1980 McKee Craft 14' low in the water

Q

Quick3201

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jul 31, 2011
Messages
150
I purchased a 1980 14' McKee Craft run about. After several tries, got the carbs and engine running fine, but that's another Novel. With wife (165), me (145), 5 gal fuel, 12 v battery in back of boat it has about 4-6" of free board. Noticed wile sitting at dock, no one on board starboard side 2-3" lower than port at rear of boat. When I got boat, the two rear, as well as the front compartments with foam in them were full of water. Prior owner installed rod holders buy cutting holes in top of all 4 compartments. I removed holders and got rid of the water, sealed it up again. I will try to post photos and wait for suggestions. (No, I don't want to burn it, that's my wife's suggestion.) Water is up to green line when we are in boat. Engine tilt in closest hole to transom and still slow to plane. Once on plane, runs 27 mph, GPS @4200 rpm. !980 Johnson 50 hp, I can only find one pitch prop. I'm counting on all of you to solve my problem. Remember, no fires!
 

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Grub54891

Grub54891

Admiral
Joined
Jun 17, 2012
Messages
6,139
The profile is a low one to start with. But you said you removed the water, did you remove the foam and replace it? Even though it's closed cell foam it will absorbed water over time. That can add hundreds of pounds of weight. The foam is sometimes part of the strength of the hull, so replacement is necessary. Some use swim noodles and stuff to replace foam for flotation, I personally would not do it that way.
 
Q

Quick3201

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jul 31, 2011
Messages
150
I suspected the foam, but didn't want that to be the problem. I'll have to cut a larger hole and dig it out!.. Any suggestions as to what to replace the foam with?
Thanks for the reply.
 
64osby

64osby

Admiral
Joined
Jul 28, 2009
Messages
6,826
^^^ New foam.

1980 McKee Craft Angler


This outboard utility runabout is 14 feet long and weighs 700 (pounds dry). This weight does not account for passengers, fuel, or gear. The beam of this craft is 67 inches. The max horsepower for this boat on our records is 70 hp .
Click to expand...


Weigh your boat, deduct motor, trailer and misc - gas, battery, anchors.......

See how close you are to the dry weight. I too suspect she is retaining water.
 
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