Boats: Float like a butterfly

1. A fast 'J' boat should be light weight with plenty of aerodynamic lift. This will let you put the weight where it is needed. It is best if the lift starts behind the sponsons (or behind the steering frame on a runabout). The front end needs to 'float' and not drag in the water. The easiest way to go fast is to get as much boat out of the water as possible. If necessary, move the throttle and steering wheel back to allow the driver to get in the back of the boat.

2. If your boat has a windshield, make sure the angle on it is very low. Tall windshields cause lots of aerodynamic drag and slow you down.

3. Use the least amount of skid fin as possible so the boat will not slow down in the corners more than necessary.

4. Set up the engine with the propshaft either level or 1/8" under. This is important so the boats will plane easily, and to get the highest speed possible.

5. Set up the engine with the propshaft either level or 1/8" under. This is important so the boats will plane easily, and to get the highest speed possible.

6. Finally, make sure the last 36" of the bottom of the boat is ABSOLUTELY FLAT! A 'hook'(concave radius running fore and aft), will cause the boat to drag, and not accelerate very well. A 'rocker' (convex radius running fore and aft), may cause the boat to bounce, or 'porpoise'. If you can lay a straight edge on the bottom and see light under the edge, grind the bottom to get it flat. This is fairly critical process so if you are new to racing, you might want to get the help of a veteran bottom man in carrying out this process.