: Ok did the test and got 15 lbs heavier at the bow by scooting forward
: roughly 7 or 8 inches.

: which is Awesome on yours and Reg's part to figure out..

: i'm pretty happy about it because i know the handling will be great.

: bad news is i'll be making the coaming 8"-10" longer
: and my feet will be almost under the forward hatch.

: but for now i have fishing to do and a 15lb dumbell does great.

The other possibility is to move yourself forward as much as the coaming will allow then put a semi-permanant weight in the bow to compensate for the difference. You could leave it there but then you'd have to carry it as well as the boat. Most boats do better with a little extra "cargo" in them anyway.

Bill H.