ok here goes...
went with dual 140 fourstrokes and Aluminum Flotation bracket on the closed transom 246CCP. Moved the new center console 6 inches forward. I have no coffin box in the front and just that small hatch.
Did a few sea trials and the bow rode high and engines were positioned on the bottom holes.. re-rigged and raised the engines to the highest engine bolt pattern and that diminshed the amazing rooster tails. Tucked the engines in and still to much high bow. The bow rides at 10 TO 15 degrees.
In Texas we like to push the nose down enough to ride just on top the waves heading out.
On my fourth sea trial I placed 180 lbs of sandbags in the forward Bow compartmentand the boat rode nice. Problem was my engines had to work a little bit harder 4500 rpm versus the normal 3500 rpm.
When you head back after a days fishing in a following sea if your bow is heavy one could have a sporty situation by spearing right thru the back of the next wave and potentially swap the boat. Just unnaceptable.
Here are my options or any you might recommend:
1. Trim Tabs tucked in but not very fuel efficient. Tuck them in heading out and plane them out riding back in on a following sea.
2. I want to glass in deep front deck fishboxes for storage..could balance the center of gravity issue.
3. Run Bow high always..too slow going out in the mornings.
4. Load up with ice and keep it up front.
5. ?
