To true or not to true hull

[outlaw55]

I am building a 95 xp for closed course 800 limited class. I have read several articles on truing hulls. Some say it will improve handling others say it will not. I have the time to do the job but do not want to waist my time if it will not make the ski handle any better. This will be an all out race ski not a pleasure ski. Any and all advise will be appreciated. Thanks

 

[crisso]

Trueing the hull

I used to be at a company that built both wood and composite fibreglass race boats.Offshore,circuit and F1 boats.We also worked a lot on endurance ski racing boats.The handling side of things is already built into the shape of the hull.Fine tuning can be done but it sometimes does not work because of different styles of racing.The best results came from ski race boats because of the longer runs and more consistant water condition.F1 boats,it usually came down to straight line speed.The shape off their hulls meant they could all turn very well.Drivers then played a big part.
Short course racing had the least results in hull "fine' tuning.Power to weight had the biggest gains.Hole shot played a huge part.You may be slightly slower on a short straight but to be able to get under another craft and blast out quicker,usually got better results.Short course racing involves very choppy,inconsistant water.The hulls are not in the water all that much.
Make sure your hull has no major scratches or gouges because they cause water bubble trails.(jet or prop=less drive).
A very sharp edge at the rear of the craft,greatly reduces the amount of drag on any craft.This even equates back to high speed water skis(80mph to140mph)
A lot of it comes back to riding/driving style.e.g.1 Nascar.2 drivers.Both have different lap times.Hope this helps

 

[outlaw55]

Thanks for the reply crisso. Makes cense. Now on to the next question. Does anyone have an opinion or experience with
skat-trak magnum pumps? 8 -12 -14 vane? Extended or short? The reason I ask this question now is that I will be installing a 787 into a 717 hull. To fab up the engine mounts I will need to get an alinement tool to make sure every thing lines up. So back to the pump. Can I use the stock 140mm stock pump for alinement or would I have to disassemble a new ,say, 148mm 14 vane pump? I'm sorry if some of these questions sound dumb but this is my first time modifying a ski. I want to do this right the first time, do overs are expensive.