Originally Posted by Zero Patience (Post 4266069)

What about the steering, I would want a rear tie bar. Is someone going to build something?

Originally Posted by Skater30 (Post 4266037)

These new motors came out just in time for your build Steve! It's going to be a great boat with those 400s on the back. Make certain the boat is rigged keeping the cg in mind at all times. I don't think many realize just how heavy two of those 400s on the back are going to be. Triple 2.5/280/ROS (840 total hp) would be almost 200 pounds lighter than what you'll have on the transom. Triple 300X (990 total hp) motors are only 35 pounds heavier than the twin 400 setup you will have. I'm certain Pete will put everything forward he can, and run 3" adjustable R&R manual jackplates to keep the motors as close to the transom as possible and still have adjustability. I personally would have a ballast tank installed/plumbed forward. Even for smooth water running, the boat might like additional weight forward for when you're not trying for top speed. I personally don't like tunnel tabs or trim tabs on an outboard cat, as when you don't need them, you're burdened with the extra weight back on the transom. If you were racing offshore, I might have a different opinion, but not for pleasure use. Having the ability to add/subtract weight up forward on the fly to adjust the cg for different load/water conditions will be very beneficial to your setup. Hell, I wish I had it in my 28 w/ those heavy XSs on the back! Anyways, keep us all posted and continue to share pics as the boat progresses. Can't wait to see it all come together for you! :)

Originally Posted by noli (Post 4266103)

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not sure who builds these tie bars.

Also gotta look to see if the motor mounts are solid or rubberized on the 400R's. don't want the motors moving even a small bit especially at buck20 speeds.

Photo Credit: http://www.riverdavesplace.com/forum...ith-Merc-400-s!

http://i1238.photobucket.com/albums/...7at83614AM.png

Originally Posted by noli (Post 4266155)

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The pics at River Dave's doesn't show the front tie bars.

Latham builds the front tie-bars for the 350 SCi.

Photo Credit: http://www.lathammarine.com/imagenes...ease%20v12.pdf

http://i1238.photobucket.com/albums/...at100727AM.png

Originally Posted by tzrider (Post 4266241)

I had a very extensive conversation with a rep from Mercury Racing at the show. He was very candid with me and I agreed to not mention his name in sharing info. I discussed the issues I had with my 300XS's when I had my 32 Skater and told him I was purchasing another cat and was considering the new 400's. The following are a fe key points he mentioned

1) The delrin guide plate used in the clamp bracket is designed with enough clearance as to limit vibration in the boat at the expense of handling. think center console smooth and quite.. They are going to offer replaceable inserts that that will tighten up the clearance but there is no release date and they are still testing.

2) The left hand rotation motors do not come with the steering so if running twins you'd have to buy the additional unit. Not needed on a CC but absolutely on a cat

3) He expected with all of the factors we discussed that had i had 400's in place of the XS's the speed would have increased by 3-8MPH

4) Surfacing the gear case is still a big concern

5) He felt that a 12 month wait and see would be a wise choice