Quote Originally Posted by gn7 View Post
don't get me wrong, the bolt on surface steel strut is more than strong enough for a lake/river boat. I was only saying that the surface mount doesn't make much diff at speeds under 80 or so as far a drag. Your setup will handle more power than you are giving it. There have been GNs pushing more then 1000HP with surface bolted struts and 1 shafts(Aquamet22 or K Monel), they may have given up a little in top speed due to drag, but OK so far as strength.

The biggest issue I have with you current setup is the rusted chrome at the weld. Campbell Carl had a similar strut and the weld failed due to the rust. Its hard to tell exactly how much the strut is effected unless you remove it and strip off the chrome. But the strut itself is pretty stout, like somebody planned to put so power to it.
Thanks for your time and opinions GN, I do appreciate it. Hope I'm not bothering you with this on this site, I know you spend most of your time on PB. I would like to get the V-drive area here up to speed here though.
This boat was original rigged by Dimarco with a blown BBC. It probably explains why this boat is setup originally with the strut angle and position very close to what other guys are changing to with their Howards and Spectras. I'm with you on the chrome, it makes me nervous not knowing whats under there. Just one more reason I'm planning on changing it.