Hounddog wrote:
We have a lot of followers to this thread. I hope your finding it interesting.
First exam Question:
Both Larry and John, find their T boats are 25 pounds light. Larry puts lead shot behind the seat. John puts 25 pounds of feathers in the boat. Who had the better plan and why?
Larry or John?
Larry, has the better idea. If the weight doesn't work in that position it is easy to move a small volume item to a different location in the boat. Also the weight is lead shot so he can could put a small amount of weight in a number of places. John has alot of problems. First think the the amount of space 25 lbs of feathers would take up. The feathers could fill the boat and there maybe no space in the boat for John. Even if you compressed them they would take up alot of space and limit your options. So the big advantage is MORE OPTIONS!
There are several racers building or restoring T boats this winter. If you can build the boat strong and keep it a bit light then you have more options when rigging the boat on where you can distribute the weight.
It is very difficult to take weight out of a boat after it is completed and rigged. People in general put on body weight with age. It is far easier to diet off 20 lbs that it is to take 20 pounds out of the boat without structure weakness. Remember the lesson about weight position in the T boat? Weight in the front half affects the boat 3 times greater than weight in the stern. Unlike other stock outboard class where the driver shifts his weight, the T driver sits in a seat in the front part of the boat. You could spend thousands of dollars on the powerhead to gain 2 miles an hour. You lose 20 lbs and get the same result. Plus better boat handling and you look and feel better.