Bubble level or mechanical inclinometer?

[RiverRat71]

Has anyone ever mounted a bubble level or inclinometer in their rig to check for balance & weight distribution before getting under way? I can always tell when the balance is off after were under way but not so much when just sitting or idling. Does anyone think either of the two mentioned instruments would be of benefit? There are some really well made sensitive ones available. RR

 

[ssv1761982]

Somebody stuck a bubble level from a camper on the dash of my boat long before I got it. It was very beneficial whilst learning. I rarely look at it now but once in a wHile when things don't feel right I do double check it.

 

[RiverRat71]

Hey, thanks for the reply. Is it sensitive enough at rest or idle to tell if the boat is leaning? RR

 

[SLOmofo]

I too mounted a camper level to the lip just below the windshield. It's right in the line of sight. Got the boat level, used just the curved glass vial and glued it using 3M black weather strip adhesive. Always in view idling out and flying down the lake. Easy, accurate and cheep.

 

[RiverRat71]

Thanks guys! Gonna get one & give it a shot. RR

 

[ssv1761982]

It is very sensitive too.

 

[SLOmofo]

This is the kind I used. I removed it from the holder and just glued the glass vial.

 

[RiverRat71]

This is the one I had in mind. It is 1"X4" & would fit perfect over my trim indicator. RR

 

[SLOmofo]

Found an old pic. You can see it very top and center.

 

[RiverRat71]

I was also looking at this one. It works with more degrees of tilt. RR

 

[RiverRat71]

Found an old pic. You can see it very top and center.View attachment 14161

Hey, I like where that is located. You use silicone or something like that? RR

 

[ssv1761982]

Don't over analyze it. All you need is a ruff idea if you are close or not. (Not that anyone on here would go to extreme lengths for the littlest thing.) Hahaha

 

[RiverRat71]

Don't over analyze it. All you need is a ruff idea if you are close or not. (Not that anyone on here would go to extreme lengths for the littlest thing.) Hahaha

Hey brother, I am worlds worst about going to the extreme over little things especially when it comes to my boat not to mention my OCD, lol. RR

 

[SLOmofo]

Man that is an old pic

Hey, I like where that is located. You use silicone or something like that? RR

A very good glue is 3M Weather Trim Adhesive, you can get it in original yellow (known as elephant snot) and black. I use it in many different applications. Just yesterday in glue some loose carpet in the Champion. Very sticky and you have to be careful as it likes to string and sticks well to fingers also. I don't like silicone as it is very hard to get off if you need to remove.

 

[RiverRat71]

Thanks again SLO & ssv! Good info! RR

 

[Whaaaaat]

Had this idea the other day, but longitudinally to see the attitude of the boat. Get a better feel for proper angle of attack. 6 degrees said the red book.

 

[allimax]

Called Gorilla Snot on the east coast, funny how that goes. I used the last one shown above on here. 3M two sided tape. Got laughed at for it on the BBC board a few years back though.

 

[SLOmofo]

Just depends on how long the string is.... They probably couldn't put their mind around the concept.

 

[ssv1761982]

What was the serial number?

 

[allimax]

They probably couldn't put their mind around the concept.

Actually he was a very respected Allison dealer and was shown in several Allison advertisements next to Daris driving one. Personally I thought it helped with getting the balance right but I guess if you have tons of experience feel is a better tool.