How much should this boat weigh?!?

[DTS1290]

I now found out the correct year and other information on my boat it is a 1958 Model F. Next I was wondering a rough estimate of the empty weight of the boat because completely empty mine still weights in the 300# area which seems an awful lot for something that is nothing but aluminum. I also noticed that it feels like there is water somewhere in the boat but I cant really identify where it could be. Just recently patched a poorly filled hole in the bottom and it did take on water very slowly over time but even when the inside was dry I could still hear water sloshing around when its moved and it sits very low to the water no matter what (only around 4 inches freeboard on the transom). So in short how much should this thing weigh and where could the water be hiding? Thanks!

 

[Silvertip]

Re: How much should this boat weigh?!?

If you hear water sloshing, there is obviously water trapped somewhere -- and lots of it. It can only be in one place and thats under the floor in a compartment with no drain channel.

 

[VintageAlumacraft]

Re: How much should this boat weigh?!?

Hi, Your 1958 Model F should have an empty weight near 175lbs. I don't have my catalog with me to say for sure. My 1954 Model F weighs 150lbs. empty but is not as wide in the bow as your later Model F. Alumacraft widened the Model F in 1957.<br /><br />I suspect you are hearing water sloshing around in the seats. They are sealed air tight to provide floatation since that boat has no foam for flotation. Look for holes drilled in the seats where someone might have previously mounted pedestals for newer seats. There are 3 sealed seats in your boat that would had plenty of weight to it. Theres no other place in that boat for water to be unless someone installed a floor so that you can't see under the floor. <br /><br />If your seats are filled with water it is important that you remove the water, seal the hole(s) in the seat(s) so you will have flotation. Laying the boat bottom up should help drain it out.

 

[DTS1290]

Re: How much should this boat weigh?!?

Thank you! Flipped the boat over for 4 days and the boat lost 75# then ended up going back and drilling holes in the seats to let out around another 25# of water.