other race boat combinations.
I have studied the video’s many times and it seems to be mainly when they get in the wake or dirty water of another boat. I was wondering if it may be because they are narrow and have a big top heavy motor almost level with the deck, or is it something to do with prop torque.
If this is the case I was wondering what would reduce their tendency to roll and make them more stable. What if one was fitted with 250-300hp Yanmar or Steyr marine diesel. Although the weight would reduce the speed there would possibly be a trade of moving the engine weight forward and would not need water ballast up front. Would this lower the C of G and make the hull more stable.
Also what if one was fitted with an inboard and single surface drive or would this make problems worse as only the bottom half of the prop would be in the water with a single drive would this cause prop walk and make matters worse.
Now from reading the forums I know there are some very clever people out there with many years experience of boats and racing and I would be grateful for any comments or theories.
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