Changes to the weekender Transom

[Guest SeaEagle]

I am a couple of weeks into building my weekender, and have a couple of ideas I'm playing with.

I would like to make some modifications to remove some of the ply-box characteristics of the boat. As the chines at the waterline provide quite a bit of the performance for the boat so I don't want to change those - but I have thought about rounding out the transom - increasing the rake from the waterline and increasing the size of the deck on top of the lazerette at the stern.

I am considering laminating up the transom with some Vic Ash that I have from a previous project, and leaving it bright.

My question (finally) - As these changes are all above the waterline, will they adversely change the performance of the boat. Will they change the centre of balance(?) etc.

What thoughts do other weekender builders have?

Any help you can provide would be appreciated

[Frank Hagan]

I don't think your proposed changes would alter the sailing characteristics at all. It sounds like you're using the same bottom, and just modifying the transom itself.

I'm not an expert on these things, but what I've heard is that it is very important to make sure the aft end of the bottom is absolutely flat. If you are extending the length of the bottom, and you have it angled slightly, it will affect the performance.

[Guest Anonymous]

Frank,

Thanks for your advice. That is basically the conclusion that I came to.

You are correct - I don't intend to change the bottom at all. I was worried that the increased 'rake' and the associated extra hardware up top would result in extra weight at the rear of the boat (right where you don't want it).

As the modifications relate to only a few extra inches of length, I think that the extra weight should only be minimal and therefore shouldn't be a problem.

Regards

SE