Stabilizer/steering Fins

Hi, its been a while since my last update so i have alot of new detail to add as i have been busy working on VOGUE for the new summer season.
After trawling through lots of pictures on Google i noticed that quite a few old wooden speed boats had fins attatched to the hull along or just above the plimsole line, with further investigation i discovered that they were to aid in steering under hard turns   ie.. they dig in to the water and stop the boat from slipping sideways. They also improve the time in which it takes to get on plane as they stop the stern from sinking as much under acceleration .

 I found some old oak in the woodstore that was left over from my Grandmothers wardrobe (Used some of it in the 1970s to make a skateboard deck) and scribed it to the hull before cutting and sanding to make a pleasing shape. Picture to right shows the trial fitting supported with bungee straps



Chrome trim strips were cut and polished and designed to offer extra support to the fins












 Fins were fixed to the hull with 7 screw bolts each side and the joint and holes were sealed with sikaflex (brown)

This picture shows the fins drying off  after the final of ten coats of hempel varnish laid over a base of Q19.

 

 I reinforced the interior of the hull with extra Mahogany slats and fixed them in place with epoxy resin glue mix and further laminations of carbon fiber . The screwbolts came through this and were topped off with large stainless flat washers to spread the load and nyloc nuts .



The finished fin in all of its glory !

 Front view

Side view

Rear view.