Prop advice... need more stern lift... Add hydrofoil?

[pjbrownva]

Originally Posted by spareparts

12 inch is a lot of setback, usually only use them for bass boats or when the transom interferes with the engine. You ma have to move some weight around in the boat to help balance it. Normally, when you use setback, it allows you to run the engine higher, rule of thumb, every 4 inches back, 1/2 inch up. So with that setback, you need to mount the engine even higher. Good thing is, having the adjustability will make it easier to get the height right. Downside is, the further back you go, the less stern lift you have(does wonders for bow lift) and it may make it harder to get on plane, especially at lower speeds

Thanks for the info, Spare Parts. I guess it had it all wrong....

So, the good news (really good) is that the 12" setback on this atlas plate is a 6" set back plate with 6" spacers, so I can unbolt the spacers and run it with only 6" setback if necessary.

Still, I think I'll try it with the 12" setback and see.... plus, I use this boat occasionally in a lake in MASS that shallow AND rocky bottom, so being able to raise the motor is a good thing in those cases.

More bow lift isn't a good thing, but well see how she goes!

For weight, I was thinking of moving both batteries to under the passenger seat... but then I thought about it (and looking at the work and additional cost for runs of marine grade cables)... it seems that maybe I should go with some LiFeP04 batteries instead. I've found 2 or 3 brands that now make models designed to put out enough current to use as a starting battery... and each 60 Ah LifeP04 battery weighs only about 15 lbs... so that's a HUGE weight reduction!

Any thoughts on the topic are appreciated...


P.S. -- A bunch of new parts came in this week... I'm not gonna post about them yet. I wanna get them installed w/ some photos, and then I'll post a new thread for each mod / addition.

-Philip