Waterline on Aluminum boat

[64osby]

If it is the boat in the link or one like it it is a Fishmaster 16'. 6 persons 750 pounds. 40 hp for one model, 60 hp for others. ***(1990 info is the closest I can reference)

I would take it to a scale and try to figure out the weight of the empty hull.

 

[Ignatios]

I think you should recheck your capacity plate. It should read Max Cap XXXX or X persons not to exceed XXX. Also what is the max HP rating for this boat? I find it hard to believe that you are at or near capacity of this hull as I've seen too many of these boats that are running larger engines and some even come with live-wells in them..

Yes this one has 2 live wells which I don't use, but it is low when I'm going slow or especially when I throttle up to go on plane but once I'm on plane it seems to be fine.

 

[Ignatios]

I get 697 lbs from the console back. Motor is 177 lbs.
Hole shot must have been pretty slow?

It gets out of the hole pretty quick when I trim the engine down and back up once I'm on plane

 

[Ignatios]

If it is the boat in the link or one like it it is a Fishmaster 16'. 6 persons 750 pounds. 40 hp for one model, 60 hp for others. ***(1990 info is the closest I can reference)

I would take it to a scale and try to figure out the weight of the empty hull.

This would help?...

 

[oldboat1]

How many boxes of shells?? I think weight distribution, as above -- but also would still suspect water logging under the flooring. Unless absolutely ruled out, potentially huge weight issue.

 

[BWR1953]

The picture of the capacity plate shows the model number in the lower left hand corner, which is a 1996 Model 1650 MV DLX, a utility hull weighing 327 pounds empty according to NADA. http://www.nadaguides.com/Boats/1996/Starcraft-Co


Weight redistribution is the first order of business in this case, IMO.

 

[Ignatios]

How many boxes of shells?? I think weight distribution, as above -- but also would still suspect water logging under the flooring. Unless absolutely ruled out, potentially huge weight issue.

Only 4 boxes between the 2 of us...I am positive that it is dry when I got home I jacked it pretty high , not even half a gal. Came out and that's from us walking out of the boat into the marshes and back in

 

[Ignatios]

Alright fellows thank you very much, I think the idea is clear from all that it is a weight redistribution, and it makes lots of sense so I'm gonna work on that and maybe get rid of one of the fuel tanks than maybe move the battery to the front etc... and hopefully the weather would be OK to go out and give it try this weekend and I will let you know either or...I am so grateful for all of you thank you very much.

 

[bonz_d]

So as you see your total max capacity is 1160lbs which includes Engine, fuel, batteries, paddles, trolling motors, seats, coolers, food, beer, persons or all other gear. So again I don't believe you are anywhere near that.

How does it sit in the water when there is no one in it, just gear?

 

[Watermann]

Yes this one has 2 live wells which I don't use, but it is low when I'm going slow or especially when I throttle up to go on plane but once I'm on plane it seems to be fine.

I was wondering if your model of SC has a splashwell in front of the motor. My 16' SN rides about the same and I've never taken water over the transom. It rides up and over the waves / wakes.

The stern of my little 16' SN has all the same things, fuel, battery, livewell and big guy in a seat. I really think it's much ado about nothing.

 

[Ignatios]

How does it sit in the water when there is no one in it, just gear?

It is a bit tilted at the Sturm but it sits kind of high...

 

[Ignatios]

I was wondering if your model of SC has a splashwell in front of the motor. My 16' SN rides about the same and I've never taken water over the transom. It rides up and over the waves / wakes.

The stern of my little 16' SN has all the same things, fuel, battery, livewell and big guy in a seat. I really think it's much ado about nothing.

The only thing I have is the compartment where the fuel tanks go and the battery...I went with mine outside the river briefly into long Island sound it did ok with 1+ foot waves doing about 30mph but I wouldn't dare stop not knowing much about the boat and being low at the sturn.

 

[bonz_d]

It is a bit tilted at the Sturm but it sits kind of high...

From the picture you posted everything looks fine and normal to me. Again you may think of moving your passenger more forward to help level out the boat and to take the weight off the stern.

Those boats have a shallow freeboard anyways and will always look like you're sitting right on the water, especially if you're coming off a big boat.

 

[lncoop]

From the picture you posted everything looks fine and normal to me. Again you may think of moving your passenger more forward to help level out the boat and to take the weight off the stern.

Those boats have a shallow freeboard anyways and will always look like you're sitting right on the water, especially if you're coming off a big boat.

Agreed. Looks okay to me.

 

[crazy charlie]

Its time for a bigger boat.

 

[Watermann]

Really? It's time to use your boat and not worry about it...


Similar style of Bass Tracker

Here's a sweet Stratos bass boat.

 

[Ignatios]

Ok fellows...I did some redistribution of weights, I took one of the tanks out (6.6 gal.) Since I only use 2 gal. N half, moved the battery up front got rid of some tools put all the gear way up front and had my friend move up to the bow, and that thing rode like a dream, I was even confident enough with it to take a peak on the Sound when they were calling for a small craft advisory...thanks to all of you. You fellows are awesome.

 

[BWR1953]

Awesome! :thumb:

 

[bonz_d]

It's all in understanding the dynamics involved in a smaller boat. The smaller they get the more weight sensitive they become. Keep playing with it and you'll get it to where you want it. I prefer to keep the weight in the back 2/3.