hydro/runabout windshield/cowl

[mercguy]

has there been any proven data that supports whether a full windshield or half windshield/cowl setup that determines which design is better for a particular hull or is it just owner pereference???? It seems to me that a cowl setup is more aerodynamic, but ALOT of the FASTER boats have full windshields??????

or is the full windshield used more to save weight?

[Dave M]

In talks...

In talking with a few builders over the years most indicated to me that it makes no difference that is really noticable. I guess it comes down to which style you think is cool.

I do think it makes a big difference on a runabout though. Slight changes make dramatic differences.

[mercguy]

In talking with a few builders over the years most indicated to me that it makes no difference that is really noticable. I guess it comes down to which style you think is cool.

I do think it makes a big difference on a runabout though. Slight changes make dramatic differences.

those are my thoughts too Dave....thanks.

[jsilvestri]

Daren,

My experience with windshields has been mostly with runabouts. The larger the windshield, the more effects it will have, positive or negative. The more slopped back the winshield, the more lift it will give the boat, thus the more abrupt the shield, the more down force it will have, holding the nose down. The same goes with hydros is my experience. No windshield on a runabout, will generally allow the boat to pop more because nothing is helping hold the nose. Again, my experience.

[mercguy]

Daren,

My experience with windshields has been mostly with runabouts. The larger the windshield, the more effects it will have, positive or negative. The more slopped back the winshield, the more lift it will give the boat, thus the more abrupt the shield, the more down force it will have, holding the nose down. The same goes with hydros is my experience. No windshield on a runabout, will generally allow the boat to pop more because nothing is helping hold the nose. Again, my experience.

thanks Joe! How's the new CSH coming along????

[C Stock Racer]

A cowling might be heavier than a clear windsheild creating more down force on the bow. I have had c runabouts with and without windsheilds and I couldn't tell the difference. My preferance is to not have one. The only advantage I see is less wind resistance against the driver. The disadvantage is when you punch a hole in the bottom and the boat stops like some slamed on the brakes and you go through one and that really hurts. Darren I should be at the next race at salt springs Your more than welcome to test my c runabout. I may even have my new one ready by then too.

[mercguy]

A cowling might be heavier than a clear windsheild creating more down force on the bow. I have had c runabouts with and without windsheilds and I couldn't tell the difference. My preferance is to not have one. The only advantage I see is less wind resistance against the driver. The disadvantage is when you punch a hole in the bottom and the boat stops like some slamed on the brakes and you go through one and that really hurts. Darren I should be at the next race at salt springs Your more than welcome to test my c runabout. I may even have my new one ready by then too.

that's great, we need all the CSR's we can get out here!!!!!!

[jsilvestri]

Daren,

I finished the boat last Thursday, tested Friday and raced it Saturday and Sunday at Defiance, OH. The boat ran really good! I've got a little set-up work to do but other than that... I'm taking it to Zanesville, OH this weekend and hope to do well with it. I'll post a few pics once I get a couple. However, there are a couple pics of me racing it in 20ssH with my 302 restricted at the Defiance photos thread.

[mercguy]

Daren,

I finished the boat last Thursday, tested Friday and raced it Saturday and Sunday at Defiance, OH. The boat ran really good! I've got a little set-up work to do but other than that... I'm taking it to Zanesville, OH this weekend and hope to do well with it. I'll post a few pics once I get a couple. However, there are a couple pics of me racing it in 20ssH with my 302 restricted at the Defiance photos thread.

Joe, that is awesome to hear, good job!!! I too have a little more set-up work to do on my new CSR, but will have to do it at Dayton, since that is the next race for us!!!