by Surface Scratcher » Apr 10, 2021 12:33 pm
See if this helps....First the porpoising...These pad hulls are all about balance and by putting a much heavier motor on the Viper you've changed the balance point. You can compensate for this by adding ballast up front. Sand bags are popular because they can be tested all over the boat. If you have any engine setback that you can get rid of, that should help. It's a bad idea to move the fuel tank forward because at different fuel levels, the boat will handle differently. Moving the battery is more trouble and expense than the benefits that would give you, IMHO.
As far as the chine walk, it should be much more controllable once the boat is better balanced. Solid mounts, tight steering, good pad surface, and proper engine height....y'all will be able to use a lot more of that Merc's power.
Finally, be careful, there's potential for trouble with that much hp!
See if this helps....First the porpoising...These pad hulls are all about balance and by putting a much heavier motor on the Viper you've changed the balance point. You can compensate for this by adding ballast up front. Sand bags are popular because they can be tested all over the boat. If you have any engine setback that you can get rid of, that should help. It's a bad idea to move the fuel tank forward because at different fuel levels, the boat will handle differently. Moving the battery is more trouble and expense than the benefits that would give you, IMHO.
As far as the chine walk, it should be much more controllable once the boat is better balanced. Solid mounts, tight steering, good pad surface, and proper engine height....y'all will be able to use a lot more of that Merc's power. :up:
Finally, be careful, there's potential for trouble with that much hp! :vking: