Rolly custom steel motorboat

BlueBell · Jun 26, 2025 at 11:35 AM

LeoKa said: ↑

I am not sure why you keep asking me about another boat? I am not interested in other boats.
Are you a broker?
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No, not a boat broker although I do do boat deliveries, but that is also unrelated.
I'm trying to help you resolve your dilemma.

LeoKa said: ↑

It might happen.
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If it "might happen" I'm curious what boats you're considering.
Maybe you're not really considering any other boats.
If that really is the case then I think you should remove all the superfluous superstructure and
return the vessel to its original design and roll period.
No?

LeoKa · Jun 26, 2025 at 11:40 AM

BlueBell said: ↑

Maybe you're not really considering any other boats.
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Correct. I am not considering any other boat. That is not why I am here.

Spending a quarter million dollars on removing/rebuilding this boat to the original design, does not make financial sense. This is not a ' classic boat '.

I am here on this forum to get ideas of a possible solution for roll reduction and stability improvements.

LeoKa · Jun 30, 2025 at 9:24 PM

Ad Hoc said: ↑

I also think, given your limitations, re: costs and time for "simple" mods, it will be tricky to get to the bottom of everything and a remedy which fits into your ability to do the work, mostly yourself and without incurring costs for constant hauling in and out. So, perhaps, just perhaps, a course of action maybe this:
View attachment 202731

Remove that 'blip' aft, and then extend the natural lines of the hull aft, like shown. Try not to make it too fine, a nice lazy curve that would gain back the buoyancy 'lost' by removing the blip.

Then add a bilge keel, shown in blue, which is made from 2 plates space around 100mm apart at their base, where it is welded to the hull, with some simple internal ribs, which allows for plug welding to "join them" together, so it has stiffness/strength. Make it a very simple symmetrical shape, nothing fancy needed.
View attachment 202733

Lining the plates by eye, by standing in front of the bow and cast your eye along where the natural curve of the hull plating is going. Scribe that and use that as your rough guide to where to locate the bilge keel. To be as far "outboard" as possible will help...so 2 locations noted, merely for ref.

Then on the base of the bilge keel, have a thick bar that allows for bolting on ingots to add "solid" ballast.
View attachment 202734

This way, you can experiment with adding weight by 1, 2 or 3 ingots, or how ever many you think will help.
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Ad Hoc

I know you are busy and I only want some confirmation from you.
I have read this post several times and I am convinced that this is the only feasible solution for me, to address the rolling/stability issues. I am saying this because of my limited budget. This will still require investment and efforts, a good welder, a shop, and plenty of time; but I think it is doable. At least, this is the best way to go with a simple budget.
Let me know if you agree and if there is any additional advice you have? Thanks.

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Rolly custom steel motorboat

BlueBell . . . _ _ _ . . . _ _ _

LeoKa Junior Member

LeoKa Junior Member