Matt, I'm running a T-6 hull with a Gizmo modded RCMK K-30RZ and a Voodo 1667 with unknown pitch. Without any nose weight the CG was about 2-3 inches behind the sponson rear. The engine had enough torque to carry the left sponson in the air on the straights. I've since added weight to the front of the left sponson to bring the CG about 1/2 -3/4 inches behind the sponson rear. This both helped the boat attitude and speed though making the boat heavier. The strut is level with the bottom of the tub and approximately in line with the bottom of the shoes. My boat has the same situation as yours in that if much water enters the boat, it goes to the rear and hurts the boat's ability to plane. I have drains in the transom and the rear of the shoes, like the real Bud, and like the real Bud they are closed when running the boat. I thought about about leaving the plugs out when running, but I'm afraid if the engine died and the boat was not retrieved immediately, the stern would completely fill with water and the Evansville retrieve boat guys would go on strike. Some of this stuff may apply to your boat.
Harvey