My F1 racing tunnel boat has a pretty good fibreglass fairing around the driver, but has an open cockpit. How can I reduce the aerodynamic drag?
The drag of the cockpit area can be a very complex area to analyze, but also a real source of aerodynamic drag. You’re better off than many if your cockpit and motor fairing are a well streamlined design already. The difference in aerodynamic drag between an open cockpit and canopy style cover is significant. You can reduce the appendage drag coefficient by 50%, and drag by 75-100 lbs (at top speed) by using a streamlined canopy (like a F-1X) series jet fighter canopy). This will translate into as much as 5 mph at top speed (120 mph range).