Tunnel Width of today's Cat's vs old day's?

[chewiekw]

I know today's cats are wider then boats from the 80's, but how does the tunnel width compare from say today's Mystics, skaters, and MTI's vs the old Cougars, Conquests, CUV's., etc.?

[T2x]

I know today's cats are wider then boats from the 80's, but how does the tunnel width compare from say today's Mystics, skaters, and MTI's vs the old Cougars, Conquests, CUV's., etc.?

We were among the narrowest in tunnel width with a 50/50 Sponson/tunnel ratio (the tunnel was half the width of the boat). Lately this has changed to 40/60 with a 7'4" and wider tunnel in some 11-12' wide hulls. This is not new however as unlimiteds, champ boats and even my wing switzer had wide tunnels going back to the 60's.

IMHO......... the calmer the water, the wider you can make a tunnel. The reward is top end speed and a wider stance for cornering, the trade off is handling losses in extreme rough water.

[Ratickle]

Can some of the loss in rough water be made up by deepening the sponsons?

[FastDonzi]

Can some of the loss in rough water be made up by deepening the sponsons?

Sure, but you end up making an overall Taller Boat then weight & wind resistance take back all that you gained. It'll take the rough water better but suffer when it's smooth and thats where the cats are supposed to shine.

[T2x]

Sure, but you end up making an overall Taller Boat then weight & wind resistance take back all that you gained. It'll take the rough water better but suffer when it's smooth and thats where the cats are supposed to shine.

I agree...... Except the tired old adage about cats and rough water...They do run exceptionally well in the rough as well.

[schnydo]

ABOUT THIS WIDE TODAY

[FastDonzi]

I agree...... Except the tired old adage about cats and rough water...They do run exceptionally well in the rough as well.

Yep, Some do, I believe the crew on board makes a Huge difference. I was at a race in Pt Pleasant (or OC Can't remember) around 1995ish, it was rough as HeII. The Extractor Boat and the Aluminum Cougar "Rivited" put on a rough water display of speed and Air Like I had never seen before. Gifford was there but didn't even come close to competing with those two. I think Extractor was an M or D class boat but holy jesus they put on a show. (wouldn't mind seeing that on video Wink )

[Offshore Ginger]

I agree...... Except the tired old adage about cats and rough water...They do run exceptionally well in the rough as well.

[Dueclaws]

+2

[chewiekw]

What boat is that in post 6?

[Maritime_eng]

What boat is that in post 6?

It looks like the bottom to a 48 MTI.

[schnydo]

What boat is that in post 6?

BOB BULLS NEW 48 RACE MTI FEATURING A STATE OF THE ART COCKPIT SAFETY CELL