Airdeck 340 - second keel stiffener?

[lineofsight]

Found that could feel transition to plane as ripple through hull. Thinking a second stiffener between factory stiffener & transom may help hull shape, improve plane, and reduce stress on seams - same thickness, round edges, coat in varnish...

Anyone ahead of me with this idea? How executed, what was the result?

Running 20hp Merc, no problem planing at 21 mph with full tank and 410 pounds of adults and kids.

 

[Peter_C]

Re: Airdeck 340 - second keel stiffener?

Found that could feel transition to plane as ripple through hull. Thinking a second stiffener between factory stiffener & transom may help hull shape, improve plane, and reduce stress on seams - same thickness, round edges, coat in varnish...

Anyone ahead of me with this idea? How executed, what was the result?

Running 20hp Merc, no problem planing at 21 mph with full tank and 410 pounds of adults and kids.

What was your air pressure set to?

FWIW I can plane at around 13mph.

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Airdeck 340 - second keel stiffener?

Found that could feel transition to plane as ripple through hull. Thinking a second stiffener between factory stiffener & transom may help hull shape, improve plane, and reduce stress on seams - same thickness, round edges, coat in varnish...

Anyone ahead of me with this idea? How executed, what was the result?

Running 20hp Merc, no problem planing at 21 mph with full tank and 410 pounds of adults and kids.

It would be unnecessary under any normal operation. Check your air pressure in your keel, floor and tubes. It sounds like your floor pressure is a little low.

 

[lineofsight]

Re: Airdeck 340 - second keel stiffener?

Tohatsu Guru: Pressure as printed on the tubes - have gauge on pump and confirm with a manometer.

Peter_C: Come on plane at about 12-13 mph as well. Topped out around 21 mph with about 600 pounds load (including fuel, excluding ~130# boat & 125# motor).

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Airdeck 340 - second keel stiffener?

Did you inflate the floor to the same pressure as the tubes?

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: Airdeck 340 - second keel stiffener?

Any air deck needs to be inflated minimum to 10 PSI and max 12 PSI, pressure for tubes, keel should be inflated minimun to 3.0 PSI and max 3.5 PSI once sib is resting on water, top at least to minimum pressures air deck, tubes & keel if needed to perform as expected. For air mat will need a good hand or electric pump for infalting those high pressures.

Happy Boating

 

[lineofsight]

Re: Airdeck 340 - second keel stiffener?

IRCC the keel should be ~6.5 PSI (more than tubes, less than floor). Usually go to max as know a little escapes when disconnect. Also know that with cold water (and ambient temperature) may change pressure. Pressure was good.

Do appreciate the replies. Any thoughts on keel stiffener, tried one before or suggestions for trying (shorter / longer...)

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: Airdeck 340 - second keel stiffener?

Why re invent the wheel, just inflate well air mat, tubes and keel as factory recommended...

Happy Boating

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Airdeck 340 - second keel stiffener?

I don't know of anyone that has tried a second bow board or in this case a board midway. I think it's pointless, but try it anyway. You may be a genius and can then take credit for a leap forward in inflatable boat design