1972 14' Fiberglass

[nanjo76]

Hi everyone,
This is my 1st time posting, so please be patience. I bought a 1972 14' Crestliner, it's my 2nd boat, first one with a gas outboard (I had a 11' savylor, powered by a 30lbs trolling motor) and after 3 months of hard work getting it ready; carpet, seat, steering wheel, motor (1984 Evinrude 25hp), throttle and shifter controllers, etc; I took the boat the lake, it was awesome, it planned in a few seconds, with a maximum speed of 23mph. Now, my question, I loaded it with my fishing gear and my family, around 700 lbs total, and I started asking myself about the condition of the hull, it doesn't seem to have any leak at all, but, How can I know if the hull is going to support the pressure of the water with all of us inside, riding on the water at 25mph? Is there any way I can know that? Thank you much in advance...

Nanjo76

 

[tx1961whaler]

Re: 1972 14' Fiberglass

You worry too much. It would sink before it would break.
It will be fine, but you won't be going 25 mph loaded down. I'm not sure I'd put more than 4 people in the boat.

 

[nanjo76]

Re: 1972 14' Fiberglass

Thank you much, yeah it was 2 adult and 3 kids (12, 10 and 5), probably too much, but I'll keep that in mind.
The other thing that concerned me was the water jumping up between the motor and transom, can you guys see in the pic, water coming right up. Can somebody tell why that happens?
I have a long shaft 25 hp Evinrude, the transom is 20" deep, any suggestions?

 

[NYBo]

Re: 1972 14' Fiberglass

Welcome to iboats!

Moving some weight forward may help a bit. Your motor is probably too low (long shaft & short transom, which may exacerbate the problem, as well as knocking some MPH off your top speed.

 

[steelespike]

Re: 1972 14' Fiberglass

I'm surprised a 72 14 footer with a 20" transom.
I do think you will find the motor is too low.The anti vent plate(just above the prop) should be about even with the bottom or slightly above.
I usually suggest raising the motor to a point just before venting(cavitation)becomes a problem.
You may be able to gain an inch or so by putting a stick on top of the transom to hold the motor while you tighten the clamps.If the motor has the old style gearcase (2 pieces) you won't be able to raise it as much as the newer ones.

 

[nanjo76]

Re: 1972 14' Fiberglass

thank you guys!!!