Inset transom or not?

[susqueduck]

AX-Hydro setup
O'Connor boat
Mercury 15 motor

Will moving transom in and getting the lower unit 3 inches closer to back of boat net any gains?

If you have done it, what did you gain in mph?

Thanks.

[Graham]

We did it with our ASH. Bob Trolian tested some boats playing with moving the transom close to trailing edge. Our boat, built by the late great Bill Giles, my friend for 56 years won the 1994 ASH Nationals in Wakefield. We found that by insetting the transom so that bullet point was 1/2" from rear of bottom trailing edge that it changed the angle water flowed accross gear foot to prop and increased turn speed. No top end, but turn speed and drive is just as important. Also, we experienced better control around the race course. I guess from our experience I would most definitely recommend this and I think Bob Trolian got it right. Also, with the smaller classes you really want the nose of boat light and to get off the water quick out of turns. The inset change to our winning boat did this. If you feel up to it, give this a shot.

Sincerely,
Don Graham