Another questions:
Noticed when running at WOT a vibration back on the deck. What do you check to see what this is? I did read in another post that it could be caused by the prop clearance for the hull? It is close, so maybe that is the problem.
What else could it be or should I check? Prop, shaft, bearing etc??
Thanks
GMAC- how close is the tip of the prop from the bottom of the hull at it's closest point, and what size is your prop? The general guideline for prop tip clearance is 15% of the diameter of the propeller, but in my humble opinion, 12% is good and should offer smooth performance. So if you have a 26" diameter prop, tip clearance should be (.12x26"= 3.12"). On my 34 Calvin Beal, it had a 26" prop and only had 2.875" tip clearance, which is about 11%, and it did not have any prop vibrations, it ran smooth. But that was on a brand new boat with new prop, shaft, bearings, etc, etc.
I would check prop tip clearance, shaft alignment with the transmission coupling, and the condition of the stern bearing. If you do not have enough prop tip clearance, I would seriously consider going to a smaller diameter prop if the vibrations are unbearable. If you are looking for a good machine shop on the west coast, I use West Coast Prop in Warrenton, Oregon (503) 861-1483 . My family has been doing business with them for about 30 years, and their stuff works everytime. John is the name of the owner.
As far as trailers go, it sound like you have experience in pulling stuff and you would know if a gooseneck or bumper pull is the best for your situation. I know for cross country travels, the gooseneck is the only way I could have pulled such a large boat and be legal and safe. My boat weighed approx. 12,500 lbs from Missouri to Washington. When you add in the weight of the trailer which was approx. 4,800 lbs, my truck was pulling about 17,300 lbs, which requires at minimum a 3500 Dually to be legal and safe.
Good luck on your project, you have a very nice looking boat.
