boat stability question

[jah1317]

I just bought a 12' row boat that is flat on the bottom (essentially) and I prefer to stand up and fish. The boat seems to be a little tippy it is about 40" across but is stable once I get up and situated. My question is would some type of a floor in the bottom resting on the stringers help with the stability? I know it will move the center of gravity up some 1" or so but would it help distribute the weight enough and help stablize. Thanks for the input.

Take care,

Jacob

 

[H20Rat]

Re: boat stability question

I just bought a 12' row boat that is flat on the bottom (essentially) and I prefer to stand up and fish. The boat seems to be a little tippy it is about 40" across but is stable once I get up and situated. My question is would some type of a floor in the bottom resting on the stringers help with the stability? I know it will move the center of gravity up some 1" or so but would it help distribute the weight enough and help stablize. Thanks for the input.

Take care,

Jacob

A floor will make it worse. It will raise your center of gravity, which is exactly what you don't need. Without changing hull design, you can either artificially make the hull wider (outriggers), or lower the center of gravity by adding weight at the very bottom. Obviously weight would only be a last resort.

get a 6 foot wooden pole, anchor it across, and then attach your coolers to each end. instant outriggers!

or i guess you could do something like this... (there are lots of brands, just an example)

http://www.easyriderkayaks.com/outriggers-c.htm

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: boat stability question

dropping in a piece of plywood would help you not trip on the stringers and get better positioned, but the others are right: you need a low center. When you're sitting in a kayak it is about the most stable craft. Then try standing in one!
I wonder about the people who mount the bass-fishing high chairs on the top decks and seats of tiny boats. it would be like riding a unicycle!

 

[Numlaar]

Re: boat stability question

I wonder about the people who mount the bass-fishing high chairs on the top decks and seats of tiny boats. it would be like riding a unicycle!

Heheh I did exactly that!

Its not really that bad, I have a 14ft Aluminum Flat bottom Jon.. and its a bit squirlly at times... I made mine with removeable poles, so when underway the seats can be dropped down to the platform height...

When trolling/fishing im basically just sitting so not really worried about tipping over.

But I agree with what the others said, my first attempt at this I put an upper deck across the whole boat, (which raise my center of gravity a lot) and it was nearly impossible to stand up with 2 people at the same time... I ended up in the drink once cause my GF stood up while I was already standing, wobbled the boat, and flipped me in...

However, I dont think putting some flat plywood across the bottom stringers/ribs is going to change it all that much if it's only bringing the deck up an inch or so, and it gives you a flat place to walk around on without tripping on the stringers.

Good luck with it!