Hickman Sea Sled - transom question

[PaulB]

I have just finished reading Hickman's US patent 2515005.

With regard to Column 1, lines 51-57 of the patent:
"The halves of the bottom continue their downward incline toward the stern of the boat, this incline herein extending substantially to the stern transom and the boat thus presenting a concavity forward which gradually flattens aft, as is graphically illustrated by the sections, fig. 3 to 8."

Is the central part of the bottom of the stern transom flat or does it have a slight concavity? Please help...

[Jeffrey Bootz]

Originally Posted by PaulB

I have just finished reading Hickman's US patent 2515005.

With regard to Column 1, lines 51-57 of the patent:
"The halves of the bottom continue their downward incline toward the stern of the boat, this incline herein extending substantially to the stern transom and the boat thus presenting a concavity forward which gradually flattens aft, as is graphically illustrated by the sections, fig. 3 to 8."

Is the central part of the bottom of the stern transom flat or does it have a slight concavity? Please help...

Hello PaulB,
Re: Hickman Sea Sled
The transom actually has a shallow "W" shape. Check Drawing 2 of US2515005. For some insight on behavior of the craft try to find a copy of Lindsay Lord's "Naval Architecture of Planing Hulls". Also I seem to recall an article by Dave Gerr on 55' or larger Sea Sleds about 6-8 years ago.

[PaulB]

Thanks,
That puts the last piece of the puzzle in place. Now the rest of what Hickman said in the patent makes sense. The patent definitely explains how the later sea sleds after WWII were able to turn at speed without tripping or having to slow and then turn.

[Jeffrey Bootz]

You are a quick study! Lindsay Lord describes the beveled after chines and its specific aft form as contributing to anti-tripping. The beam/length ratio rather different from conventional hull forms. Other considerations of the shallow "W" transom are the ability to both track and turn well, but as some of the speed potential came from (as Lord describes it) aeration of the water. I have seen some evidence of the aeration with a centerline mounted outboard that couldn't get enough green water to hook up well. Just when got on plane the prop would blow out. Would have done better with two smaller units set in line with the keels (or possibly a much longer shaft). Lord also notes a little rocker in the keels aft. If you can't find Lord's book, I would be happy to excerpt some pertinent text and e-mail it to you as an attachment.

[Jimboat]

Do you have a copy of the full patent? I'd like to read.

[PaulB]

To get a full copy of the patent:
(You will need to have the alternatiff plugin installed to do 1 - 5.)

1. Goto http://www.uspto.gov/patft/index.html
2. Click on 'patent number search' under ISSUED PATENTS heading
2. Type in 'Query' box: 2515005
3. Click on <search> button
4. Click on <images> button to view full patent
5. Use arrows on left of page to view a .tif image of each page - total 6 pages

OR

For those who are unable to get a .tif image from the US Patent Office, I have attached the patent as pdf files.

[Jeffrey Bootz]

I had downloaded alterntiff and had no problems reading or printing the patents and drawings.

[thomas mattson]

Originally Posted by Jeffrey Bootz

You are a quick study! Lindsay Lord describes the beveled after chines and its specific aft form as contributing to anti-tripping. The beam/length ratio rather different from conventional hull forms. Other considerations of the shallow "W" transom are the ability to both track and turn well, but as some of the speed potential came from (as Lord describes it) aeration of the water. I have seen some evidence of the aeration with a centerline mounted outboard that couldn't get enough green water to hook up well. Just when got on plane the prop would blow out. Would have done better with two smaller units set in line with the keels (or possibly a much longer shaft). Lord also notes a little rocker in the keels aft. If you can't find Lord's book, I would be happy to excerpt some pertinent text and e-mail it to you as an attachment.

I tryed to find the book, but it is 200.00 plus for a used version. So could you please email me Lindsay Lords info on the hickman design. mattsont@earthlink.net

Thanks

thomas

[tonydignity]

Originally Posted by PaulB

I have just finished reading Hickman's US patent 2515005.

With regard to Column 1, lines 51-57 of the patent:
"The halves of the bottom continue their downward incline toward the stern of the boat, this incline herein extending substantially to the stern transom and the boat thus presenting a concavity forward which gradually flattens aft, as is graphically illustrated by the sections, fig. 3 to 8."

Is the central part of the bottom of the stern transom flat or does it have a slight concavity? Please help...

The originalhad a slightly concavity,On the 29 footer this was hardly noticable,yet the 20 was pronounced,it led me to believe the 29 was an extended afterthought,niether was succesful in the original form.in 1987

[hick seaslead]

hi
I was wondering if I would be able to get a copy of Lindsay Lord's "Naval Architecture of Planing Hulls" as have been unable to find one
My Email is rob_manning@hotmail.com

Robbie

[tonydignity]

Hi
My youngest son and I are begining to Produce another 23foot Plug starting in September .
It will be trialed in the Bristol Channel some time in the late spring of 2008.
I have decided to modify my original ,some what, to make the new vessel "Greener".
You are invited to come see the trials if you would be interested
Best Regards Tony Payne

[tom kane]

There is a point to watch when reading patent applications,even final patent drawings.The information supplied is to explain in text and diagrams what the applicant is intending to claim as a new and novel idea.Much of the information supplied may just be explainatory and not part of the invention or even work,or be used in construction of the product.

[messabout]

I have Lindsay Lords book as well as numerous others that are old, but perhaps still intersting to some. Example; The 40 Knot Sailboat by Bernard Smith, Chapelles Boatbuilding, Chapelles Yacht Designing and Planning and a mess of others including not so dated Odd Faltinsen etc...

I do not wish to turn this forum into a commercial enterprise. However I am old and tired and fear that my library will end up at the local thrift store or worse, the landfill. I'd much rather have them in the hands of worthy boatmen who might enjoy them. I will sell for a fraction of the price range mentioned above by Thom Mattison. Also have plans for numerous old style class racers. Cates Moth, Windmill, Australis, Contender, Penguin and so on. E-mail...RSTinstruments@AOL.com

[Ausiwik]

Sea Sled
Hi Tony this is my third attempt to reach you and my posts just keep disappearing
Any how I think its due to me cutting and pasting your post earlier this morning when you said the 20 and the 29 were not succesfull I think thats what you ment
I have followed your input with interest and seen and appreciated, the vast array of photos you have shared with us
I am hoping to start a Sea sled type of vessel in the near future for fishing purpose (6.5 m) out here in Mooloolaba Queensland
I am currently building a light weight Trailer Trawler (as a spec job ) in vacume infused composites and Im approching the finish stages.
http://marshalldesign.blogspot.com
I am a little confused by your last post re the transom Did you mean that neither the 20 or the 29 were sucessful and that the original was or ???
Sorry, I'm just trying to nail this down as it appears to be the key here (where the combined air water mix exits the hull )
Thank You
Steve Marshall
PS my last post just disappeared but it may well reappear somewhere else

http://marshalldesign.blogspot.com

[Jeff]

PS my last post just disappeared but it may well reappear somewhere else

An exact duplicate of your post appears in this thread -> Hickman Sea sled Story, 23foot plug to be built for launch 2008

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