Cignificant , thanks. I have to admit . I did ponder this for awhile and had serveral long conversations with Phil Lipship. He actually said that if I were to run a 3A drive I should run it 4 inches below the running surface and did not recommend a notch. As the 5 drive runs alot higher, at least 2.5 inches( if not more ) that I should run stand off boxes or a notch. He also said the normal notch that cigarette would put in ran from inner strake to inner strake and measured 12" X 12" . He told me that would be to big and that I should limit the notch to 9"X9" which I am doing . His experience was that this set up would make the 5 drive work and limit mid range porpoising . He did not suggest it would eliminate it all together. I will let you how I make out once I splash the boat.
to your point I am going to be running alittle more power 730hp and higher drive hieght.

Rick G.

P.S. too bad on the notch replacement I would have given your buddy a great deal on the piece I cut out of my boat (lol).

Rick it was nice to see you & big Al last weekend I like what I saw with ur project keep up the good work I hope to come up this summer & see you an big Al

Thanks Jay , it was good to finally put a face to a name . Your welcome to ride with Al or I any time . If you ever need a hand with your project Just let me know .
RG.

Rick I'll take a hand full of $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ if you can help LOL

I got a chance to tab in the insert over the weekend. Now I can begin gringing and prepping the exterior hull and fit the mold I will use to suspend the the upside down fiberglass
( drip,drip).

RG.

Have you considered doing resin infusion on the outside/upside down layup? It's really not that hard to do and the application seems perfect. No need to babysit it while it sets up to make sure it doesn't sag, you can do it all in one shot.

c_deezy if you are suggesting what I would call vaccum bagging I have , but given the small area the reverse mold will work fine ( your idea is probably techincally better), plus I can apply hydraulic pressure to ensure a good bond and no air intrusion.
RG.

I got to the shop last night and got the majority of the grinding done . Hope to get the exterior layup started Monday night .Hear are a few shots .
Man I'm still itching this morning.
RG.

Nice work!!!