Copeland's Phenomenon

[LaughingCat]

For those that couldn't attend last weekend, Al Copeland, Jr. unveiled a huge project his father started. It's a 56 foot Cat named Phenomenon powered by four turbines each running surface drives.

My wife laughed at me, but I actually rolled video of the presentation to share with everyone. If Al is planning to put up a professional version on this website, by all means, take mine down. In the meantime, enjoy.

First half:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4QWjR8ZTrOQ

Second half:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDMVXJ6sjd4

 

[MOBILEMERCMAN]

Who do you the the test dummy will be?

 

[Coolerman]

T-53's or t-55's? I like the wing on the front, makes alot of sense to see that on a big cat. I'm assuming it's gyroscopically controlled?

 

[cashbrain]

I lived in NOLA for a few years and had the pleasure of doing biz with both Al Sr and Al Jr.
Stand up guys and I know that Al,Jr will follow in his fathers footsteps.
RIP Al... you were an original and a very special guy !!

 

[Underdog88]

I thought they were to run it this weekend?

 

[LaughingCat]

Al, Jr. said it was still three weeks away from testing. Many spectators showed up looking for it as the Miami Herald article was a bit vague.

It'll be interesting to see if they end up moving the intakes. Right now, they are notched into the hull under the sponsons right in line with the bottom blade. Turbulence could be an issue. Will post more photos tonight from the house.

BTW, we had Popeye's chicken last night in support of Al Jr.'s big project.

 

[Steve 1]

Where are the windshield Wipers? That long open Tunnel makes for a very wet ride.

 

[Swede]

very cool! thanks for posting.

 

[RPM]

Anybody got pics!! I thought there was a thread with a few but can't find it!

 

[LaughingCat]

Thread got poofed for some reason. I will post a bunch from home tonight.

 

[RPM]

Thread got poofed for some reason. I will post a bunch from home tonight.

Cool... thanks bro!

 

[chewiekw]

Who built it?

I was wondering who built it and who designed it? Were they veterans of the sport or people they bought in from the outside?

Any other specs:
Weight:
Materials:
Horsepower:
Drive Makes:

 

[FunHome]

What mph is the record that are going after?? Its not Warby's 317mph record is it??

Was Warby's boat prop driven or did the thrust from the jet motor push it??

 

[Griff]

What mph is the record that are going after?? Its not Warby's 317mph record is it??

Was Warby's boat prop driven or did the thrust from the jet motor push it??

I don't see a prop

 

[glassdave]

anybody get any shots of the running surfce? Pretty wild to say the least. The sponsons have a weird looking wedge kinda thing in them.

 

[Steve 1]

Warbys was Jet powered a J-47 I think.

 

[T2x]

IMHO................................

They are pushing the envelope as far as top speed of a cat is concerned. Cat's need a positive attack angle......... hydros do not. It is that attack angle that limits a cat's top speed, but makes them better in rough water. While the added length and size will raise the scale speed....... it is still below what a hydro design of the same length (or shorter) could achieve.........

This thing should have been a 4 point............

Out of respect for Al, (and I have good reason for that respect, having covered his entire racing career) I wish them good luck. If they are serious about 300+ MPH speed.......... God Bless them all.

T2x

 

[T2x]

anybody get any shots of the running surfce? Pretty wild to say the least. The sponsons have a weird looking wedge kinda thing in them.

If you are talking about Warby's boat.... Those "weird wedge kinda things"....... are not on the sponsons....They are the sponsons.

It's a hydro.

By the way....that hull does not hold any records...... The old one does.

T2x

 

[LaughingCat]

The video mentions the hydro top speed in the 200's, but they skip to the 320mph goal. They might be shooting for the "all around' fastest boat record.

This may be the most anticipated record attempt our sport has seen in years, maybe decades.

 

[Matt Trulio]

I was told they were going after the propeller-driven speed record, which (at least in the APBA record books), is held by Russ Wicks at 205 mph. (Check out http://speedonthewater.com for a little more information.)

As for 317 mph being possible ... I defer to T2X.