Comparatively between the GP hull and the GPR hull, the area in the rear area on the GPR hull looks a lot dirtier than the GP. I’m thinking of things that will disturb the water flow and create drag. The goal of course being to reduce drag and improve top speed. Things like the gap at the front of the ride plate, the step down to the trim tabs, the gaps around the trim tabs themselves, the recessed bolts for the grate, ride plate and trim tabs… etc.

Has anyone tried taking silicone or something and filling in these gaps so the surface is cleaner? If so, did it do anything to performance?? I figured someone must have tried cleaning this area up. I’m just curious if it produced any tangible results. TIA.

That's a great question. Doesen't anybody know?

1. The gap at the front of the rideplate supposedly lets air under the plate to reduce drag.

2. The trim tabs are stepped UP, not down. This reduced wetted hull as well. If you space them down with washers, you will improve rough water performance, but slow the hull down in smooth.

3. The recessed bolts for the grate sounds good. I used them as well.

Do a search function on here for trueing your hull. There is speed to be found, but it takes some work. Here are some pics provided by crusty... http://www.hydrotoys.com/gpr/crusty/

I've seen the thread on hull trueing. It seems this goes after realatively minor imperfections in the hull, and does produce results.

I was refering to trying to improve the laminar flow at the rear of the ski. Not moving the trim tabs - but using some type of filler to fill in the gaps around them, on the leading edge, and the holes for the recessed bolts. It looks like this area could create a lot of turbulance in the flow which would lead to drag.

This might me nothing - but I figured someone on the board must of tried this. Maybe its a secret speed tip of the speed gurus on the board...

there is a lot of info here on this one, its been beat with a hammer. from what i have found, filling the "voids" do nothing for top speed. all it does is make it more difficult to experiment with different angles, props and mods....try it if you dont belive, every boats is different, but chances are it will be a waiste of time....