Fuel tank location

[dustman]

All things being equal,the centre of buoyancy is the optimum place as the trim of the boat won't change with varying fuel load.

Initially this sounded like a reasonable idea, but at high planing speeds the effective center of lift would be at the very back of the boat, so a changing load anywhere but at the back of the boat would cause changes in trim, and thus aerodynamic lift. I was watching videos about powerboat racing recently and there was a lot of focus on trim, and there being a fine balance between trimming high to reduce resistance and the danger of aerodynamic instability. Also, trimming too high led to reduced maneuverability and stability while maneuvering.

 

[wet feet]

I'm happy with my original suggestion as I don't think this type of hull will lose anything by having the weight of fuel at the centre of buoyancy and it might by having yet more weight aft.

 

[Michael Vanek]

Stringers and the main knee brace installed, I still plan on making 2 additional knee braces connecting from each stringer to the transom, as well as angled aluminum on the sides of the hull at the transom that will be riveted to the hull and bolted through the transom for extra beef. Not sure where exactly my fuel tank should be, at this pointing I’m going to continue on with my build and may have to do a trial and error with which location is best unless someone else has some good advice.