Should I off-set flexshaft driveline?

[kevakov]

Working on a Mean Machine FE build and have noticed pictures of other builds where the driveline is offset, just a small amount. The offset is to the right, is this for a oval racing setup? I'm used to right hand turns in oval form, but many MM builds have the driveline centered in the hull. Which way is best?

[Rumdog]

Centered. Offset doesn't do much of anything in a cat that wide. The mean machines turn extremely well!

[crabstick]

I tend to offset to allow for prop torque, not as important on the mean machine as rumdog says, on my gas cat and the majority of my boats, specially hydros and vee's the driveline is offset to the right

[ozzie-crawl]

my MM is centre, turns extremely well

[Fluid]

Offsetting the prop has nothing to do with turning. Offsetting the prop to the right tries to point the hull to the left. This counteracts prop walk so the rudder stays straight without any drag-inducing trim.

With the MeanMachine offsetting the drive line helps a lot with high-power setups - offset 3/16" to 1/4" depending on prop size. If you have to use left trim to go straight, then offsetting can help regardless of the hull type.



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[crabstick]

Offsetting the prop has nothing to do with turning. Offsetting the prop to the right tries to point the hull to the left. This counteracts prop walk so the rudder stays straight without any drag-inducing trim.

With the MeanMachine offsetting the drive line helps a lot with high-power setups - offset 3/16" to 1/4" depending on prop size. If you have to use left trim to go straight, then offsetting can help regardless of the hull type.

nothing more frustrating than having to put left rudder in to make the boat run straight, knowing its robbing you of speed.

[ozzie-crawl]

yes i should of said handles well not steers well,i don't use any trim it drives straight
but iam only using a 8xl and a small prop

[kevakov]

If we do run with an offset is it parallel with the sponsons with no angle at all and squared up with the hull?

[AndyKunz]

There are two thoughts on that. Some run them parallel to the sponsons, just offset to the right. This gives the hull drag that's on the left more mechanical advantage, helping the boat to track straighter.

I keep my motor centered (because the tub isn't wide enough to do otherwise) and angle the entire driveline to the left.

Both methods work.

Andy

[kevakov]

Thanks Andy, the MM has plenty of room to run offset parallel, so I think I will be square on this one !