A Question for SeaBob - hull hook

[Mad Dog]

SeaBob,

I am rebuilding a '75 22-2 (semi vee).

This weekend I rolled it over so I can re-do the bottom coating and fix any issues.

The first thing I looked at was the contour of the bottom near the transom, between the keel line and the chines.  On both sides there seems to be a hook in the last 12".  Since both sides appear to have about the same distortion, is the hook built in?  Should the hook be filled in or left alone?  Here is a pic.



Thanks

MD  

[seabob4]

Mad Dog,
Afternoon, my friend.  Now, as you may well know, '75 was well before I got to AS.  However, I will give you my advice on "hooks", as used in the boat business.  If only one side of the boat has a hook, that usually means that there was a running list to that side that couldn't be corrected with ballast, the the hook provides stern lift on that side and negates (hopefully!) the list.

Now, the second, and most common reason hooks are used, especially on both sides of the hull is to prevent porpoising.  This is a very common practice.  The additional stern lift they provide tends to keep the hull down.  Basically it is a matter of improper weight distribution fore and aft.  Weight as a design of the boat, not the weight you put on board.

IMO, I wouldn't touch them.  There is a reason they are there.  However, if you really want to smooth out the bottom to overcome the drag that comes along with hooks, simply install a set of tabs and they will produce the same results.

Hope I have been of some help.

Bob C

[Mad Dog]

Bob, didn't mean to imply a tenure beyond your years     Just figured that with your back ground in production boats you could shed the most light on question. Based on what I can see the hook is the same on both sides.  The keel line and the both chines are straight. Not sure that adds any information for you to consider.  

Now, I have a set a trim tabs (9" x 18") ready to mount.  If I am going to use the tabs anyway should I fill in the hooks or just ignore them?  

Here is a view of the boat sitting on the trailer when I bought it.  Could the way it is sitting on the trailer cause a hook?



Thanks for the input.

MD  

[seabob4]

MD,
Typically, hull deformations happen as a result of the boat not fitted for the trailer, i.e. the trailer bunks don't match the stringers.  Basically what you are suggesting is that the stern was unsupported, thus it "sagged", and created the hooks.  I doubt that.

Myself?  I would get rid of the hooks, but not by filling in the area forward of them, but by grinding them down.  Remember, they were added to a finished hull bottom.  Filling in the cavity alters the original hullform.

This is a tough call on your part.  Since you don't really know what the hooks are there for, or how they got there, you're basically sailing in uncharted waters.  On top of that, any hull work on the bottom will not be real fun if she is right side up.  So here is my suggestion.  Get the hull bottom in the best shape you can.  Install the tabs.  Run her in a bay or river and look for top speed versus RPM.  At 22' with a 150, for example, she should see low 40s topend with an RPM of around 53-5500.  Any 22 would be happier with a 200-225 HP motor.  Now, if you feel that you didn't need to use the tabs to correct any ride deficiencies, think about getting rid of the hooks.

I believe there are many here that have this same hull with the same hooks.  Their advice will be valuable.  Also check out THT, and post your thread in relation to the hooks.  Many knowledgeable people there, and a ton more traffic.

[Mad Dog]

Bob,

Thanks for the input.  When I first asked  about the hook I figured the answer would be to get rid of them.  I am happy to leave them alone.  Unless I get some crazy control issues I think I can live with the hooks.  I really appreciate your help.  

MD  

[seabob4]

MD,
My pleasure.

Bob C