How much does size of boat matter?

[ACBoatBoy]

How much does size of boat (18, 19, 20, 21')matter when it comes to taking chop and wake? <br /><br />I have a 2001 Regal 1800LSR 18' with a 190hp 4.3 mercruieser that runs great on smooth water, but not on rough water as opposed to my brother's 19' Sea Fox with a 130hp Johnson outboard. <br /><br />Note: I know that a larger boat will run better in rough water, but I want your opinions. The 1800LSR is the largest boat I have ever owned. Should I go to a larger boat, such as a Regal 2100 or is there another boat that you may be familiar with that would work better. I mainly run the boat on lakes and in the waterways of NC, not in the ocean.

 

[catmania]

Re: How much does size of boat matter?

I think it has more to do with hull shape than overall lenght of the boat, I have a 18 foot larson and a 15.5 foot campion. The campion is better in the rough stuff due to its full lenght deep v. The Larson hull flattens right out at the back and it really starts to slam when it gets rough.

 

[KennyKenCan]

Re: How much does size of boat matter?

Hey ACBoatBoy,<br /><br />A boats handling greatly depends on how the boat is trimmed.<br /><br />Bow too high while going into the wind and waves will cause an extremely bad bouncy ride so trim in a little to get the bow of the boat to cut thru the waves rather than bouncing off of them.<br /><br />Bow too low while going with the wind and waves will cause a bad ride also causing the boat to get trapped between waves and jerking the boat off coarse.<br /><br />Experience with your peticular boat will, over time, greatly improve the way your boat rides in all conditions, so don't be afraid to trim in or out as conditions change.<br /><br />Remember, a boat that runs level with the water, will in most cases, run the most comfortablely, although comprimizing top end speed, but in general, it's the conditions that determine the best trim setting.<br /><br />Hope this helps.<br /><br />Kenny

 

[KCook]

Re: How much does size of boat matter?

My 19 Chris-Craft would beat me up in rough water. No matter what I did with the trim. So I regretted not buying a bigger boat. BEWARE - most of the "200" models now on the market are really only 19'6". At least one boat is actually under 19'. So don't take that model designation for granted if you are shopping for a new boat. As for brand, dunno. Every brand has an owner on some message board bragging about his boat's ride. Just have to test drive them yourself.<br /><br />Kelly Cook

 

[Ralph 123]

Re: How much does size of boat matter?

This may be somewhat controversial, but the fact that many glass boats are coored with foam rather than wood like they used to be) seems to make them less able to easily handle the rough stuff - I think a 20' wood coored will perform better than a 20' foam coored with the same hull design. JMO

 

[boating brad]

Re: How much does size of boat matter?

i agree with catmania on this, i dont know about anything over 17ft but i have a 17ft dixie bass boat, and a 14ft bayliner capri. the capri will handle big water very well, i go to santee (lake marion) alot and when the wind blows the waves get pretty big. there is no way! the 17ft would handle what the 14ft capri will. i've taken them both down there and if the wind blows i gotta get the dixie back on the trailer. i think it is hull design!

 

[L Christopher]

Re: How much does size of boat matter?

Hull shape plays a big part in how a boat handles chop. Boat lenght may be more a matter of displacement or weight. If you are playing around in lakes and hole shot and speed are major factors you might want a plaining hull (flater at the transon) if you spend more time in tidal waters or bays with some chop consider a center consol with keel that holds it's V shape to the transom. With time you can also learn to work with chop and the handleing carateristics of your boat to improve ride.

 

[Solittle]

Re: How much does size of boat matter?

Weight is also a factor. The heavier the boat the better the ride.

 

[crab bait]

Re: How much does size of boat matter?

don't let 'em fool ya.. size DOES matter..<br /><br />but not as much as the 'motion-in-the-ocean'...<br /><br />bigger's better... ( unless you own a smaller boat )

 

[sloopy]

Re: How much does size of boat matter?

"motion of the ocean"<br />Yeah but it takes a long time to get to england in a row boat

 

[Bondo]

Re: How much does size of boat matter?

This is where "Bigger Boatitis" comes from...<br />a 21' rides much better than a 19'er......<br />a 23'er rides much better than a 21'er...<br />a 25'er rides Much better...............<br />And On,+On,+On....

 

[magster65]

Re: How much does size of boat matter?

Well, I'm with Solittle on this one, a boats weight is just as important as it's size as far as the 'ride' goes. A heavier boat doesn't get tossed around as easy (or get blown around).

 

[CharlesW]

Re: How much does size of boat matter?

Your speed can make a difference as well. Quite often you will find that a little more speed will have you more or less skipping from crest to crest of the waves. A slower speed sometimes has you slamming into every wave on the lake. Obviously it's not the time for a top speed run, but a little experimenting might let you find a smoother riding speed. Several times I have found 30 to 35 to be much better than the 20 to 25 range.<br /><br />Charles

 

[TopNotch]

Re: How much does size of boat matter?

I heard a rumor that its not so much about length, but that its about girth. But more length cant hurt, right?

 

[SeaMasterZ@aol.com]

Re: How much does size of boat matter?

Bah!<br /><br />use better seat cushions!<br /><br />I cant wait to get bounced around in the 18 Starcraft, which I would certainly take out in the ocean ... <br /><br />HOWEVER ...<br /><br />I would be really worried taking the 25 SeaCraft into the back bays, and screw up another 215E outdrive!

 

[SeaMasterZ@aol.com]

Re: How much does size of boat matter?

topnotch, are you sure you arent sharkcat in disguise?<br /><br />gonna be good gonna be good gonna be good<br /><br />danged moderators!!!