Viper set up

[Fast Viper]

Hello ,this is my first post on this forum . Have asked a few questions on S&F and FBC ,but I want to talk to the experts ! So I bought a really nice black 81 Viper a few months ago which has a recent floor (by Spaeth) and a new thicker transom . Chet answered one of my questions on S&F ( with many others) about what engine to go with . Picked a low hr 88 2.4 200 Mariner ,I figured if Chet does'nt blow them up I probably won't either. Plus there was the weight advantage over a 150 or a 2.5,which being a small boat I thought would help. The motor has solid mounts, Bobs cone , low water pick up and putting on a repo 280 cowl. The boat also has trim on wheel ,foot throttle and a drag shifter and dual cable steering ,which I would like to change in the future for hydraulic. For now I have a Laser11 SS 26P prop , hopefully a good all around prop for now. I have a Four Winns U17 with a 200 V6 that does 60 but have never driven a fast boat. For now I just want to learn to ride the pad and maybe pull a few toys behind it .As I learn to drive it I will care more about the right prop for high speed.
Now for my question . Right now it has a fixed bracket on the back with 5 1/4 set back ,is this too much ? Whats the magic #? Also I don't weigh too much and either does the honey in the passenger seat ,would moving the battery up front help things out ? Any other ideas for my set up would be greatly appreciated.

Mike
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[transomstand]

I think 5 inches is excessive, but it should be noted that some people have run Vipers with great success, at very high speed, using 5 inches.

Your going to have to keep a close eye on your rpm with that Laser, it will be very easy to over rev, but it will keep your speed down while you're learning the ropes.

[Hippie459MN]

Welcome aboard!

I agree with transomstand, 5 inches sounds like a lot for a viper. Maybe something in the 2 inch range would work better.

Post some pictures when you can too. Need at least 3 post to post them though.

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[77viper]

Welcome to the site.

I have a bob's convertible jp set at 2.5", but like TS mentioned 5" can work. It might cause a little more porpus but it's worth a try since it's already on there. I wouldn't move the batt until you have driven it and see how it handles, if it's not to your liking make 1 change at a time otherwise you won't know what did what.

[rev.ronnie]

I just got my jack plate for the Viper in today. It is a Vance Mfg. 3" setback. It looks nice. More on that on my Viper thread.

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[alaskastreamin]

I'm running with 5" on my '73 Viper. Running a 2.5L 200. Batt is in the left wing for balance. Running mid 90's. No porpoise problems.
Hope this helps.

[Hippie459MN]

Alaskastreamin, nice to see you over here.

How has your viper been treating you?

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[alaskastreamin]

Hey there. Doing a search for Virages and found this site.
The Viper is AWESOME!!!!! Probably the funnest HS I've had. You have to keep on your toes with this little one. Rock solid as long as you watch the bow and constantly "twitch" the steering to keep her straight. Total adreneline rush every time out!!!!

[Hippie459MN]

Good to hear. I need to dig up your resto thread over on S&F and see how you did that windshield mold again. I have a good windshield here finally and thinking of making a mold and making some fiberglass ones.

Im surprised sometimes when people say they just found this place when we are coming up on 3 years its been here.

For your avatar, here is a nice little How To - http://www.hydrostreamforums.com/changing-your-avatar

[alaskastreamin]

After the Viper build, I started a few cool car builds and strayed off the boat site. Check out the website I have listed in my signature. Caprice made it. Look at the '38 Chevy. I made it from fiberglass!! Glad to see you're still in the "Streams.