What makes a boat fat?

[salmonee]

If you have two boats that are approximately the same length, say 18'6", what construction difference makes one heavier than the other? Do they just put more fiberglass on one compared to the other? I know the hull design adds some weight, but it seem like there's quite a difference between like a maxum/bayliner and searay/four winns?

 

[mphy98]

Re: What makes a boat fat?

you are right, thicker hulls, better stringers, transoms and floors. This in addition to other higher quality materials. This is not to say the other boats are bad in anyway. I believe anytime you can get out on the water safely, it has been a good day!

 

[superpop]

Re: What makes a boat fat?

It is the materials used. On a higher quality boat that is what you are paying for. Thicker glass, more infrastructure, more standard accessories. All the little stuff adds up to a heavier boat. On an older boat you want to carefully look at this and compare the factory specified weight to the boats current weight as a boat that has gained weight over the years likely has water in the foam. The bayliners are a lot more sparse on the trim and detail level that you get but that is why they are cheaper. Little stuff like plastic fittings rather than stainless all add up in the weight factor.

 

[salmonee]

Re: What makes a boat fat?

It is the materials used. On a higher quality boat that is what you are paying for. Thicker glass, more infrastructure, more standard accessories. All the little stuff adds up to a heavier boat. On an older boat you want to carefully look at this and compare the factory specified weight to the boats current weight as a boat that has gained weight over the years likely has water in the foam. The bayliners are a lot more sparse on the trim and detail level that you get but that is why they are cheaper. Little stuff like plastic fittings rather than stainless all add up in the weight factor.

How do you know what a boat currently weighs? Is there a scale you can drive up to and weigh the thing?

 

[superpop]

Re: What makes a boat fat?

I took mine down to the local garbage transfer station and they weighed it on thier scale. Most truck stops have a scale you can use but this was fast and free.

 

[jay_merrill]

Re: What makes a boat fat?

Too much of Oops' peanut butter?