New Rigging

[nebraskaairboater]

I am building new rigging for my boat. I was running a 350 chevy direct drive on a 15 x 7 aluminum boat. It has high sides but the transom dips down a long way. When sitting in the water without power the boat sagged a bunch at the back. Now I am putting a 500 Caddy on it and I am concerned about the weight difference and sagging. Is there a rule of thumb on how far from the back of the boat the prop should be? I'm thinking if I move the engiene ahead 3-5 inches it might help balance it out a bit. Right now the cage is concaved twards the back of the boat so I'm sure that the engine is set back too far. Any info or tips on engine placement in relation to the boat would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Dan

 

[c chardt]

For the most part the prop should be about 4 to 6 " away from the transom and avrage 2 to 3 in of prop inside the hull you might have to move the gas tank to help with the wight. I run a 11ft8" hull with a 350 and a rotator,30 gallon tank 2 batterys and 3 people and mine floats great so with a bigger hull yours should float good

 

[Daddy Dave]

Dan,

Another approach might be to raise the rear splash well up some. I have seen that done several times with good results. It is easily done by any good sheet metal shop.

 

[nebraskaairboater]

I was thinkin of raising it or putting in a prop well. I didn't know which would be better.