Racing Canopies

[Showtime]

I'm new to this forum and I'm looking for information on design of racing canopies. Has this subject been discussed before? Does anyone know where to find design criteriea, other than Lavin Foundation, or drawings?

I'm partiuarly looking for info on offshore race boat designs but have only found a few articles on F-1 and hydros that are somewhat beneficial.

Thanks in advance for any help.

[Jimboat]

Check out the website or the book on performance powercat design, or the design software for performance analysis. Canopies are covered in both.

[Showtime]

Thanks for the lead, however, I was thinking of a Vee bottom boat, not a cat or tunnel boat. I imagine the cat design would be similar, but not the same. The design I'm looking for should be a total cockpit covering for the crew...not an adaptation of the F-16 canopy.

I am contemplating if such a canopy sould have a rigid frame with outer skin or should it be designed with FRP exclusively.

Although I have some ideas rolling around in my head, I don't have the expertise to use one of the CAD programs folks on this board seem to prefer. As a matter of fact, it would probably take me longer to learn to use one of these programs than it would to get someone with experience to take my thoughts and rough sketches and put them into the computer and then to paper.

Anyone interested in collaborating on such a project?

Showtime,

I have a good deal of expierence with canopy systems. We were the first to build a system with the lavin 2man canopies on the Lavins 48 foot cat when we built it. Alot of the guidelines were based on that boat. We have also worked on many other f-16 & custom canopy systems.
Were currently doing some contract work w\ Fountain powerboats Not canopy related, mostly new product related. Its all dependent on your application, however I would recomend an epoxy FRP shell with windshield inserts and a built in Roll bar system. If your interested in purchasing something like this which fountian does have I'd be glad to set something up for you. Or if you would just like some design input I'm sure I can help there also. Feel Free to contact me at

Kadams@fountainpowerboats.com
Qst_4_IT@hotmail.com

Or call
1-252-975-2000 ext 6386

Sincerly
Ken Adams jr.