Bouncy Boat

[Seagull6]

I have a Starcraft aluminum 170 LE with a 4 stroke 75 HP Mercury. In addition I have a Nissan 6HP kicker on the back along with a 3 gallon tank. I like the boat alot, but the problem is that when I have the boat trimmed it runs fine/fast on smooth water, but with the slightest bit of chop and bounces and pounds like crazy. I can re-trim to correct the problem, but my sense is that the boat's weight and balance is out of wack.<br /><br />I think the problem is that the boat was designed for a 2 stroke and the extra weight of the 4 stoke along with the kicker and fuel tank is putting too much weight aft. Consequently I ordered a hydrofoil the other day which should arrive soon. I am also contemplating moving the battery forward and perhaps adding some additional weight forward as well.<br /><br />What is involved in moving the battery foward? Are there kits for this or do I just go order some marine grade cables and relocate the tray, etc? Does anyone have any other suggestions for smoothing out the ride? I'm envious of all the speed boats that pass me just cutting through the chop while I am just idling along to avoid bouncing.

 

[Jack Shellac]

Re: Bouncy Boat

The great thing about aluminum boats is that they are light. It's also the bad thing in rough water since they are just naturally going to bounce more. It definitely sounds like you're stern heavy and your idea to get weight forward is a good one. The battery will just take some long cables with the right connectors. Just make sure the cable is heavy enough to avoid any voltage loss back to the motor. The battery will be bouncing more in the bow than the stern, so make sure it's fastened down good.

 

[walleyehed]

Re: Bouncy Boat

Before you move your battery, try the stabilizer hydrofoil first. Also, in rough or choppy water, trim down and let the nose of the keel split the chop better for a smooother ride. With it trimmed up, your planing surface has no "cutting" ability to it. With the fin you will be able to hold a much more stable ride. Too many people trim too far out in choppy water, and as a result, it won't hold the nose down...no "splitting" effect on the waves.

 

[Link]

Re: Bouncy Boat

Chuck Gullage :<br />Totally agree with both, Jack Shellac and walleyehed, but would like to add that at some point and time you will may just have to keep the speed down. One of the best boats made for fishing in an Arima, it is desgined to go straight in almost any weather allowing you to fish from the back. And If you keep it at or under 21 MPH even in the worst chop it gives a smooth ride. Because the V in front is splitting through the chop. Above 21 MPH in chop it will fly and beat you to death.<br />Luck to ya on it<br />Link

 

[Pecker]

Re: Bouncy Boat

On this light boat, I'm all for trying a hydrofoil.<br />They're not very expensive, and will definately be an improvement.