Hull Extensions

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PDQ-Dave
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Re: Hull Extensions

Post by PDQ-Dave »

price is posted in classified section
Dave Kane
Previous owner of Pacifica #36068
http://www.DKsail.com
http://www.PDQ36.blogspot.com
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GaryWizard
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Re: Hull Extensions

Post by GaryWizard »

As mentioned elsewhere, I purchased a set of hull extensions from David for our '95 PDQ36 LRC. They fit amazingly well. The transoms are a bit different in that the older steps (mine) have an bottom step & shot transom where the newer hulls have a higher transom & one less step. Still, it was a minor detail to adjust. Here are a few notes on the project for any interested.

This is after the hull pieces have been fitted and set in place
hull pieces tacked on
hull pieces tacked on
Extensions1.jpg (30.08 KiB) Viewed 20647 times
now they are all glassed-in - the brown area is where we added a section due to the step configuration differences
glassed in
glassed in
Extensions2.jpg (23.32 KiB) Viewed 20649 times

they are now an integral part of the hull - final sealing & painting, mounting hatches & backstay chainplates left to do
almost complete
almost complete
Extensions3.jpg (22.39 KiB) Viewed 20649 times
(Continued next post)
Last edited by GaryWizard on Tue Jun 15, 2010 12:57 am, edited 1 time in total.
s/v Inspiration
PDQ 36 LRC #47
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Re: Hull Extensions

Post by GaryWizard »

(continuing extensions posting)

The first two show the chainplate detail outside & inside. Also, the access plate covering the hole used to reach the chainplate nuts. Note that the area where the chainplate was re-installed was built-up with additional layers of
fiberglass
external view of chainplates
external view of chainplates
Extensions4.jpg (23.03 KiB) Viewed 20643 times
chainplate bolts / access to nuts
chainplate bolts / access to nuts
Extensions5.jpg (62.19 KiB) Viewed 20638 times
And here's the stern in 4'-6' following seas extra buoyancy & a cleaner break of the water off the hull.
in the water
in the water
Extensions6.jpg (42.7 KiB) Viewed 20640 times
A final note & something I had not considered when starting this project - the extensions are wonderful as a platform for loading or off-loading the dinghy (passengers or gear)

Gary
s/v Inspiration
PDQ 36 LRC #47
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maxicrom
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Re: Hull Extensions

Post by maxicrom »

Gary,

Our 36 is a 1991 so the transom steps are pretty similar to yours - from your photos it's hard to tell how the deck (top) plate mounts, it looks glassed from the side view. The picture with the extensions tacked on looks like the top is open for the initial install. It also looks like you replaced your aft chainplate bolts and added an access port. Our PDQ is aft heavy (ours has a single Yanmar diesel on the port side) the port bottom step is always wet and with a dinghy / motor on the davits both steps are wet. This looks like a pretty good solution, please post occasional updates - performance differences etc...

Thanks for a great article,

Mike
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Re: Hull Extensions

Post by PDQ-Dave »

Mike,

If you want to talk hull extensions give me a call see www.DKsail.com for current contact info. We sailed Pacifica without extensions for a few thousand miles and felt frustrated with the heavy sterns and huge stern wakes. I then endeavored to build extensions to remedy these issues. With the new extensions on Pacifica we then sailed 3,000+nm from New England to Guatemala and back to Florida. Performance improvements are definitely tangible with boat speed improvements under power and sail, reduced pitching in head seas, clean wakes with smooth water flow and the reserve buoyancy in the sterns made a huge difference in following seas . And as Gary mentions the extra utility and ease of getting in/out of the dinghy is also a considerable benefit.

David Kane
http://www.DKsail.com
Last edited by PDQ-Dave on Wed Sep 28, 2011 2:16 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Dave Kane
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http://www.DKsail.com
http://www.PDQ36.blogspot.com
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maxicrom
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Re: Hull Extensions

Post by maxicrom »

That project will have to wait until II the Max has a long yard stay scheduled (a few years out). But I am interested in the observations from folks that have done the upgrade. Looks like you did a nice job on the parts, I was concerned at first about making the chain plates captive, but they are probably better off dry than 1/2 in the water.

Thanks,

Mike
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GaryWizard
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Re: Hull Extensions

Post by GaryWizard »

Mike,

Per the steps, my bottom step was always underwater too. So, of course, the chainplates were always submerged as well. The extensions are delivered in two pieces, the clamshell-like hull section and the top deck. After fitting and fiberglassing in the hull section, the deck piece was fitted & fiberglassed on. Due to the slight difference in step configurations, I had a small open area between the 2nd step & the deck section. We filled that in with a piece of cored decking & glassed it in.

We totally removed the chainplates for the installation & then cut access slots in the deck piece for them. We built-up the inside hull section where the chainplates sat with additional fiberglass & then used SS bolts (one photo shows the hand-made plate covering the hole used to access the nuts when they were re-bolted.

So far, I have been out with 6'+ following seas and 5'-6' seas from just abaft of the beam and have been extremely pleased with the improvement in how well the boat rides compared with the stock hulls.

One note of caution - for a good fiberglass person, it is NOT difficult. However, it does take some time to do it right. My install was delayed numerous times due to rainy weather that stopped all work, sometimes for days.

Gary
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Re: Hull Extensions

Post by PDQ-Dave »

[quote="maxicrom"]... I was concerned at first about making the chain plates captive, but they are probably better off dry than 1/2 in the water.

Actually, the chain plates are not captive. The chain plates are removable by simply unbolting them and sliding them up out of the deck where a bead of quality caulking seals the small gap around them. I fully agree with 'Maxicrom' However that since the chain plates are no longer awash or in some cases submerged it's unlikely they would need much servicing in the long run.
Dave Kane
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http://www.PDQ36.blogspot.com
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maxicrom
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Re: Hull Extensions

Post by maxicrom »

Thanks for the response,

- it is definately going on the To-Do list when we can haul the boat for the winter (a few years out as it is our apt. in the city). Appreciate the info - I understand the weather all too well, used to Salmon fish in the summer (Alaska) and do boat work over the winter in Seattle. Looking at Pacifica the hull finish looks great, did you paint it or use gel coat? I would think it would be tough to blend in gel coat over the repair. While we are talking hulls, do you know if PDQ's have a barrier coat, II the Max is a 1991? I hate to go to a painted finish on the hull but it sure looks nice.

Mike
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Re: Hull Extensions

Post by PDQ-Dave »

Gel coat and yes, matching can be difficult and having a good fiberglass person is essential to obtain professional results. The hull extension parts provided with a basic white gelcoat finish and would need to be over sprayed with matching gelcoat to suit each boat as gelcoat color may vary due to UV damage and or may have been slightly different from boat to boat over the course of the production run. The PDQ hull layup uses vinylester resin as do the extension parts which is far superior to ordinary polyester resins used by most boat builders. Pacifica hull 3068 had a epoxy barrier coat under her bottom paint, but I'm not sure if this was applied by the PDQ factory or came later. You can always add a epoxy barrier coat if you want extra protection for underwater portion of the hull, but all existing bottom paint must be removed first.
Dave Kane
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http://www.PDQ36.blogspot.com
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Re: Hull Extensions

Post by PDQ-Dave »

IF you are interested in hull extensions, please be sure to find our current contact info at: http://www.ecosailingcharters.com this is our sailing adventures blog and our current contact info can be found on the right side of the page.
Dave Kane
Previous owner of Pacifica #36068
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http://www.PDQ36.blogspot.com
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Re: Hull Extensions

Post by PDQ-Dave »

Thanks for the interest in the PDQ 36 hull extensions for your PDQ 36 or PDQ36LRC.

Here is what hull extensions can do:

--Smoother more comfortable ride: Reduce hobby horsing due to longer hull length and the boat will also track better.
--Sailing Performance speaks for itself see the videos on my blog at: http://www.PDQ36.blogspot.com
--Increase buoyancy where every PDQ (esp the LRC) needs it in the sterns = Load carrying capacity. This extra volume also helps the boat surf on waves earlier and faster and helps to trim out the boat when loaded with gear like a dinghy on the aft davits
--Adds two additional water tight compartments to the boat = Safety
--Add larger swim platform and dinghy dock = Convenience
Getting on and off the boat at the dock becomes a breeze and the extra deck space is very welcome for unloading/loading the dinghy.
--Increase resale more than the sum of the parts and labor = Value.

In regards to installing the parts yourself:

I recommend a professional install unless you have experience with fiberglass, epoxy, fairing and the tools AND work space to do the job AND a week or three depending on your aptitude and the end result uncertain depending on your skill. A pro should complete the job faster and with pro results. Given where the boat is located cooler temps associated with quickly approaching winter weather may make it necessary to tent off the boat or a portion of the boat so the area can be heated to obtain a reasonable cure time for the epoxy and polyester resins and gel coat needed to complete the job. To see what's involved check out the blog http://www.PDQ36.blogspot.com

For unbiased opinions on the product check with the Gary of s/v Inspiration
PDQ 36 LRC Hull Number #47 Here is a link to his post on PDQforum:
viewtopic.php?f=15&t=1550&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&start=30#p7401

Once you've had a good look let me know if you'd like to proceed and I can quote you a delivered price and estimated delivery date. Total would be due at time of order. Send me your zip code.

Thanks for the interest in the hull extensions they are a game changer for the PDQ 36 and especially the LRC model.

Dave Kane
see www.DKsail.com for current contact info as we are full time cruisers on a West about circumnavigation.
Dave Kane
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http://www.PDQ36.blogspot.com
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Re: Hull Extensions

Post by PDQ-Dave »

Just shipped another set of hull extensions this last week.

Interested in taking the hull extension project to the next level? See the newest post in the classifieds section of the PDQ forum:

viewtopic.php?f=8&t=2521
Dave Kane
Previous owner of Pacifica #36068
http://www.DKsail.com
http://www.PDQ36.blogspot.com
Bob
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Re: Hull Extensions

Post by Bob »

I've corresponded with Dave on this subject and am thinking about purchasing the molds. I have talked to a few boat builders and they have expressed willingness to layup the parts. I will be meeting with a yard about the possibility of doing layup and installation as a package. Although the work is straight forward it may be beyond the ability of some folks who may have an interest in the extensions thus the idea of an installed, finished job. Penobscot Bay is one fine cruising ground so you could sail Downeast for the summer to have the work done or do a layup for the winter to have the work done. The molds are not "investment grade" so there are a limited number of parts to be pulled from them before reinvestment in molding would be required. I have no interest in doing this so I figure that there may be 10 more sets that could be made. I would need some serious commitment from others before proceeding. I would anticipate the price for parts would be equal to or less than what Dave has been selling his for. If I could get firm commitments from several people I can negotiate price of a run of say 6 sets. I have no idea if these will fit on a 32'. I have downloaded the drawings from the owner's manuals for both the 36 and 32 and when time permits I will convert them to CAD and scale them to see how close the transoms are. If you have been on the fence about this now would be the time to jump in before Dave sails over the horizon and the molds disappear for good.
Bob Johnson
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Re: Hull Extensions

Post by Kitehawaii »

I have downloaded the drawings from the owner's manuals for both the 36 and 32 and when time permits I will convert them to CAD and scale them to see how close the transoms are.

Did you ever put the PDQ into a CAD program?

I would be interested in the files if yes.

Aloha
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