I had a bayliner with aps(advance planing surface) hull, and never could get pp to work very well in speed mode, we just used the rpm mode. I think the combination of the hull and the size of the boat(18.5) made it very sensitive. We would get it pretty good, then change rider or even if someone just moved it would get out of whack again! we just gave up on it.
I think ideally you should place the paddle wheel in a location where the water is running down a smooth surface up to the point where the paddle wheel is. But I am pretty sure regal is selling it as an option on there new boats.. You should go to your dealer check it out and try to work out a test drive to see how it works!
(Message edited by gmarkham1 on February 19, 2006)
Is the hull not smooth at the back where you would mount the paddle wheel? I have one on a 20' i/o with the slots on the sides like the go fast boats and dont have any problem in speed mode, have never run in rpm.
i think you're talking about vented chines? (lateral notches in the bottom to help aerate the hull for top speed) if so, i'd recommend putting the paddlewheel in front of the vent.
I put it about 2' forward of the stern on the port side. There is no way I would put it in front of the side vents as this would be too farr forward and would not register the water flow correctly. I might be able to take a picture of its placement for you?
The chine is quite similar to my Regal's. I talked to a dealer today who said that they already have installed paddle wheels in Regals and they didn't have any problems.