Questions about my small boat set-up

[leadnbrass]

Hey everyone...First Post:

I have a 2005 Crestliner Canadian 14 with a 2005 Mercury 9.9 4 Stroke.

The boat was purchased for fishing 10hp limit lakes. After three years I finally got to use the gas motor :redface:.

I went out and I'm pleased with the way it runs but feel it can be better. The boat seems to accelerate well until a little over half throttle then it flattens out. I figured I won't be able to break any speed records but really don't know if I can do anything to improve performance.

The hull is 635 lbs

Motor 97 lbs (Tiller)

3.5 gal fuel tank

Starting battery and tank stay under rear seat...I have a Minn Kota trolling motor on the bow and it's battery stored under the bow.

I'm 6'7 and 275 and sit in the seat located near the transom on the right sitting in the boat.

Usually I have a fishing buddy 200 lbs or my wife and son which probably equal 200 lbs together.

Add maybe 50 lbs extra for gear.

What would you guys/gals suggest to optimize performance.

I haven't checked with a gps so I'm not sure what speed I'm getting but have noticed it squats in the rear.

I've spent many hours searching this forum and it appears weight distribution is very imortant

Thanks for all your help.

A few pictures of the inside layout if needed.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Questions about my small boat set-up

you are tail heavy, also you are probably getting very near the load limit of the boat. you can try to move the tilt pin out one hole, that will pick the bow up some, instead of plowing.

 

[leadnbrass]

Re: Questions about my small boat set-up

Thanks...currently run the pin in the middle...I'll go back one more.

 

[lucky7]

Re: Questions about my small boat set-up

nice seats.

 

[marine4003]

Re: Questions about my small boat set-up

You have maxed out the load limit and the motor..9.9 to push 1.5K in a boat with a heavy rear load, to get more, go with a 25hp, you may never use it...but its there.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Questions about my small boat set-up

thats a heavy boat for its size

 

[Capt'n Chris]

Re: Questions about my small boat set-up

Your little 9.9 is probably doing all that it can do. You have a lot of boat and tremendous amount weight for only a 9.9 to do any more. I'm surprised you're getting it to plane at all. Are you? What is your boat rated for? Your best performance will be to power it with the hp the mfgr. recommends. Anything short of that, and it's a constant fight for you.

Captain Chris
SternMate?

 

[leadnbrass]

Re: Questions about my small boat set-up

It's rated for a 40 max.

I've been toying around with picking up a 25 Yammie 2 stroke for the unrestricted lakes I can go to.

 

[26aftcab454]

Re: Questions about my small boat set-up

m,fg specs state 40hp will make it preform as intended..
9.9 is 1/4 the reccomended hp for your boat.
you do what you think is best for you-good luck!
fyi -my 18ft Lonestar weighs 780lbs bare hull and has a 115hp Evinrude. it runs like a bat outta hell with 8 on board and it 52 years old!
sorry but it aint braggin if you can do it!
Joe

 

[scoutabout]

Re: Questions about my small boat set-up

Very nice boat, but yeah -- very underpowered. Although bigger a bigger motor ain't going to be cheap, now is definitely the time of season (assuming you live where boating season ends) to go looking for deals. I don't think you need to go right to 40 to get acceptable performance. Even 25hp or so would make a world of difference.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Questions about my small boat set-up

The general "rule of thumb" to achieve acceptable performance is to power a boat with no less than 70 - 75% of its maximum rated horsepower. 70% of 40 is 28 HP so a 25 HP engine would be the minimum engine of choice for that size boat. The 9.9 is simply way too small for the boat and load. If finances permit, why not keep the 9.9 to put on the boat when you do visit 10 HP limit lakes and slip a 25 on when you visit unrestricted lakes.

 

[wa2712nj]

Re: Questions about my small boat set-up

Another possibility would be to trade the 9.9 for a 25-40hp motor, and then invest in an electric trolling motor for use while fishing or while operating on small hp restricted lakes.

I just went from a 9.9 to a 20 hp on a 14 foot Duroboat (25hp max) that is considerably lighter than that boat. the 9.9 was marginal with more than 1 person in the boat, the 20 will plane 3 people easily.

-dm