Do you feel the bow rising much on this boat? I am getting the same boat next week, and I am considering using a Hyrdrofoil-plate on the motor to reduce the rising of the bow..
Stranger Stranger thanks. I am going to row the 440 a lot, and thats why I did not consider the 400. Have you considered trying out a hydrofoil fin on the cavitation plate to reduce bow rising, and maybe more speed? The plates are very very cheap :) I am thinking about trying this, but I will not have my 440 on the water before next week :)
Stranger Stranger - I have tried a simple cheap plastic hydrofoil on the cavitation plate on my Suzuki DF6A now. I had to adjust the plate a bit with a knife, rasp and sandpaper to get a good fit. The bow rises less, and the cruising speed and top speed increased 1 knot, or about 1-2 km/h! Top speed is 17 km/h, if I am using a long stick and place myself on the second bench. I always have some weight in the bow (ropes, a small anchor and chain etc). Top speed is 14 km/h if I am sitting in the back (I am 70 kilos), cruising speed 12 km/h. Highly recommended for this boat and 6hp 4-stroke. The plate will be out of the water when rowing, and not reduce the rowing ability for the boat. Next project is making myself a nice pair of 3 meter long oars! :)
