What sea trials for new powerboat ?

I am about to complete a 5.5 meter ply power boat.
I was woundering what sort of sea trials that is usualy done to check performance and fault find.
The boats is 5.5 meters, 2.5 beam and has small block Chevi motor with an outboard leg. Made up as a family cabin day boat.
Any help would be appreciated.

 

It depends on the results you want. Production boats that want to show top speed are usually run empty with a small amount of fuel and in flat water. If you want a representative test of normal conditions, run it with full and light loads in different sea conditions. Also, try running at different angle to the seas, ie head on, beam, quarter and running.

 

We typically test prototypes like this.
Range Run
-Top off fuel.
-100 mile run at constant RPM (50 miles then reciprocal (less in your case I imagine)
-top off fuel
-calculate fuel burn rate (you can repeat this at several RPM to find your cruise speed)
Acceleration Run
-from a dead stop accelerate from a stop to a given speed
-repeat on reciprocal heading
Crash Stop
-Full speed ahead
-crash reverse like you are about to run over a stump
-watch for burying the bow, observe any unpleasant boat behavior (to say nothing of your crew after this manuver)
The lunatic test
-similar to crash stop, but a crash turn. Try turning at the wrong moment on a wave, inducing a broach. Start easy on this one and build up, find and record where your 'comfort zone' is.

Have fun, and above all else, remember 'Safety Last'

 

We want pictures.

Gary

 

.....might be a good idea to try Gonzo's tests before you do Clark T's !!