I'm 1" in front of the transom.

About 3 years ago, a lot of people were raking backwards a lot. People would use double chainplates on the front. I don't see that happening as much anymore from wht I can tell.

I don't rake much at all because I'm heavy as sin usually. I find that the boat is much more powered up with that stick up there. The rudders do like to stall more with the mast up there. You just have to be good about your bear aways.