I wondered if the angle of attack would prevent it from planing. Wonder if we could change the angle of the outboard to make the prop point down. That would lift the rear of the hull.
And yes, the only ballast is the swing keel, which I intend to leave installed. If you raise it up, the boat doesn't steer worth two hoots, so it needs it anyway.
RGranger - that would be one whale of a bon fire. It might burn for a few weeks. The guy did offer to cut some of it up for lumber. Tempting, but I already have more Oak than I will likely use in my lifetime.