New Ritchie Howell test photos

[WhiteMarlin]

I believe the Billfisher was the first to get 3" splined shafts...

[Lured Away]

What exactly are splined shafts? I heard Billfisher had some problems end of last season with the shafts cracking?

[Bligh]

I'll take that bet... Judging from Capt Mark's post (rightfully proud daddy) that is the new Canyon Runner....

O K not to take away from this thread about a beautiful fast and furious custom boat, but what do I win?

[Mako Wish]

Pretty girl !!!! The old Volatility was a fish catching Mann... That boat is going to look hot sitting in her slip in Montauk...

[Capt. Mark]

What exactly are splined shafts? I heard Billfisher had some problems end of last season with the shafts cracking?

Typical shafts have a key that fits into a recess in the shaft and prop to hold the prop from spinning on the shaft .. with higher horsepower applications , that system is not strong enough. Most high horsepower applications then went to a "hot dog" key, which was supposed to be stronger but led to cracking in the shafts eventually. A splined shaft is the strongest connection there is .. the more splines the stronger. Its the same as a car axle where there are a series of grooves cut lengthwise in the shaft and prop that mate and keep the prop from spinning .. its easier to show a pic so here are pics of the standard boat shaft with single keyway (with the tapered end) and an example of a splined shaft (actually a car axle) .. the boat splined shaft would have a tapered end..

[JD5652]

...a splined shaft distributes the torque evenly throughout the circumference of the shaft where a standard shaft arrangement applies the majority of the torque at the point of the shaft key....

[clt_capt]

O K not to take away from this thread about a beautiful fast and furious custom boat, but what do I win?

An Ocean view funny farm in Arizona?

[fish4fun]

I was coming up the sound, heading back to Pirates Cove from fishing today when I heard they were doing the par test on Ritchies newest creation.
Up in front of me, a mile or so away, all I saw was a fast moving boat and a lot of water flying.

I got out the camera and snapped off a few as they approached, it was all over pretty quick.
This beast has a pair of 1800's in her and I hear she was pushing over 40 knots. All I can say is WOW.

I am sure Ritchie wont mind a few pre delivery photos of her, enjoy, I did.

Troy

That first pic is awesome! There is something about a 60 foot custom being able to outrun a jet ski...

[JonnyD]

Our 3" shafts are fitted with a 40 tooth spline to distribute the torque over the circumfrence of the shaft. The splines themselves are not tapered. The splines pictured are pretty much right on. The front end of the hub of the wheel actually slides up on a 1/4" ramp taper which is 2" long fore and aft. Behind this there is a 1/8" of run out for the spline and then 5 1/2" long section of splines, before the threads for the prop nuts. No key to bind, no taper to worry about lapping. Get the wheel lined up and she pops right on. The hot dog keys are a good idea, but not strong enough for our application.

[Capt. Mark]

Hey John .. hows everything these days .. getting ready for the upcoming season with that beast of a boat you have ? Those splined shafts are really nice and should be the ticket for the high horsepower applications .. Paul Spencer and his first class crew actually machined the shafts for the "Volatility".. good luck this year

Mark