What shoe are you running? What is the angle of the shoe related to the keel? I would reference everything off the keel. Ride plate maybe for starters around 2.5 degrees up from the keel. As far as shims, what happens when you install them. How is the flow of water affected visually? I take a 6" straight edge and run it along the shoe ramp transition to the suction piece. Very important not to disturb the flow of water there! Depth of shoe is relative to complete set up. I would run it with out shims first. Then add 1 at a time & check handeling closely. I have noticed with my set up that the deeper I go with the shoe the more I can feel the drag during decelaration. If you have gps that is best way to see the differences. I would consider going to a back cut shoe also & see what happens. Maybe like a 2 or 2 1/2 degree back cut from the keel! Also the distance from the leading edge of shoe to the rideplate mount is important. If you can find or make a shoe with more surface area there it seems to help!
Do you have any dimensions on the loader (ie depth, length, blocker etc...)Just some of my thoughts!
p.s. Be very careful when testing. Pay close attention to the handling & attitude. I never go out & peg the throttle to see what happens. I will make a few easy squirts & gently bring up the speed to make sure I haven't stepped on my peepee!
[ April 17, 2003, 01:09 PM: Message edited by: MAXIMUS ]