2005 Stingray 195LS

[krazykatz911]

When we are boating, and come in contact with another boat's wake,

I have to slow down very fast to a crawl, or we will bounce over the wake and hit really hard on each wave. Like the front of the boat slams down on the water with an immense force.

Is this normal? What can we do to soften the ride over wakes, etc.

I have read of smart tabs, but not sure if this is what we need or not.

Thanks

 

[Sparta]

Re: 2005 Stingray 195LS

Smart Tabs will help the bow from bouncing up and down in light chop, but the Stingray is not known for a smooth ride and over wakes you're gonna come down hard. Best thing to do is slow down or learn to enjoy the ride.

 

[EMC 1810SS]

Re: 2005 Stingray 195LS

My boat has a similar issue. YOu learn angles of attack that work for your hull. sometime you just have to take it on the chin though.

 

[rwidman]

Re: 2005 Stingray 195LS

When we are boating, and come in contact with another boat's wake,

I have to slow down very fast to a crawl, or we will bounce over the wake and hit really hard on each wave. Like the front of the boat slams down on the water with an immense force.

Is this normal? What can we do to soften the ride over wakes, etc.

I have read of smart tabs, but not sure if this is what we need or not.

Thanks

It's part of boating and something you will learn from boating books or courses. To minimize the effect of boat wakes, take them at about 30% - 40% off the bow. You may have to turn your boat to do this but don't forget to look around and make sure it's safe to do so. Yes, you also have to slow down when taking a wake.

Another thing you can do is watch other boats and try to avoid or stay as far as possible from their wakes.

Smart Tabs are good for a boat the size of yours, but they won't help with wakes.

 

[Chris-R]

Re: 2005 Stingray 195LS

rwidman is correct. Do not approach another boat's wake "dead on" or you will most likely slam your boat down in the trough (area between swells). Approach a wake at a 40 degree angle and life will be much better. I just picked up a used 185 LS and have had no issues whatsoever. Yesterday, I was in Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island in 3 foot chop. In addition, I had to negotiate very large wakes from 50 foot sport fishing boats motoring in from the ocean. It was rough but I must say that I was very impressed with such a little 18 foot boat and the lack of roll. I've had much larger boats that handled worse than that little Stingray.