Aerodynamic and Hydrodynamic Performance
design for Powerboats
Performance
Boat design and setup secrets for Recreational tunnels, Offshore Cats,
Racing tunnels, Fishing/Utility hulls, Vee and Vee-Pad
Hulls, Bass Boats
Shawn L. (Jan
2021) - "I’ve tried other hydrodynamic analysis programs, even CFD
modelling software (autoship, davcad, orca3d, maxsurf), and TBDP/VBDP is best
performance analysis software I’ve found. TBDP is flexible, handles any
hull configuration. Has amazing accuracy. They give outstanding customer
service. They are constantly doing program improvements and updates. My
favourite by far! [Shawn - MI, USA]
Anthony Garifo -
Storm Front Boat Works (Sept 2022) - "I'm on my third read of
'Tunnel Boat Design' [book] and I get smarter by the minute! [Anthony
Garifo, Storm Front Boat Works, Florida, USA ]
Morley Smith - Society of Naval Architects & Marine Engineers (Performance Plans), IL. (Nov, 1985) - "I just received and read your book (Secrets of) "Tunnel Boat Design" ... Tremendous, terrific, great, and fantastic...you have combined a tremendous amount of research with an excellent writing approach so that it is easy for the reader to understand just what
you are saying ...congratulations on a tremendous piece of work!" [Morley
Smith, SNAME]
Bob Switzer, original Switzer Wing designer, (SwitzerCraft Boats, IL),
Jan 2004) says..."Jim, I really want to tell you how much I
enjoyed re-reading your book 'Secrets of Tunnel boat Design'! " [Bob
Switzer, Switzer Craft Boats, IL, USA]
Greg Terzian (Dec 2013) - "Jim Russell is the best there is and Helmut and I have always been guided by his knowledge and experience. Not only has Jim allowed us to achieve greater performance, but also in a safer manner." [G. Terzian, Dec 2013]
Stephen Pearse
(April 2024) - "Hi Jim, I read your STBD book and I was blown away
by the technical aspects as well as your writing ability. ...The way you
kept everything organized made it very easy to follow along. Thanks
again." [Stephen Pearse, MI, USA]
Alan
Power, Power Marine (Sept 2014) says...(re: OCR Pad Vee
modification design) "Hi Jim, Hope you are well...It is unbelievable the
transformation the boat has gone through! Long story short, we went from
being lapped last season to podium finishes this year! Many thanks for
your insight." [Alan Power, Power Marine, Ireland, Sept 2014)]
Dave Strong (Nov 2017) says.."Jim Russell's TBDP now has a V
Hull program as well, put base line for BAJA in it and very accurate with
changing engine height. Worked bang on with Cougar, as long as you get the
base parameters bang on the program is super accurate. Saves a lot of
manual labour..."[Dave
Strong, Edgewater, BC, Canada] ."
Alby
Jacob (Feb 2021) says...
We finally got a chance to sea
trial our new 29 ft hull and we got the same speeds as expected from the
software. Was really interesting to see how
accurate the software was. I would like to thank you for developing such an amazing
software to reach our performance goals. [Alby Jacob, Blue Gulf Cat, UAE,
Feb 2021]
Ari
Nurminen, Hurjamarine Offshore Racing (Aug 2021)..."...I
needed more information about catamaran boats...I found
Jim Russell from AeroMarine Research, the
software he uses is 'so good', and it helped me very, very much." [Ari Nurminen, Finland, Aug 2021]
Jack W. (Nov
2016) - "I loaded the (new TBDP/VBDP) Ver 8 and I'm really
impressed. The amount of information available in the new program is light
years ahead...I'm on information overload. ...There's a lot of us out here
that are thankful for the work you're doing! [JW, Washington, USA - Nov
2016] "
Jared Powell, Wave-to-Wave Powerboat magazine
[April 2018] "Essential Reading for
Performance Boaters...'Jim touches on almost every imaginable hull
design and application. The focus on performance is there and the book is
very technical, but if you are interested in going faster, or even have
entertained the idea of designing a hull, there is high quality
information here. The book...can help you setup your own boat, as well as
be a safer driver." [Jared
Powell, Wave-to-Wave Performance Boat magazine]
Scream
& Fly on-line magazine, (Apr2015/Oct2003/Feb2013)
- AeroMarine
'Research's products are fantastic. The Tunnel Boat Design Program is the
only such software of its kind, and it's an extremely useful
tool"..."The Secrets Of Tunnel Boat Design' [book] is also a fantastic
tool, and very interesting as well as educational."
"Astonishingly, the Tunnel Boat Design Program predicted that our setup would achieve a maximum velocity of 115.1 mph! Taking this even further, the TBDP also accurately predicted our acceleration model – a big plus for [< 0.5% accuracy] Impressive accuracy, to say the least." [S&Fly Review of TBDP software] [S&Fly Review of STBD book]
Speedcraft
(April 2015) - Jim, the Pad Vee Speedcraft you helped me
design is doing great! She is the fastest SOB on the Island right now!
We managed to a best top speed 100.4 MPH...at a relatively low angle of
attack which kept it stable at these speeds. We were all impressed and
amazed. BD, Speedcraft, Malta
Kris
F. (May 2019) - Jim, after re reading your tunnel boat book
I was able to understand a bit more about my own hull designs and then put
together some straight line passes...it is now the fastest RC Outboard
tunnel hull with an average speed of the 2 passes at around 84mph. So
thank you for your help! [Kris F. Hastings, Australia ]
Russell M (March 2017) - TBDP is an awesome tool.
So far it's predictions and actual boat response have been really similar.
The program is so much easier/quieter/cheaper than grinding and sanding! .
[RM,
Cascade Yacht Works, Warrenton, OR, USA ]
"Shakin' Not Stirred" Race Team, (Feb 2010) - "Last year we tried 75 different combinations and we gained 4 mph, we then purchased the TBDP software and worked with Jim... and we gained 6mph - thanks! ["Shakin Not Stirred" race team, FX 0.07, Hal
Bamping - driver, Zabrina Bamping - Navigator", AB, Canada]
"Secrets of Propeller Design" book, (Oct 2009) - "That book [Secrets of Propeller Design] is AWESOME. I bring it (to) work leave it by the computer at home and read it over and over. There's so much useful info there". [James "Whipper", Prince George, BC, Canada]
TBDP & CAD design (March 2013) - I purchased the Tunnel Boat Design Program (TBDP) from AeroMarine Research. It is really easy to use and covers just about every detail of what ever hull you are working on. ...Enter all of the dimensions/weight placement, power, etc.; there are also templates/examples in the program to compare to; it will give you max speed, acceleration, stability information,
porpoise, etc. and you can change the design until you are happy with it. [MW, Canada]
"Donzi Mod" [Oct 2011] - I employed the (performance consulting) services of Jim Russell. Jim is very well known in performance circles and has evolved modeling software that can perform numerous "what if" scenarios. He produced a pretty detailed report that had gads of info. ...suffice to say he was worth every penny and routinely is called upon by UAE types for consultation work. [Greg G.- Donzi Registry]
Power
Marine - 21' SportCat, (Feb 2008) - We have been using the Secrets of Tunnel Boat
Design Book to analyse the performance of our new boat with much success,
the STBD book makes complex calculations straight forward and simple to
use, a great tool for anyone designing or setting up cat or tunnel hull
powerboats. Thanks Jim, you and AeroMarine Research
have been a great help and inspiration to all of my projects.
[Alan Power, Power Marine, Ireland]
Dillon
Racing - 2006 Mini GT high points championship & Region 8
Championship, (Feb. 2007) - A
tunnel boat I designed/built last year absolutely killed in Mini GT
(25hp), winning 8 races out of 10. I expect to design more in the
future. I love your program (TBDP). Many thanks, Bob. [Bob Dillon,
Hackensack, MN]
(Visit Dillon Racing website
at: www.dillon-racing.com)
Kretz
Marine Boating/TKM Racing Developments, (Jan 2009) - I am really
enjoying working with your software and learn more every time I use it! I
have (had) huge success in South Africa. currently (our RC design) holds
the South African Championship! This is really a great testament to your
program as is did wonders in helping to improve and develop our boats!
[Karl Kretz, South Africa]
Jeff & Denise Talcott, (Nov 2011) - your software has really helped us get where we are today. once we had (Denise's) equipment in top form, we were able to go to the TBDP and predict any changes we wanted to make and instantly see the results. we understand why and how her boat performs and can tune to different course, weather and
water conditions and get the most out of every lap. it's that time of year again i keep the wood burner stoked, and go to the TBDP. [Jeff Talcott, MI, USA]
19' Sterling Tunnel - July 2005 -
The Guru Speaks... I submitted drawing, pictures and design notes to
Jim Russell at AeroMarine Research to determine what the performance
characteristics of my boat would be like (most significantly
swapping to twin outboards).
The information and understanding that Jim and AeroMarine were able to
convey to me was extremely valuable. The final point - use Jim Russell's
services and buy his software if you are doing any work on tunnel hulls!!!
The alternative of "trial and error" is expensive, time consuming, and
possibly dangerous. - [David
(AxisMoto), Phoenix, AZ]
Alemdar
Offshore Racing Team - 2004/2005 UIM Offshore Champion, (Feb 2007)
- In 2003 we bought (TBDP) software and started to modify our existing
hull with TBDP. In 2004 we won the championship. We modify our hull
again and we won the 2005
UIM Offshore Championship without losing any race. After 3 years I
started to use the TBDP software like an advanced user. Finally 2006 is
the year of our completely new designed boat powered by TBDP. We won the
championship again!! 4 key factors of our winnings (are) Very High top
speed numbers, Excellent rough water capability and speed, Acceleration,
Higher turning speeds - All the key factors comes from TBDP software
benefits. [Murat Alemdar, Istanbul, Turkey]
CT
Marine - NZ Superboat Class National Champion (Jan 2007) - I had my
designer use your (TBDP) program on our latest offshore race cat.
"Sleepyhead" designed for NZ Superboat Class. Powered by 2 x
525 Bulldog Mercury racing engines giving it a top speed of 118mph.
Peter Turner wins the NZ
National Championship! When it came to a new boat I had already
purchased your (STBD) book and our designer (purchased) your
program...we input (data from our) last design...then changed every
thing to suit (TBDP) program. We launched it on Saturday 27th of January
took it for one quick run...raced it on the Sunday and won!
[Nic deMey, CT Marine, New Zealand]
Kuhl
Racing - 2nd High Points (TCBA) 2006, Jan 2007 - Driver Tyler Kuhl at
Sioux City, Iowa (photo). Mini-GT Racemaster/Evinrude - Second in
Highpoints 2006 (TCPBA); Third in Highpoints 2005 (TCPBA). The TBDP
Software and STBD Book helped us understand the importance of
Hydrodynamic lift on slower Tunnel boats. It also helped us with dialing
in our motor height and reducing wetted surface drag on the hull. This
program saved us many hours of testing, I wish I had this program 20
years ago when we where running our bigger boats. I would recommend TBDP
software and STBD Book to anyone who has an interest in going fast on
water. [Dominick
Kuhl, Frazee, MN]
Mike
Breslin - Sport C World Champion
- (April 2005) - I
highly recommend the Tunnel Boat Design software. It allowed us to
build a boat from the ground up, and test it without even having to
build a prototype first. We were able to test for speed, handling,
and design before we even started the boat. After the boat was
built, it tested within 0.1 mph of the projected speed. I highly
recommend this program.
[Mike Breslin, Black Widow Customs, Sport C World Champion High
Points 2004]
American
Offshore Powerboats - (January 2005) - We
at American Offshore
have used the AeroMarine software to design the hull for our 37 ft
Cat. It is a very good program and allowed us to evaluate many
different configurations and compare our final design configuration with
those used by other manufactures. It also allowed us to compare our 26
ft and 31 ft hull designs with the similar size hull designs used by our
competition. I highly recommend it. [Art DiNick, American Offshore]
University of Buffalo, Engineering Faculty (Oct 2002) - “The software [TBDP] is so cool! You must have put in years of hard work to get it to where it is. It is so user friendly that even I understand it.” [PK - Univ. of Buffalo, NY]
Scream
& Fly on-line magazine - (December 2001) - "This
software (TBDP, Version 7) allows the tunnel boat enthusiast to
alter a ‘virtual model’ of their current hull...and see the
results of...changes in real time as you alter hull variables.
The power of the PC can now be leveraged to offer insights into
your hull configuration never before possible with such ease and
accuracy."
"The (TBDP) shows...how small dimensional differences can
really affect performance. It’s very easy to enter your
boat’s design dimensions and setup into the software."
"Astonishingly, the
Tunnel Boat Design Program predicted that our setup would achieve a
maximum velocity of 115.1 mph! (within less than 1 mph of actual top
speed). The TBDP also accurately predicted our acceleration model – a
big plus for drag racers. Impressive accuracy, to say the
least". "Taking this yet another step
further, the Tunnel Boat Design Program assessed the stability of our
STV, arriving at the conclusion that our rig would experience relative
instability throughout the 55-80 mph range...the software was remarkably
accurate: our STV did "settle in" over 80 mph!"
"It is easy to use for even complete novices...pros can dive right
in, and amateurs will find that the program can guide users through each
step. The included Help file is a gold mine of performance boat
knowledge. Each design measurement and aspect of performance is clearly
and accurately defined, along with the related background theory."
Alan
Power, Dublin,Ireland. (January 2003) - “The book is outstanding,
it's really starting to come together for me, … the book has already
saved a lot of work….Thanks again and keep up the good work.”
Jeff
Dozier, Severn, MD (March 2003) - “It
is great!!!!!!!!!! It is exactly what I have been looking to find.I am very impressed!”
Techno @ S&F
on-line forum - (July 2002) - "I
normally wouldn't buy a prop calculator with so many free ones on the
web but I made a mistake and glad I did. This one allows you to change
anything you want without refilling and deleting and OK'ing stuff. Its
cheap and nice to use. If your going to use one regularly I would
recommend buying this one...everything is changeable... rpms can be slid
up and props changed along with a change in slip with a click".
(Techno - S&F
on-line magazine - July, 2002)
Hot
Boat Magazine - (July 2001) - "The 'TBDP' Version 7'
can...compare design alternatives and predict your tunnel hull
performance under any operating conditions. The software includes
impressive on-screen graphics to illustrate predicted trends of over 40
vital performance indicators".
RaceBoat
International - (July/August 2001) - "The new 'TBDP'
Version 7.0' is a powerful computer-aided design technology. This is the
only comprehensive predictive performance design and analysis computer
software package available specifically for tunnel boats, and is
essential for the serious tunnel designer, builder, driver or
performance enthusiast".
"…once I started reading it, I was hooked. I don't know about most of you,
but for a book to keep me glued to its pages for most of the night, it
must be good. Secrets Of Tunnel Boat Design takes the reader into domains
that are sure to interest even the most dedicated and knowledgeable
boating enthusiast. This fantastic book…details the ten design steps for
analysis of hull performance and stability… the material covers all levels
of technical understanding, from the casual reader to the technical guru".
Marles Racing
Formula One - (July 2001) -
Our Formula One
team bought the TBDP software to find a plaguing problem, in one
of our race hulls, affecting top speed. To our amazement, after
months of trial and failure to right the problem, your TBDP
software went right to it and gave us the answer. Then just for
fun we fed in all the information about our other race hulls and
the out come was unbelievable. The software's potential speed
calculation had the boats within 2 MPH of there actual top speed
readings on radar. I am quite impressed. Thank you
Jim.
John Marles, 2000 APBA MOD-U National High Points Champion
click to see full size picture.
Australian
Powerboat - (April/May 1994) - "...the world's first computer
software package for the design and performance analysis of Tunnel
boats".
South African
Power Boat and Ski - (February/March 1994) -"Tunnel Boat Design
Program Version 4.0 can compare design alternatives and predict
performance for a tunnel hull under any conditions".
Powerboat
Magazine - (October 1994) - "Tunnel Boat Design Program 4.0 for
Dos...gives designers and builders of competition hulls the inside track
on perfecting racecourse performance"
GRW - CA.
(Dec 1994) - "I really appreciate the help and support you've given
me."
WH - West Indies -
(October 1997) - "Your 'Tunnel Boat Design Program' is
amazing!"
BH - Norway
(March 1998) - "the 'TBDP' program has given me valuable help in
rebuilding some of my powerboats. I look forward to the new
upgrade."
EVderV - Belgium
(August 1999) - "I like the way you do business - quick and to the
point."
DLB - FL, USA
(August 2000) - "I really enjoyed your 'STBD' book. Very concise
and gets to the point without alot of fluff...your work will radically
reduce the trial and error process...Please rush the TBDP, Version 7.0
software."
PR - Ontario,
Canada (November 1994) - "Your book and 'TBDP' program continue
to be the leading data on Tunnel hull and high performance design."
OB - Italy
(January 1993) - "The 'STBD' book is very interesting, and give to
me important information about tunnel boat design. Please order the
'TBDP' software."
"I purchased the Tunnel Boat Design Program (TBDP) from AeroMarine
Research. It is really easy to use and covers just about every detail of
what ever hull you are working on...Basically, you enter all of the
dimensions/weight placement, power, etc. (there are also
templates/examples in the program to compare to) and it will give you
max speed, acceleration, stability information (porpoise etc), and you
can change the design until you are happy with it." [MW,
Ontario, Canada]
"Thanks, I love reading your articles, I really like the "in-depth"
material, as apposed to the fluff articles that seem to be out there." - JG,
Georgia, USA, July 2014,
Jim's stuff is 1st class! He and
his book helped me a lot in the construction of my SST 120 boat;
Largecar91, Quincy, OH [9/11/2006]
There's very few people that have studied dynamics of hulls and power more than Jim on the planet. He has several books on this subject. I would call Jim to discuss this further to save yourself some setup time.
Whipper, S&F magazine, BC, Canada [10/14/2010]
That program is incredible. Absolutely every variable can be configured,
tweaked, optimized - and it's easy to use. A totally comprehensive tool, and a
great way to learn for newcomers.
[MM,
New York, 10/14/2004] Thank
You, Jim Russell, just got my new STBD book today. I was blown away by the racing and design
history in your book too. Was intrigued by the patents for (vee &
tunnel) bottom designs. This is not a slide rule, chalk board, design geek kinda
book...but is more of a "How To" to go fast. Very, very
educational! Well worth the investment ...if you want to see how we got
where we are today or to learn what is possible with what you have and help you
know what to expect from a tunnel before owning one. Great info in regards
to...tunnel Vs Vee bottom performance too. Gary
(Instigator), Ohio, USA
"Gained 6 mph from the "TBDP" software recommendations - PRICELESS".
[Hal Bamping"Shakin not Stirred" race team, AB, Canada, 02-02-2010]
"I
highly recommend the TBDP software. It allowed us to build a boat from the
ground up without even having to build a prototype first!" Mike
Breslin, Black Widow Customs, Sport C 2004 World Champion
"I
have just received the latest release (of TBDP) which you sent to me! Many
thanks! It really does make life allot easier for me with metric
measurements!! Once again many thanks!! " KK - South Africa
"I've
contacted several people in the APBA about getting a set of boat plans for the
Class B 1.5 litre mod. Your name just kept coming up!! After a tour up and
down the pits it was your name that was the GO TO guy. Quite the
compliment!!" Kevin - Spokane, WA
"I
just got the new Tunnel Boat Design Software. It’s totally
awesome. It is even easier to use and get results. It has a great new function I thought every one who is interested in making there boat faster or making a boat from scratch should know about. It now can calculate open deck boats, like Mirages, STV and Hydrostreams, more accurately. It is set up to take all the dimensions of an opened deck boat or capsule. For those of you that don’t know this software enables you to design tunnel boats and run multiple tests finding velocity, top speed, acceleration and power requirements. You actually build
the boat with the software and run all the tests. I put my boats into the computer and run the tests, the top speeds calculated were with in a couple of miles an hour of what they actually run. There is nothing more fun than using this software. " -
John
Marles, Marles Racing Formula One
"Jim is...an incredible person, and
a genius with tunnel boat design. We have him featured in several articles on
Scream And Fly, and we tested his software too."
S&F magazine.
I'd like to say that it's great having Jim Russell answer questions about
recreational boating...if you're not familiar with Jim's background and
accomplishments, check out the Aeromarine Research website. -
Igo2c, NewEngland, July 2007
"Thanks again, your
Tunnel Boat Design Program took us to a first in Highpoints for 2007 in Twin
City Power Boat Association (TCPBA). [Tyler Kuhl, Kuhl Racing; Nov. 2007]
"Thank
you for responding so rapidly. Your site is the best that I have found in more
than 2 months of searching for info". - MEC
"Just
received the STBD book ! ! ! ! What a read - MAGIC ! ! ! !" -
KH
The *NEW*
TBDP, Version 8 is the only commercially available computer software
product on the market, designed specifically for tunnel boat and vee hull performance
design and analysis.
Alan
Power, Power Marine (Sept 2014) says...(re: OCR Pad Vee
modification design) "Hi Jim, Hope you are well...It is unbelievable the
transformation the boat has gone through! Long story short, we went from
being lapped last season to podium finishes this year! Many thanks for
your insight." [Alan Power, Power Marine, Ireland, Sept 2014)]
Speedcraft
(April 2015) - Jim, the Pad Vee Speedcraft you helped me
design is doing great! She is the fastest SOB on the Island right now!
We managed to a best top speed 100.4 MPH...at a relatively low angle of
attack which kept it stable at these speeds. We were all impressed and
amazed. BD, Speedcraft, Malta
TBDP & CAD design (March 2013) - I purchased the Tunnel Boat Design Program (TBDP) from AeroMarine Research. It is really easy to use and covers just about every detail of what ever hull you are working on. ...Enter all of the dimensions/weight placement, power, etc.; there are also templates/examples in the program to compare to; it will give you max speed, acceleration, stability information,
porpoise, etc. and you can change the design until you are happy with it. [
Power
Marine - 21' SportCat, (Feb 2008) - We have been using the Secrets of Tunnel Boat
Design Book to analyse the performance of our new boat with much success,
the STBD book makes complex calculations straight forward and simple to
use, a great tool for anyone designing or setting up cat or tunnel hull
powerboats. Thanks Jim, you and AeroMarine Research
have been a great help and inspiration to all of my projects.
[
Kretz
Marine Boating/TKM Racing Developments, (Jan 2009) - I am really
enjoying working with your software and learn more every time I use it! I
have (had) huge success in South Africa. currently (our RC design) holds
the South African Championship! This is really a great testament to your
program as is did wonders in helping to improve and develop our boats!
[Karl Kretz, South Africa]
Jeff & Denise Talcott, (Nov 2011) - your software has really helped us get where we are today. once we had (Denise's) equipment in top form, we were able to go to the TBDP and predict any changes we wanted to make and instantly see the results. we understand why and how her boat performs and can tune to different course, weather and
water conditions and get the most out of every lap. it's that time of year again i keep the wood burner stoked, and go to the TBDP. [Jeff Talcott, MI, USA]
US1
Marles Racing Engines
Mark
Nelson, (September 2003) - “
