R27/OB noises at 12 mph in strong head wind and 2'-4' waves

[baz]

Subject: R27/OB noises at 12 mph in strong head wind and 2'-4' waves

https://www.icloud.com/sharedalbum/#B1A5aDWbrjYDzn

Last year on the "Last Hoorah - Roaming Rondy" to the Gulf Islands (organized by Bob of The DogHouse 2) I took some photos; one of which was a video taken from the helm of my 2018 R27/OB moving along at around 12 mph into a strong headwind and reasonably sized waves and swells.

Many people have asked about how does the R27/OB handle in adverse seas and what are the various noises one hears inside the boat. The video toward the end of the above Shared Photo album gives you some idea about this.

There are two distinct noises you can hear in the background... Oh...and see in the video how well the water is simply washed away/off the windshield that has been treated with Crystal Keep - Crystal Fusion Technologies without the need to use the wipers. This was an excellent example of how well this Crystal Fusion glass treatment works. The curved windshield also is a big contributor along with the 15 mph headwind.

The two background noises...

1) Is the continuous creaking and groaning coming from the port side of the cabin and from the area at and slightly forward of the port side nav's sliding window. This noise was quite annoying for me. This can be dealt with by squeezing a thin piece of cardboard down between the cabin wall and the fibre glass just forward of the Nav seat (port side) using some grease or Vaseline on the cardboard's surface.

2) The constant 'water slapping' noises as the hull encountered the waves.

It was simply very noisy and I give credit to my onboard Wire Hair Fox Terrier from not howling, although he did at times creep up under the helm seat with his head poking out between my dangling legs with the hopes I'd noticed and scratch his chin and/or stroke his ears for comfort. :lol:

New boater's for the R-27/OB will need to get used to this type of noise when in similar water conditions.

As an aside.... these noises in my 2019 R29 CB are completely absent when in similar water conditions. At first when first using the R29 CB there were some similar creaking noises coming from the same area as on the R27/OB and have since been dealt with as I explained using cardboard slipped between the cabin wall and fiber glass (an easy soln).

BTW - People here have enquired about where to obtain the Crystal Fusion glass treatment....

Ref: https://www.cftproducts.com

For more information about Crystal Fusion glass treatment, call 1-866-529-5999 or send an e-mail to: sales@cftproducts.com

Oh.... and BTW.... the video shows the water being run off the windshield after the Crystal Fusion had been applied over 1 year ago. During the whole cruise with that windy and gnarly water condition I never had to use the wipers.... the Crystal Fusion glass treatment was that good.

As an aside, I also use this Crystal Fusion for my auto's windshield.

 

[Mr. Ed]

Looks like a great product. Out of curiosity, how does it compare to Rain-X?

 

[baz]

RAIN X is also good, but it requires constant upkeep. By this I mean, it has to be applied more often than Crystal Fusion. The Crystal Fusion somehow (so the product claims) bonds chemically to the glass, and because of this it's long lasting. In the video the Crystal Fusion had been applied and on the glass for at least a year in wind and rain quite frequently.

I use the Crystal Fusion on my auto windshield when first buying the car several years ago and have not had to re-apply it, and it performs as good as when I first applied it.

The downside for Crystal Fusion is that it's hard to acquire/obtain and is quite expensive for just a small spray bottle. The only place I've found that supplies it is at my auto dealership's glass contractor.

I have a 4oz bottle of Crystal Keep, but don't recall how much I paid for it.

To figure out where to buy call Crystal Fusion Technologies Inc. at 866-529-5999

See my 4oz Bottle here -> https://www.icloud.com/sharedalbum/#B1A5ZBCwPZGD6D

 

[FWTMD]

The video is very informative.

You have described the difference in the ride characteristics between the 27 and 29 in other posts. I'd love to see a video in comparable conditions from the same view from your new 29.

 

[BB marine]

Great Video Barry. The video shows the running characteristics of a planing V hull with a outboard or stern drive. It seamed comfortable but it demonstrated hull slap. In sea's that you videoed I'm guessing 2' with occasional 3' to 4's. The speed 10kts to 12kts would be appropriate in a 27' V hull anymore then that I would assume the boat would start to plane with increased throttle which would be a rough ride. I believe this is the difference in the fluid motion traditional inboard style semi-displacement hull and the Planing V hull. Example the C26 and R27 are comparable in weight, beam and length. The R27 outboard outshines the C26 or C28 (still built) in performance in calm waters. When experiencing moderate sea's 2' to 3' all of the hulls can handle the seas but the semi displacement shines for comfortable ride. In 2' to 3' sea's the semi displacement actually rides smoother at 15kts then 12kts there is no slap it just cuts through the waves. The boat rides over he top of the waves and when it comes down into the trough it cuts through and doesn't slap.I believe this to be because of the engine location ( closer to midship and low in the hull) and the hull design. I have run up to 18kts in 3's and the ride is comfortable. Unfortunately 20kts lightly loaded is all the boat can do. (advantage planing V hull 35kts) I spoke to a C302 owner that likes his twin outboard Cutwater but was somewhat disappointed in the ride and sea handling after cruising in a C30 Cutwater traditional inboard hull. He commented on how much better the inboard rides and handles in moderate sea's at 22kts compared to his outboard model. There are pro's and cons to each design. It depends on what your cruising needs are to which design suits you best.

I use Rain X and you are right it requires frequent applications to get results you are experiencing. Having some type of application is a necessity with the Blount bow hull design of Tugs and Cuts. There is always spray on the windshield. Crystal Fusion is worth a try based on the video and the results you have experienced.

I would guess from your experience owning both planing hull and semi displacement hull your choice would be semi -displacement hull based on some of your post.

 

[Matty]

I can attest to the points made by Brian and Baz. Thanks for technical analysis to help understand why the different boats react the way they do. On our recent trip to the South West FLORIDA rendezvous we experienced the slap of the bow crossing Lake Okeechobee in less than desirable conditions and then again heading into Punta Gorda. I averaged 20 mph mostly because I did not want to be on the lake any longer than I needed to given the conditions. This was our longest trip to date and we learned a lot about the boat and ourselves. All worked out in hindsight but next trip we will leave earlier to allow for weather surprises or changes. We used rain x and it worked fantastic. Was great to not have to worry about seeing through the splash.
The return trip was much smoother and having Ron & Dawn ( we met at the rendezvous) lead the way through thick fog was comforting as they made the crossing numerous times.

Kevin Lamont assured us the boats were made for the rough waters. I agree boat handled the conditions exceptionally well. Just need more experience so my skills match the boat.