Sailor Eric Dahlkamp shares a new update on his small trimaran named Squirt. On videos (see below).
He explained the reason for his update via email…
“Of interest perhaps to any contemplating adding a sugar scoop or swallow tail. I had to do something, my wake was awful. Sure has helped. Now hoping for a steady stiff breeze with temps in the 60’s at least once before winter.”
As I’ve noted before, Eric’s got some serious boatbuilding skills. And check out this post too.
So how does that wake appear now? Here is the first new video after the “swallow tail” change:
And here is another, shorter one:
Thanks for showing Eric.
Is there a noticeable difference in speed?
I had the same idea to apply to my triple B.
The sawed-off hull that rises too little in the back does not let go of the water easily. Only when the boat has enough speed to lift does it draw a neat track which you can see from 1.36 on the attached video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLTuBtN9RxM
I am still not sure if it makes enough difference in relation to the work.
I wouldn’t think your narrow stern would benefit much from adding a scoop. Mine was a big blunt flat thing with and bottom upturn – all wrong. I do seem to get a couple knots out of her more. But so hard to get a day sailing with the drought and fickle wind I can’t tell. I’m not sucking wake like a brake though. Kicks in about 5 knots boat speed. Really shows her stuff above that. But she is not a fast boat having a 76sf main and being only 13’, now 14’ with scoop. I think leaving the engine at home would be your fix ?. Cheers.
Eric: If not already covered what are you using for paint and application method? Looks very nice. Excellent workmanship.
Larry, thanks, pictures are VERY forgiving. But, I use a foam roller then dry tip brush. Multiple coats of Marine Rustoleum with light sanding between. That said, the scoop and bottom fairing was just one coat by brush. Wanted to sail next day.
I use regular Rustoleum oil base metal primer or paint topcoat directly over sanded epoxied wood. They dry fast, set hard over time and what’s more come in quarts at a reasonable price. Ebay or Amazon. Sometimes free shipping. Use Klean Strip Japan Drier to have it dry even faster.