AIR SCOOPS

[SUWANNEE]

I have wondered since my first test drive of my R-27, why the front overhead hatches were in "sideways". As I've now been a Tug owner for about a year and a half, I understand that life is different where Tugs are born and where I live in the warmer clime of North Florida.

I wanted to and have talked about turning those hatches for a long time but was a little scared and knew that people way smarter than me put them in "sideways",But I just knew that turning them would send volumes of air flowing into the wheelhouse on those days when I did not want to fire up the Generator and the A/C. And it has dawned on me that while it was 83 degrees today here, many Tugnuts are trying to get their heating systems ready for cruising up there in the PNW. Don't jump on me just yet, I have spent time on the "Nellie Too" up there and it was Grand, a little short of alligators but enthralling.

So today, I grabbed a "#1" little square bit --- first #1 I have encountered on the boat and engaged the hatches. You don't need to touch any part of the hatch INSIDE the boat ,remember that will save a little time and frustration. On the outside you have about 15 screws to remove and if you are tall and slender,I am not the removal is a cinch except for the four screws where the hinges cover the screws almost totally until you manipulate the hatch while holding on with one hand and trying to screw with the other and remember my boat is on the trailer above a concrete pad.

With all screws removed and safely stored in a Velcro secured pocket, a little upward pressure and "hooray" the top section pops out and is quickly swiveled 90 degrees and slipped back in and The Southern Air Scoop project is done.

And just in time we depart on Friday to St. Marks [ no Desolation Sound for us -- this year] and cruising in the Big Bend and Panhandle of Beautiful Florida for a month or so. With a couple of mandatory days in Apalachicola to dine at Carolines and other great places and of course visit with our pal Marc Grove at Wefings Marine, where "Little Tug Boots" acquired us.

Will advise this weekend on the effectiveness of the Air Scoop project.

 

[baz]

Just be careful when the wave height/wind velocity pick up and the bow water discharge starts enveloping the top of the cabin structure. :lol:

Did you rotate all of the hatches or just the one above the helm position ? Did all the screw holes line up nicely after turning 90º ?

Also, make sure the hatch(es) are closed when trailering... :lol:

 

[Tug@myHeart]

I too have turned both forward hatches and it is a huge help. We live in the Sacramento Valley and the heat is a problem, so it was necessary. Just be sure to lock the support arm so the big gusts dont take it off. Good choice.

 

[SUWANNEE]

😎 When the wave heights get that big I am back inside somewhere, remember I am a Gulf of Mexico boater and when waves are going to throw water over the top of my Tug I am scooting home.

Also I can batten down the hatches and close windows and doors in recording breaking speeds. I bought a Tug with the wheelhouse so I can watch the water not be in it but point well taken I also listen to my elders.
Just thee two froward hatches. All screws except the next to the last on the second hatch went back in like a charm. I refuse to discuss that screw.

I will simply put the boat on the trailer STERN first and I won't have to worry about closing those hatches :roll: :roll: :roll:

 

[Just Dreamin']

I rotated the forward hatches (90 degrees) on our R25 classic several years ago and that one simple task made a significant difference on cabin airflow. All screw holes aligned perfectly and no leaks followed. Makes for a more enjoyable cruise on the Great Lakes where summer days can become quite warm.

 

[RProffer]

There are a number of R25 owners who rotated their hatches 90 degrees in the past and no one has complained. I wish I could do it on my R21. The only negative thing I have seen is the manual for the hatch says the hatch should be closed when underway - but who reads the manual. 😎

 

[baz]

Rick: I have factory stickers close to the hatches that say the same thing... a constant reminder... :lol:

 

[SUWANNEE]

My hatches have a little sticker that says " do out open more than 90 degrees and to close and lock while underway"

BUT - we have been cruising the St Marks river and the Gulf of Mexico for several days now AND my Bride says that making the hatches into air scoops was one of the best things I've ever done, other than marrying her of course.
THE TEMP. WAS OVER 90 DEGREES YESTERDAY
She's happy = I'm happy and for those labels about closing the hatches - the manufacturers legal dept probably made them put them there. After all when my R-27 hits 50 or 60 knots the hatches may fly off. when we hit those speeds I will post a full report.


Happy Tugging Everyone

 

[Lone Star Ranger]

If your R27 reaches those speeds...I'd like to know what type of fuel are you putting into your "aftermarket" engine...LOL 😀

 

[captstu]

Hi, our 2010 R-25 lives in South Florida where air conditioning is about like life support on the space station. We just had our unit replaced ($3k), and I'm keenly looking for alternatives when underway.

Even with the hatches (except for the bow, water hits the top underway, we open our hatches - but no air hits the Admiral or Captain.

Has anyone developed a "scoop" for the side sliding "windows" that can be used underway? Does it work?

Thanks /Stu

 

[hughesdave123]

Hi, our 2010 R-25 lives in South Florida where air conditioning is about like life support on the space station. We just had our unit replaced ($3k), and I'm keenly looking for alternatives when underway.

Even with the hatches (except for the bow, water hits the top underway, we open our hatches - but no air hits the Admiral or Captain.

Has anyone developed a "scoop" for the side sliding "windows" that can be used underway? Does it work?

Thanks /Stu

I wish the side windows had the little triangle windows you could open on the older pick up trucks , so i could angle the wind to point at me.

 

[RProffer]

Back in the day, we called those wind wings

 

[captstu]

Yep - we are all in the same place on what is needed. I'm so thrilled when, in this political season, people all agree on the important stuff.

I was thinking of something that attached to the forward edge of the sliding windows and - maybe triangle style, attached to the rail - scooping wind that is deflected from the front windows and blowing it into the boat.

Or, has anyone figured out how to open one or two of the front windows - with other than a hammer? If I could open the center windows, air would flow through the boat on hot dry days.

/Stu