Boat Driving tips

[MyToysR4fun]

Hello everyone,<br />First off I just wanted to say this is a great site for information, I have been looking at the posts here for about 3 months and have learned a great amount from just this site. I purchased my first boat a few months ago, a 19ft. 2000 Stingray with a 4.3 V-6 and 15 deg of dead rise. I have taken it out to lake Lanier about 10 times and I am getting the feel for the boat (docking, trailering, basic maneuvering) but when the water is choppy it seems I either have to not get on plane or deal with a very jarring ride. I am just wondering if anyone has any advice on how to smooth out the ride, maybe by adjusting the trim or something like that. The last few times I have gone out we had about 5 people in the boat and I kept it at about 13mph, but the boat planes at about 15mph. This seems really slow and I know takes a lot more gas to go the same distance. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[wvit100]

Re: Boat Driving tips

Boats don't ride like cars, they don't have shocks. If the water is choppy your going to have some bumps and bangs if you go fast. Unless you get a longer, bigger boat that's pretty much the way it is. You can keep the outdrive trimmed all the way down in choppy water and cut down on some of the bumps but there will always be a few if your going fast enough to be up on plane. You could get a pontoon boat they have a nice ride.

 

[rogerwa]

Re: Boat Driving tips

I have a 17ft bowrider. I have found that having people in the bow reduces my ability to utilize trim to effect rougher conditions. When going over a wave, the bow tends to come down harder than when the bow is empty. <br /><br />There are many other adjustments and driving tips for varying conditions, but for me, clearing the bow helps in most conditions along with knowing how to either ride the wave or cut through it and at what angle.<br /><br />If the bow is going up and down with the waves, like it is bouncing, you want to trim in to reduce the porpoising.

 

[chris in va]

Re: Boat Driving tips

I have basically the same boat. What exactly is the size of the 'chop'? Sounds like you are hitting 'waves' instead. I listen to the NOAA weather report before going out, and anything over 1-2' waves I say forget it.

 

[Snailman]

Re: Boat Driving tips

Some of the BEST information that I've found on boat handling in rough conditions was suggested by someone right here on iBoats! I'm now going to pass it along again...<br /><br />Check out:<br /><br /> http://www.docksidereports.com/index_boat_handling.htm

 

[dkhntr]

Re: Boat Driving tips

 

[dkhntr]

Re: Boat Driving tips

 

[MyToysR4fun]

Re: Boat Driving tips

Thanks for all the replys. <br />rogerwa, I will have to try that, I have been putting people in the bow so that it planes faster and keeping the bow down helps me see a little better. I think chris in va is correct these are probably waves, we are on an inland lake, but it is a large one with a good many large boats. On the busy days, usually the only days I can go, the lake has constant waves of at least 1ft. I haven't been on the lake when it wasn't crowded yet, it will be interesting to see how much difference that makes.

 

[Crazy]

Re: Boat Driving tips

When I'm in the ruff stuff .... I put the bow down it will help you cut through the waves .. and use the the gas to vary your speed . If you see a big one coming , let off on the gas and hit it at a 45 deg angel or head on ... then get back on the gas ... Good luck ... it takes time to learn .

 

[Bondo]

Re: Boat Driving tips

Trim tabs Help...<br />But, a Bigger Boat is Better....

 

[blifsey]

Re: Boat Driving tips

Hello MyToysR4fun, from a fellow Ga boater. Is this just rough water or wakes from big boats you're hitting? If big wakes, try to hit them at 30 to 45 degrees. Also, as someone state, trim down so the bow is breaking through the waves instead of over going over them. Try to find youself a more sheltered area (thinking more on the N side of Lanier) and see if chop is less and how she rides.