Originally Posted by
Gene East
Perhaps not for a john boat intended for fishing, but for a racing application, YES IT IS!
Your straightedge clearly shows a hook of about .100 inch. When I was actively involved, Pro-division racers strived for totally FLAT (.000 to.010 inch hook or rocker) with sharp edges at the transom.
BTW: A highly polished finish did NOT seem to be an advantage as long as the sanding was done fore and aft. Never cross ways!
We achieved this flat bottom when I was racing by hand sanding with a glass foam insulation block commonly called a "stink block" because of the sulfur smell emitted while sanding with them. I was too hard headed to wear gloves while sanding so during the racing season, I never had fingerprints. Probably would have made more money cracking safes than racing boats.
In addition, it was not uncommon to haul flat bottom boats upside down or on the side.
Achieving a totally flat bottom on a welded and riveted boat is nearly impossible.
I agree with Wayne on reshaping the hollow runner down the middle of the bottom and since it is my understanding that you are a drag racer and turning probably isn't a big deal, you may want to consider shortening the length of this runner just a bit to allow the water to re-merge even earlier. However, bear in mind this runner also stiffens the bottom and you already have a hook.
If you do trim the runner back, DON'T GET CARRIED AWAY!
Good luck!
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