Questions: P-Limited Boat Balancing

[dethow]

I’m in process of building my first 3 boats for P-Limited NAMBA racing. I’m doing a 32” Pursuit, 32” River Cat/Apprarition, and 32” Viper/Popeye. I’ve completed inlays and motor mounts. I’m at the point of figuring out placement for the esc, servo, receiver and battery tray.

Any advice on starting points for balancing?
1.) For front to back balancing; on a hydro, I've heard its best to have the center of balance at the tail end of the front sponsor. Is there a good starting point for a mono and cat? Like right in the center or maybe a third of the way from the rear?
2.) For left to right balancing; should the boat be as balanced as possible? Or it there any advantage to having a little extra weight on the inside of the turns (right side)?

Thanks in advance for any advice you all can offer this newbie.

[detox]

I like running my hydros slightly tail heavy to prevent running too wet at sponsons. As far as turnfin location goes, I like balancing this by letting boat hang sideways at turnfin on my strong finger. I want the boat to be a tad heavier at stern (about 1/2" - 1" from level). Picture your boat tied with a string at turnfin mount and going round and round on the water. If turnfin is too far forward boat will spin out in turns. Too far rearward and boat will push in turns. The string idea would actually be a good test for faster turn speeds if you could keep the string out of water.

Turnfin angle needs to be close to neutral, about 1 degree positive to pull that side downward in turns and to prevent torgue roll. " I think ? "

You also want the turnfin to run parallel with centerline of hull. You can test this by adjusting rudder so that boat runs strait ahead "without turnfin attached " bend prop shaft to correct. Next attach turnfin and adjust (bend mount) so that boat tracks straight without fighting rudder. This will make you faster down straits.

Next learn how to bend props to go faster.........................and build a more stable Whiplash or clone.

[Todd Fleury]

With a hydro, you want to have your CG, 1" behind the sponson.