New boats for 2008?

[John Sherlock]

Gary you have a pm....

[HRTV]

This whole project started while talking to james aderholdt from his hospital bed, he wasn't to happy about being run over. I opened my big mouth and said I thought I could do something about it, he called back and said he would take one! And while you are at it, Bartek Marzalek wants one.
First of all, it is not possible to have a laydown capsule, your spine has to be strapped to a properly contoured surface.
I designed this cockpit to help in collisions, something that seems to be happening more often than use to. It has curved walls which add strength and maybe a little deflection. It is layed up with kevlar and carbon fiber and vacuumed like a capsule. There are inner composite panels that fill in the extra width added by the curved walls to hold the driver in place and adding another layer of protection. It is wide enough for david weavers shoulders and opens up in front of the inner panels giving extra elbow room.
I feel like it will take a pretty good impact, more so than the current uim practice of adding kevlar to the outside of wood, but cutting lightening holes below the deck, causing the wall to sheer at deckline.
Of course, if you fall out of the boat, you are on your own!
Seriously though, If you want a capsule, you have to sit down, it works pretty good. If you want to laydown, then this cockpit is going up a level in safety as is marc's composite cockpit. And like he says, it is an expensive project, but as david suggests the cockpit can be reused, just add new wood.
I have been pretty excited about this project, and eric will be posting step by step photos of the construction, for all to enjoy. No, I am not worried about giving out too many secrets, a guy would have to be crazy to want to build a boat!

Gary Pugh

Gary,

What do you think will be the pros and cons against this type of structure? If the driver is not thrown clear but rather is thrown up against the coming wall which will not give.. How much R&D will this really need before you deem it safe? What will the effects be to the driver’s body if not thrown clear or ejected?

I understand the whole theory but just not sure of the results in a high speed impact where the driver might stay inside the structure. How will the drivers body absorb the impact of stationary coming side etc..

[James Aderholdt]

The new cockpit strength and design will increase your survivablity during a side impact crash. The picklefork of another boat will penetrate the current design, and I'm proof of that. My boat met all of the current UIM regulations, and still didn't protect the driver!!! In my opinion.... the current UIM regulations do very little to increase survivablity. I would rather have the stronger comings in the event of a side impact, than worry about the effects of staying in the boat during a high speed crash. Most drivers are ejected clear of the boat during a normal crash and would not be subjected to additional damage due to stronger cockpits. We are not trying to close the laydown cockpit......just make the comings and cockpit stronger to avoid what happened in the photo!

[gpugh6]

To answer Dans question, the driver can still be thrown out the same as any laydown, its already proven with the capsules, that if the capsule is not penetrated, the driver can take the impact. The impact will be less in a hydro, because less weight and hydros stay on the surface and will skid, where a tunnel boat with 11" deep sponsons don't move.

Gary

[Guest]

Considerations

To answer Dans question, the driver can still be thrown out the same as any laydown, its already proven with the capsules, that if the capsule is not penetrated, the driver can take the impact. The impact will be less in a hydro, because less weight and hydros stay on the surface and will skid, where a tunnel boat with 11" deep sponsons don't move.

Gary

Gary,
Have you given consideration to what happens to a driver that remains in the cockpit and is spitted thru the front combing as in the case of my accident? If the driver has tucked down as in my case, he may crush his neck as he attempts to bust thru the boat. A breakway windshield would solve the problem.
Bill

[epugh66]

Although different looking from the typical American boat, not too different from the standard "new generation" Euro boat we first saw in 1985.

[cburton]

Have to comment on the quality I see here. I am sure that seeing this rig in person is even better.do you guys remember the quality in the Del-Craft hulls 60s and 70s? That too was flawless.

[gpugh6]

Gary,
Have you given consideration to what happens to a driver that remains in the cockpit and is spitted thru the front combing as in the case of my accident? If the driver has tucked down as in my case, he may crush his neck as he attempts to bust thru the boat. A breakway windshield would solve the problem.
Bill

Believe me, I have thought this thing upside down and backwards and everyway possible. The windshield is break away, the the cowling is very thin lay-up with no core. If you go out the front of any boat, it is going to hurt. If the boat doesn't stop you, the water will. This is boat racing, it can only be so safe, I am trying to do what I can.
Just enjoy the pictures.

Gary

[jsilvestri]

Gary,

Can you explain the design of this boat to us. Very interesting. Thanks.

[epugh66]

It's starting to look like something more familiar.

[David Weaver]

Question For Gary

Believe me, I have thought this thing upside down and backwards and everyway possible. The windshield is break away, the the cowling is very thin lay-up with no core. If you go out the front of any boat, it is going to hurt. If the boat doesn't stop you, the water will. This is boat racing, it can only be so safe, I am trying to do what I can.
Just enjoy the pictures.

Gary

Gary,

Can the arrangement of the steering wheel bieng relatively parallel to the bottom of the boat and the placement of the driver on an angled ramp increase likelihiid of the driver being thrown more cleanly out of the boat in the case of a stuff? I notive that Europeans lie flat on the floor board or stringers.

In my current Pugh, I lie on a "wedge" with about a 30 degree angle. I at least feel that this attitude will throw me over the windshield or through the top of it in the event of a stuff. My steering wheel is parallel to the bottom, so there is not much else to hold me in except for the front cowling.

David

[epugh66]

David,

I think it's personal preference. Back in the day, I think I recall the Europeans all used a small wedge to keep them from sliding forward when slowing down. That 125 boat I built had a small wedge and I mounted the wheel flat on the floor. Check out what Herr Ralph does, he's about as Euro as a southern boy can get.

Oh....and of course wait for additional photos.

[Guest]

No concerns

It's starting to look like something more familiar.

Nice boat Gary!
Previous post it looked like front cowling was much higher. My concerns do not apply.
Kurps

[Norm Schaub]

Gary...
I applaud your efforts to build a safer boat. I think it's great that you are
going the extra mile to keep drivers as safe as possible.
Norm

[epugh66]

A better look at the curved coaming sides and laminated interior walls.