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Proper design and installation of a bulbous bow decreases hull resistance and thereby reduces the power needed to drive the vessel. The following pictures illustrate a recent bulbous bow installation to the 87 foot Motor Yacht "Big Flo III".
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Layout and alignment to specifications |
Preparation of the hull |
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Placement of tubing and beginning of
the fiberglass layup. The tube is next
filled with foam |
Forming the spherical cap, in this case
using a large fender as the mold |
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Fabricating the fairing for the bow
transitionto the stem. Then, 5/8"of
fiberglass is applied for
additional strength |
COMIC RELIEF!
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The fabrication, fiberglassing, and
installation are complete. Prep work
for the gelcoat and painting begins. |
Complete! It is projected that bulbous
bows reduce fuel consumption by
ten to twenty percent.
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