Offset cockpits

[Howie Nichols]

What are the theory's on motor set up with an offset cockpit?

1. Do you put the motor on the centerline of the boat

2. Do you put the motor on the center of the transom so it is offset as well

3. Other thoughts??

[T Chance]

I had a 350cc/500cc Pro hydro (90 - 100 mph stuff) with an offset cockpit at one time and I ran it with the motor centered on the transom otherwise the steering wouldn't have lined up.

And to tell the truth I couldn't tell any difference down the straightaway or in the corners from any other hydro that I've driven.

[burl11]

My Low-Time Experience

Howie,

For what my very limited experience is worth:

The cockpit in my 20SSH is offset about 3 inches. Previous owner-drivers of the boat had set the motor up offset to the cockpit so it was basically on centerline of the boat. I started with this setup, and I had huge amounts of veer when trying to hold a straight line. So I moved the motor to the centerline of the cockpit (now offset the hull), and tracking is now true on a straight away.

Perhaps this is scrubbing off some speed, I don't know. What I do know is that I am not catching or passing anybody yet.

I will defer to and hopefully learn from input of others with more experience.

[Team B&H]

You guys test to find what height and kick out to run. Why don't you try a couple of different motor positions and see what happens? Some people ask for answers but are never sure of what they get. Others don't ask but figure it out and know for sure.

[Howie Nichols]

Thanks for the input so far and for such a sarcastic answer in 1 case. I wanted to know the reasoning and as stated thoughts behind different positions. Since the boat is being built for a relatively inexperienced driver they don't always know how to convey good information to help with set up issues. So perhaps further replies can help provide constructive information and not idiotic statements since you don't know all the reasons behind the questions!

[Skoontz]

Not that we are that experienced, but here goes. KT's new boat has a 2" offset cockpit. One person said center on the centerline of the boat, the other sayss center on the cockpit. Ernie Dawe said center on the cockpit. We tried both ways. KT told me she saw no noticeable difference in the way the boat handled, now i know we are talking an A/AXS rig over what you run, but, we found what we found. So, we center on the cockpit just like how Tammy and Jeff run their Dawecraft/A set up.

Someone else might like the engine offset on the centerline better.

[Howie Nichols]

Just an FYI this is for a J / AXS Hydro built from a Sorenson kit.

[doc 35-0]

We are setting up a c mod hydro and the kick out bracket must be center on the motor and the bracket is fixed to the boat. We looked at it both ways; center of the cock pit or center of the boat...We decided to split the difference which was about one and three quarters of an inche. I would agree that if doesn't seem to make much of a difference. Those motors with the pipes are heavy and a wide bottom is probabley the most important thing..besides the operater of the throttle...Doc 35-0

[Skoontz]

That said, Howie, Ernie told me he preferred to center off cockpit...Now we are comparing Darrells boat to Ernies, so, why not call Darrell and see what he says?

[bill boyes]

Offsetting the cockpit is for a reason. Think about it. It is for the drivers weight for the offset going into the turn. Sure. But then think about the motor and
propeller in the turn. What happens to a boat turning left at high speeds etc. What does the propeller do. Can it slip and stall? Yes it can. So by off setting the cockpit AND Motor the slip can be reduced. Just a theory. But it is done a lot.
Howie, Put the motor in the center of the transom between the combings.

[BURKHARDT]

Offset

Howie

Do me a favor and call David Hooten. He has the answer you need..........

Burkhardt