Motors are currently out of my cat, and I am trimming my through hull water pickups that are currently 1 5/8" below the bottom. Do I cut them flush with the bottom and then cut a water groove in front of them if needed. Or have the leading edge flush with the bottom and leave the back 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch below??? Need an answer soon

Rob, Hope this helps.

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/g...pped-hull.html

My Pantera and AT had/have through hull pick ups. Both flush at the hull and less than 1/4" lower at the trailing edge.

Thanks guys!!!

Since it is already through your hull/bottom, I would trim what you have to avoid glass work. Pickups on my DCB go through the bottom also, mine has a groove that leads to the pickup, water pressure at 125mph cracked the glass and did some damage where it was ground thin. If it was mine I would just angle the pickup starting with a 1/4" at the rear, flush in front and forget grinding a groove. Even better, grind the front half flush and angle it back half way. If your pressure is too high just whittle away at them.

I am surprised that thing didn't porpoise like mad, my prediction is you will pick up 4 or 5mph. I cant imagine the amount of drag on those, look at what labbing props does...

The pickups were not sealed with anything. They just have a gasket and we're through bolted. I was able to completely remove them and cut them out of the boat. They will be flush at the leading edge and angle cut to be 1/4" deep at the trailing edge. When I reinstall do you think I should use some 5200 to make sure water doesn't make it into the coring? I am hoping for a 5mph hour gain with just the pick up fix. However adding another 100hp a side so it will be hard to tell for sure...

Good plan and you can always add the water channel groove if needed!

4200 is plenty plenty strong, I would not use 5200. We picked our boat off the trailer when trying to remove the extension boxes with 4200, can't imagine 5200!

its even worse,,I needed alot of heat on the boxes plate to soften it enough.totally sucked,almost hurt the gel coat but did get lucky.

When I parted out my formula with number V's I had installed the boxes with 5200. When we tried to removed them it took a 10,000lb 4wd diesel high low doing neutral drops to rip them off. When they finally gave it took gel coat and plywood with it. Crazy stuff!!!

4200 has half the adhesive strength and all the sealing of 5200.