Re: Topaz and prop size
> I don't know what the exact legal interpretation of "no wake" mightstill
> be, but surely it's not the "slowest speed under which you may
> maintain control of your boat" since that might be under 1 knot.Perhaps that definition is to protect vessels that COULDN'T maintain
control at a literal "no wake" speed (e.g. an inboard drive w/ a
rudder), allowing them to create the minumum amount of wavage while
still operating safely.
I like Bradford's observation best: If the water patrol is happy,
all is well.
I don't know what the exact legal interpretation of "no wake" might
be, but surely it's not the "slowest speed under which you may still
maintain control of your boat" since that might be under 1 knot.
On the other hand, in most cases the safety concerns that cause
the "no wake" posting would mitigate against speeds over, say, 5
knots, even if the wake is undetectable.
I think there is some room for common sense interpretation. If the
reason for a 'no wake' posting seems to be problems with erosion
along a long stretch of canal, go as fast as you want as long as you
don't make a wake that washes the banks.
PHV
be, but surely it's not the "slowest speed under which you may still
maintain control of your boat" since that might be under 1 knot.
On the other hand, in most cases the safety concerns that cause
the "no wake" posting would mitigate against speeds over, say, 5
knots, even if the wake is undetectable.
I think there is some room for common sense interpretation. If the
reason for a 'no wake' posting seems to be problems with erosion
along a long stretch of canal, go as fast as you want as long as you
don't make a wake that washes the banks.
PHV
The way I understand "no wake" zones is that it means moving at the
slowest speed under which you may still maintain control of your
boat, not simply the avoidance of creating waves. If this is true,
you won't be able to speed just because of your (wonderful) efficient
hull. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.
BTW, I'm following your Topaz saga closely. It will be a couple
years before I can start building, but I've narrowed it down to
either
one of the sharpies or the Topaz. Even though the sharpies have
classic looks, the Topaz has my vote for beauty. Maybe I can
incorporate some features for longer duration cruises into it.
Your boat looks great. Thanks for keeping us up-to-date on your
progress.
slowest speed under which you may still maintain control of your
boat, not simply the avoidance of creating waves. If this is true,
you won't be able to speed just because of your (wonderful) efficient
hull. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.
BTW, I'm following your Topaz saga closely. It will be a couple
years before I can start building, but I've narrowed it down to
either
one of the sharpies or the Topaz. Even though the sharpies have
classic looks, the Topaz has my vote for beauty. Maybe I can
incorporate some features for longer duration cruises into it.
Your boat looks great. Thanks for keeping us up-to-date on your
progress.
I have been learning about props and motors for this boat through
conversation with Les on the side. I am impressed at how little I knew.
I thought I might clear up some of my earlier reports. The jest is, the
prop provided with the engine had an agresseve pitch which was way too
much for this boat. I only got 4200 rpm at full throttle. So going down
those rivers at idle would be like putting my 5 speed in fourth gear in
idle and bragging at how fast she is. A new prop is going on which will
cause her to be more effecient at cruising and which will slow her down
when needed. It really was disconcerting to take it out of gear all the
time to prevent running over the stern of the boat in front. Also I
mentioned going faster in no wake zones than other boats. This is still an
option, as the topaz puts out little or no wake at faster speeds than
normal motor boats.
I just finished off the swim ladder with split 1/2 inch pvc. This is great
stuff for moulding the edge of plywood. I had the rounded fold down all in
red and it looked great. However in the shallows, it rubs the bottom and
already the paint was comming off. Now it is all moulded in white pvc.
Sure looks great. A nighbor thought I did it to make it look good as he
said it really looks better now that I finished it off. I will try to send
along a pic later when I can pin my friend down to get some more on
Duckworks. Brad
conversation with Les on the side. I am impressed at how little I knew.
I thought I might clear up some of my earlier reports. The jest is, the
prop provided with the engine had an agresseve pitch which was way too
much for this boat. I only got 4200 rpm at full throttle. So going down
those rivers at idle would be like putting my 5 speed in fourth gear in
idle and bragging at how fast she is. A new prop is going on which will
cause her to be more effecient at cruising and which will slow her down
when needed. It really was disconcerting to take it out of gear all the
time to prevent running over the stern of the boat in front. Also I
mentioned going faster in no wake zones than other boats. This is still an
option, as the topaz puts out little or no wake at faster speeds than
normal motor boats.
I just finished off the swim ladder with split 1/2 inch pvc. This is great
stuff for moulding the edge of plywood. I had the rounded fold down all in
red and it looked great. However in the shallows, it rubs the bottom and
already the paint was comming off. Now it is all moulded in white pvc.
Sure looks great. A nighbor thought I did it to make it look good as he
said it really looks better now that I finished it off. I will try to send
along a pic later when I can pin my friend down to get some more on
Duckworks. Brad