[Bushwacker]

My low speed turning circle is a fair amount larger because moving the motor back 30" changes the pivot point of the boat, but also because the Sea Star hydraulic steering doesn't move the motor all the way to the stops like my Hynautic system did with the old motor. Piston rod needs be a couple inches longer to allow more travel on hydraulic cylinder. Every hydraulic steering system I've looked at seems to have same dimension/problem.

Adding ballast to balance the boat is absolutely unacceptable in my book! The Seafari is better balanced (less stern heavy) than a cc, which is another reason not to try converting it to a cc! The Hermco bracket has the biggest flotation tank of any bracket, so it largely offsets the motor weight; my waterline at rest is within an inch of what it was with the old 300 lb V-4 mounted on transom. It's still self bailing at the dock, although not by much.

When you're up on plane, the flotation tank is out of the water, and the CG shift caused min planing speed to go up from 12-13 mph with the V-4 to 18-20 mph with bracket and heavier motor when running a 3B prop. I went to a stern lifting 4B 15 x 15" Powertech prop and a doelfin on the cav plate, and min planing speed is now back down to 12-13 mph where it was before. The power trim now seems to have more effect on running angle than with old motor. Don't know if that's due to the 25" shaft or extra leverage with 30" setback on the bracket. Bottom line is that it now handles real well . . . can easily trim the bow down for a soft ride when seas kick up, but can also trim the bow up a lot more for more speed/mpg in flat water! Denny