Here is what came out of it:
This is a first sketch and a lot can change during the design but the basic idea is there: an inverted vee hull for fishing the flats. To stay within the style of the TX boats, I did put the sheer relatively low but I can still go lower.
Right now, she is around 18' by 8+' wide.
She has a flat back not only because that's how sleds work but it increases buoyancy right where we need it, to support engine weight.
The bow is far from being flat. The inverted vee not only provides a smooth ride cat style because of the fine hull bows but, in this case, we trap the air under the hull and that provides lift, greatly reducing the running while increasing speed. Sleds have the highest power to speed ratios.
I expect this hull to go 35 mph with a 50 HP.
The concept is easy to understand from this last picture. Hundreds if not thousands of Sea Sleds were build.
Let's not go in the details at this point: the interior layout, console etc. are details. I want to know if it is worth designing and if yes, in what size, how about freeboard and discuss other hull design related points.
My sled hull is different from the Hickmans sled mostly because of the slanted chines. This should eliminate chine tripping and makes the entry even finer.
Suggestions are welcome.
Running 2' - 4' chops...?
