lessons learned, under powered etc.

[jam39vw995]

I've been reading iboats.com for about 2 years now.<br />During this time, I've read many a post about, "how do I get on plane?", "How can I go faster?", "How do I repower merc, omc etc.?"<br /><br />The first lesson I learned was never buy an under powered boat. In many ways I had to figure out how to avoid that. Finally I did, by studying what people said and what my friend bought (a 21' sangster with a 165 merc).<br /><br />Let me tell ya, I'm glad I did. <br /><br />A 20' cuddy with a 3L or other 4 cyl. engine was not what I wanted or "and I mean no disrespect", the one you bought.<br /><br />Krusher and others,<br /><br />May I pry into your boat buying experience? What did you learn? What did you do wrong? Was the dealer ok or a crook? Private sale? ok? crap? Certified inpection or not? What was your purpose for your boat? fishing, skiing and/or cruising or a combination of all 3 like me?<br /><br />tia

 

[Dhadley]

Re: lessons learned, under powered etc.

This has always been a point I try to make when folks are looking for a boat. An underpowered boat is as dangerous as an overpowered boat. With an overpowered boat you know it and are aware. With an underpowered boat you may not know it until its too late.<br /><br />Lets say you have a 20 foot something outboard boat thats rated for 200 hp. Sure it'll run fine with a 150 but to save money you got a 140. Everythings fine until someone on board gets sick or injured. Or you make that "one last cast" and the storm is closer and moving faster than you thought. <br /><br />Now you need to get somewhere quickly. With the 200 you can back off and cruise easily but you can also get your injured passanger to help quickly. It aint gonna happen with the 140.<br /><br />The 140 isnt fast enough to outrun the storm. Yes, its your own fault for waiting but that fact is no help now. Now you have to deal with the fact that you dont have the power to keep the boat headed in the right direction in these high winds and rough seas.<br /><br />You can always back off the throttle but you can never get more than full available power.<br /><br />Trust me. Been there, done that, seen that. My son would have most likely bled to death if I hadnt been able to get him to land quickly. I really believe the difference that day was a 65 mph boat vs a 35 mph boat.<br /><br />Good luck!

 

[jam39vw995]

Re: lessons learned, under powered etc.

I never thought of the safety factor until now so thanks for adding that.

 

[sloopy]

Re: lessons learned, under powered etc.

Dhadley if you don't mind me asking, What happened? and how did you get home?

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: lessons learned, under powered etc.

he's just experienced enuff to know that feces<br />occurs and always err on the side of caution.<br />big water is unforgiving and un-sympathetic.<br />sailboaty knows...

 

[Dhadley]

Re: lessons learned, under powered etc.

Sloopy, some idiot boater broke a beer bottle in shallow water and my son fell on it playing catch with a buddy. He stuck his elbow in the broken bottom and was cut clear to the bone in several places. <br /><br />We were way up river at a popular swimming/camping/picnic spot. We wrapped his arm in a beach towel which was pretty much soaked in no time. My buddy was there in his Allison and he got back first and had my truck sitting there ready to go (he unhooked the trailer, had it running and pointed out) when I got to the ramp. I jumped in my truck and headed to the hospital with my son.<br /><br />I had a ski boat that only ran 65 but I'm afraid to think what might have happened if I was another 20 minutes getting back.<br /><br />Yes, we were skiing and tubing and cruising most of the day at 30 or less. And yes, we could have skied ant tubed and cruised with much less motor but I was thankful that when I/he needed it, it was there. <br /><br />You can always back off from 100% power but you cant get more than 100%.

 

[jam39vw995]

Re: lessons learned, under powered etc.

ouch,<br /><br />This is why I will be looking at boats with at least a 5L in a 19-20' boat.<br /><br />I was worried about fuel consumption but with a larger motor you can back off from WOT and gain economy and also have the power and performance when you need/want it.