Talk to me tinny runners!

[Beefer]

Ok, so fun, I bought myself a '79 Sears Gamefisher 13'6" tinny. I have a Johnson QD-20 ('59 10hp) tiller. Took it out this afternoon, and well, it was fun, it was fast enough (21mph GPS), but man, was it tippy! I felt like I had to be dead center in it, or it felt like it would list so badly it wouldn't be safe (or fun). Is this how these things are? It only has a 45" beam, so I'm thinking that's the way it is.

When you guys are using yours, how do you sit? It was difficult to use the tiller with it almost directly behind me. Is there a trick to this, or what?

Oh, and I just have to brag; my entire net cost for the boat and motor (including mechanical repairs to the engine) was $130. Gotta love craigslist!

 

[NYBo]

Re: Talk to me tinny runners!

Time to update your signature!

 

[kfa4303]

Re: Talk to me tinny runners!

Sweet! Nice find for only $130 :0 Great little motor too. I used to have a '61 QD-22. I think what you see is what you get with your new toy. If it felt/feels tipsy, then it's tipsy. You may get it to be a bit more stable by adding some weight in the form of a deck, or storage locker. I would also try to jack the motor up a few inches so that the anti-vent plate is level, or even slightly higher than the bottom of the boat, if need be. You can also try sitting a bit further forward in the boat as well. If you need a tiller extension, you can just make one out of some thin-walled PVC and a couple of pipe clamps. I use one on my '66 20 hp and it's great. Only cost $5 too (see pic) I suppose you could always make a detachable outrigger (a.k.a. "ama") to help stabilize her. If you want to do so, try a search at tinboats.net for "outriggers", and you'll see lots of cool, DIY ideas that work great for cheap. Congrats on the new toy!!!

http://www.sschapterpsa.com/ramblings/johnson_QD.htm

 

[Backwaters2]

Re: Talk to me tinny runners!

Nice find on the motor. I have a QD 17 and it litterally purrs like a kitten down low. Not sure about the flatbottom boat, I just bought an old alumacraft and they are suppose to be pretty stable.

 

[FunInDuhSun]

Re: Talk to me tinny runners!

Ok, so fun, I bought myself a '79 Sears Gamefisher 13'6" tinny. I have a Johnson QD-20 ('59 10hp) tiller. Took it out this afternoon, and well, it was fun, it was fast enough (21mph GPS), but man, was it tippy! I felt like I had to be dead center in it, or it felt like it would list so badly it wouldn't be safe (or fun). Is this how these things are? It only has a 45" beam, so I'm thinking that's the way it is.

When you guys are using yours, how do you sit? It was difficult to use the tiller with it almost directly behind me. Is there a trick to this, or what?

Congrats, You've gotta load it carefully so the weight is balanced frorward as well as l-r. Experiment a little. i assembled a small console and use remote steering and controls. Also put my spare gas tank and anchor up front, and carrry a big group 31 battery up here too, Keep the weight low in the hull

 

[TruckDrivingFool]

Re: Talk to me tinny runners!

Nice score! While it'll feel tippy you can tip it alot more than you think before you get into trouble. It also always seemed to me that the more it tipped the harder it pushed back, it just takes a bit of getting used to.

I'll add that I always found it more comfortable to sit a bit off center and straddled the bench vs. sitting in the middle facing forward and reaching back to run the tiller.

 

[jigngrub]

Re: Talk to me tinny runners!

What you have there is a water skateboard, it feels tippy because it will tip over in a heartbeat! You need to take it easy until you get the feel for it... learning how to use your butthole for a suction cup will help.

 

[5150abf]

Re: Talk to me tinny runners!

I started out in a littel tinny like that and they are like riding a bobber, don't know how me and my buddy managed to fish it without ever going over, i don't think they are quite as tippy as it feels though.

If you keep your weight split up it isn't to bad, I kept my gas in the very front and the battery just behind that adn shift them to the off side you aren't sitting on and they balance out pretty god, have to be on your toes for wake though, don't want to take that right in the side.

They are fun little boats and for less than a bill and half you can't lose.

 

[iCam]

Re: Talk to me tinny runners!

What you have there is a water skateboard, it feels tippy because it will tip over in a heartbeat! You need to take it easy until you get the feel for it... learning how to use your butthole for a suction cup will help.

That suction cup action happens instantly for me when the boat hits 35deg list. I have been known to ride on the outside of a ferris wheel twice around because of this reflex.

 

[snowman48047]

Re: Talk to me tinny runners!

"... learning how to use your butthole for a suction cup will help. "

That made me blow Mountain Dew outta my nose and all over my keyboard! Thanks for the laugh!

 

[oldsub86]

Re: Talk to me tinny runners!

I cannot help but to think you have a bit too much motor on it. It will likely feel less tippy if you slow it down some.

Randy

 

[rickyrick]

Re: Talk to me tinny runners!



I have an 87 gamefisher, its max is 15hp. It doesnt feel that tippy to me but then the more time you spend in it the more I guess I am used to it?! Have fun and you got a heck of a price on yours. Mine was $500 for the boat, motor, trolling motor and anchor.