Here's what I'm thinking

[kamikaze]

Calculate the weight of the tank full of gas and move that much weight to the area you want the tk to be and see how it planes and rides. You can adjust the weight by movement fwd / back / side to side to get a feel of what to expect. BUT remember that when you actually move the tank you have to compensate for the loss of that weight back there and the best way to do that is run the boat with only bare minimum fuel to get a true picture of what the performance will be.

garagenc:

I work up in NSWC Dahlgren and it sounds like your the man I've been looking for. I agree with your suggestions on both accounts.

1.) Tank location will be easy to establish per your suggestion. Will do.

2.) Now for the hull bracing. I have access to 2 inch think solid hickory that I can use as bracing under the deck/ across the hull and as ribs up the side of the hull , much in the same manner as the current ribs are now formed. Don't think I can only rely on the hatch area as the majority of bracing as it will be to far forward and won't support the area of the bow that I'm concerned with. However even if I glass in the ribs to the inner/hull, it's still a large distance to rely on the joining of the ribs to the cross bracing under the deck given the flair and wave catching it offers. Or do you think what I suggest will take care of it?

Kamikaze