Newbie with some questions

[DavidNorcross]

Hello Everyone

I have been lurking and reading for a while. This is a great forum

I have a 1973 - 14 ft - LumiCraft Tri-hull. I live in Virginia and want to spend my time in our state rivers and small lakes. I have included some photos of my boat. It currently has a 55 hp Chrysler that is in good shape. I cannot locate any softspots in the fiberglass hull

Here are my questions:

1. To make this boat more of a bass fishing boat, I would like to remove the center console. I basically would like to cut out the center console and place marine plywood decking over the current deck and recarpet the boat. I would like to extend the front deck slightly and place a seat on the front deck with trolling motor. Should there be any problems removing the center console? If not any advice would be appreciated.

2. When in the water the boat seems very weighted down in the back. Obviously the boat moves along nicely with a 55 hp since it is such a light boat. I really believe that way the boat currently sets in the water that the engine is just too big for the boat. i am thinking that I could do fine with a 15hp - 25 hp outboard. I want to sell the motor and get a smaller till steering motor since I will no longer have a console. I can find no where on the boat where it indicates the maximium horsepower, however, based upon my description would you agree that the motor is too large / heavy?

Thank you in advance for your answers.

David

 

[tcindie]

Re: Newbie with some questions

You could try moving your battery and/or fuel tank forward in the boat. That would redistribute the weight and keep her from being so stern heavy.

 

[Driven1]

Re: Newbie with some questions

Are you 100% sure that there is no water being retained below the floor either in undrained water or soaked floatation foam? The additional weight of water under the deck could explain why the boat sits the way it does. Does the floor feel soft anywhere?

Don't know if the motor's too big or not. I'm thinking it probably is. Looks to me like a 30 or so would do the job on that boat.

For the center console, don't see a reason you can't do what you want.

 

[DavidNorcross]

Re: Newbie with some questions

Thank you for the replies..I have not been able to find any soft spots at all. I am fairly certain that the boat is not taking on enough water that quickly.

I appreciate the quick replies.....Any other input would be greatly appreciated.

David

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Newbie with some questions

it is not that it is taking on water, it is that the foam under the deck could be saturated with water. that boat is going to sit low in the stern, and the weight is in the stern, motor, gas, batteries, passenger are even aft of center.

 

[DavidNorcross]

Re: Newbie with some questions

Thanks....If there are no soft spots would that mean that the foam is not saturated and that I am just dealing with the weight of the motor?

David

 

[tcindie]

Re: Newbie with some questions

Not necessarily

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: Newbie with some questions

That's a nice boat. You can check the flotation foam with a long, small diameter drill bit...go through the deck and down a bit, remove the bit and check for soggy/saturated shavings. A 25 to 30/35 hp tiller outboard made by OMC or Mercury from the late 60's, early 70's would push it nicely. That might eliminate the starter battery and let you move the trolling motor battery up front. You can also move the gas tank forward with a longer fuel line to help balance it out. With the console removed you could drop in a couple of removable/movable pedestal seats and put a leaning post on the front deck, or a seat. Gotta tell you though, running a tiller outboard after having a steering system/console might take a toll on your back. I'd try to find and test drive a boat similar to what you're thinking about...at the very least it'll give you some ideas of what to do, not to do and how to make yours fit you to a tee.

 

[oops!]

Re: Newbie with some questions

Thanks....If there are no soft spots would that mean that the foam is not saturated and that I am just dealing with the weight of the motor?

David

the motor and accesories...ie gas tank and such......

that is a really light boat.........

if you can find the hull weight.....weigh the thing.....that will give you an indication of wet foam....if the weight is out a bit with no possible explanation....then search "core sample"....

personally i like the big motor....but im crazy..
so its your call

as far as removing the console, as above.....you might not find that much fun after you do it....especially with 25 or 30.....

and there will be lots of weight back there with you the gas and the motor.....i agree with the above.....rent or borrow a boat with a tiller...and see if you like it.

cheers
oops