The tunnel extension is there but removed at this time. Your mercury setup with the speedmasters probably did weigh that much. I am going to a XR setup on this boat. The reason is I have everything. Before I got this hull I wanted a 33 Daytona. Well I could nt find an empty hull I could afford. They claim 8500-9000 running weight for that hull. Almost all I have seen are XR boats. Im not saying that I wont break them, but like i said it is all I can afford at this time. So I figured since I am boating on a budget and I have everything I'd rig it that way. That is also why I am trying to keep running weight as low as possible. The 28 Daytona tall deck is a very heavy boat. After weighing I figured that boat had about a 7500 pd running weight. It came with standard bravos when I bought it and it ran for a few summers like that with my whippled 502s. Well after running the piss out of it one drive let go. I got a good deal on the XRs and i have nt had a problem since. Also 150 gal of gas was a decent amount of fuel. Not too much, but not enough either and since this is going to be a river/lake boat that amount of fuel is fine. I also have Imco stand off boxes in which the steering linkage is mounted to the box, therefore I wont need to run that ugly extension. Fuel tanks are being mounted about 8 feet further back then those fuel cells were. Im sure when I'm done it will be a night and day difference than when you ran it.

Sounds like you've got it under control .
You'll enjoy the boat immensely . Best of luck with it !

Thanks! Yes this is not my first project boat or doing fiberglass and gelcoat work. I am not a pro, but know enough to keep myself out of trouble. Looking forward to those pictures.

Jack told me the same thing about the aluminum tunnel "extension": that it was there to protect the tie bar, but it didn't provide any "lift:. Regardless, I removed it (to help reduce weight) and haven't had any problems with the tie bar.

Unfortunately, I haven't weighed my Jag; maybe this year there will be time. IMHO, Doug's boat is somewhat heavier than yours because he has an upholstered cabin and cockpit. I believe they all have double cored bottoms and thick-cored sides. No wood though, which is good.
Due

Bob, Show up at desert storm and I'll take you out in my Jag. Hope to see you there. Post some pics of your build. Can't wait to see them. Doug

Doug-
Please post photos of your Jag at Desert Storm. At least you're having fun.
Due

How does the old girl look these days, any update?

Edit: sorry, I just found a more recent thread...