Sidewinder setup on Jackel A runabout

[Smiley]

I just built my first runabout a Jackel copy from scratch and placed the new sidewinder on it. The performance was lackluster with a new recommended prop. I was told that the motor had to be moved back farther with an extended transom since the unit is 2.75 inches forward of the OMC and Merc.

What is the sweet spot for OMC props ie how far back the end of the prop shaft with respect to the trailing edge of the bottom of the boat? Does this vary and what is the theory?

I have seen some fotos of Mercs placed way back on J or ax runabouts. Can someone explain this to me?

Smiley

[B Walker]

OK, first thing, how much does your Jackal weigh with hardware? Anything over 100--110 lbs is too much and the more nose heavy the more you cannot calm it down.

Where is the center of gravity (balance point) without a motor on it? You want 30-36 inches. With a motor 24 to 30 inches.

Can you drive it (down) flat in its current configuration?

Which Sidewinder we talking about? (there are 3)

Depth matters more than distance from the transom, how deep you running it and are you running it tucked, level or kicked out?

More importantly, at what height?

There are Sidewinder experts on this site willing to share every secret to get you up and running.

cheers

BW

[bill boyes]

Why not contact Steve Wild or his son Dan. They have a Jackel with a Sidewinder. It runs very well.

[Smiley]

OK, first thing, how much does your Jackal weigh with hardware? Anything over 100--110 lbs is too much and the more nose heavy the more you cannot calm it down.


Weight 98.5 lbs before I add 44 lbs of lead since I weigh 132. 22lbs on transom 18 pounds on floorboard at and aft of CG and remaining 4lbs on left side just aft of the fin.

Where is the center of gravity (balance point) without a motor on it? You want 30-36 inches. With a motor 24 to 30 inches.

Don't know but the first run was stable and not unruly.

Unknown but the boats initial behavior would seem to be the CG is appropriatly balanced.

Can you drive it (down) flat in its current configuration?

It lifted once and I had no difficulty dropping the nose down by moving my body forward just bending at the knees.

Which Sidewinder we talking about? (there are 3) A stock 15S

Depth matters more than distance from the transom, how deep you running it and are you running it tucked, level or kicked out?

It was set up with just a slight tuck about 3/16 drop over a 24 inch run thus essentially level.

More importantly, at what height? Depth was at max height ie 1 3/8th inch from bottom of boat to prop shaft centerline.

I have no tach readings but suspect the prop was slipping on the straight a way.

Interesting that lower may be faster. I need to try that. Also need to remember that the water was pretty rough.


Smiley

[dwilderacer]

Good Package

We run ours at max height with a little less tuck than you were. If you built the kit with the standard transom you should not need to move the engine forward or back. I only run with @ 10 lbs of weight @ 1\2 the way up the inside cockpit side. As far as props, I don,t know what you have, but any OMC ASR wheel will work well, just some are better, play around with what you have. FYI no matter the engine, this boat wants a big fin at an angle and the driver should stay in the back except when setting the fin (i.e. set the fin and get back for the rest of the turn). Look at JMK's fin and driving, he knows this boat best. PM me or call dad with any ?'s.