So I would like to here thoughts about lowering a single engine install as low as possible - and everything else mounted low and in the center (inward instead of outward) for installation.

Take the drive depth out the mix as one could use a 3 inch shorty or however.

THANKS

If you boat on Lake Erie with your big Fountain or Cigarette and it's a calm day. Would you use the same props if it was really rough windy day. I think I'd be making a change and hope I did the right one

Going to use shrink wrap for an oil pan John? Most of my jet boats had the oil pan about a RCH off the floor.

So, flat pan, and dry sump oiling?

I think we're on the same page here .

If people still haven't got it yet here's an explanation as simple as I can make it .

Center of gravity is what fox you up the higher you go up on a step ladder .

Center of balance is what makes your see-saw (or teeter totter) work , or not work .

Any time you change a twin engine boat to a single, you lower your centre of gravity and alter the centre of balance. I did this with my 26 Sutphen and experienced no ill effects. It has a different foot print now that it's over 800 lbs lighter, but retained the same handling - still barely use the trim or tabs.
It is probably wise to check with the manufacturer if the configuration you want to go with, wasn't offered in your model from the factory.

For all practical purposes when riggers talk about the CG of a boat they are referring to that point on the hull (fore to aft) where the boat will balance when lifted by a single strap under the hull.

Had it measured on my Comp several times when it was being rigged to achieve the recommended CG after buying the boat without engines or drives.

We are doing 16 or 18 qt dry sump with a custom dry sump pan so we can lower the engine. Basically I have my thoughts about it but was looking for other opinions worth the try of about 2 or 3 or 4 inch lower install of the engine. Probably not much in the way of a 2 inch lowering but IMO anything lower than that could help and be noticeable.

This is NOT for a twin engine app going to a single transformation -- this is for a new boat build that is with a single engine install. Dart Big M - 665 CID closed cooling --- 29 Laveycraft. Fairly high freeboard, 30.6 ft length with 8.6 beam and factory build is 95 % a single engine build for all 29 builds..

What is really important is the prop shaft height in relation to the bottom of the boat. Is the height of the engine in the boat significant to preformance in a non-race application?

With my Panther calm water on lake Michigan and a long trip I would use my 4 blade Spinellis. Good cruise speed and flat running. If I knew it would be getting rough out I would prefer my 3 blade Mirage. They carry the bow higher with less trim, and much softer through the waves. If I wanted to die Hydromotive 4 blades. Lifted the stern too much, porpoised and bow steered like a mother...

Mines shorter so I got a longer boat ... to compensate. ;-)

Please winter ... be over!