Re: How much does my boat weigh?
he's just messing with you.
NOPE, I was serious. We are talking about a 23 year old boat. We can estimate the weight when it was new, but it has most likely picked up a few pounds in water retention, Plus the engine is probably no longer making the full 125hp. The engine may or may not be set at the correct hight. It may or may not have the correct prop on it. etc.........
A truck scale and a WOT test is the only way to get real data.
What is WOT? Wide Open Throttle
Why is it important? Unlike a car, your boat only has one gear so we use the propellor to "adjust" the RPM's. Every marine engine has a WOT rating, or range of RPM's that is acceptable at WOT. On my engine the range is 4400-4800, yours will be different but the idea is the same. If pitch of a prop is too low, then the engine will be capable of exceding the upper limit and you risk the engine litteraly flying apart. If the prop pitch is too high, then the engine will not be capable of reaching the lower limit. This puts incredible strain on the engine and can result in bearing and valve damage. In either case performance and economy are both altered.
How do you perform a WOT test. Load the boat normally, this includes any gear, coolers and passengers tht will
USUALLY be aboard. Get the boat on plane in clear water with plenty of room and open the throttle all the way. Adjust the motor trim for maximum speed (use a GPS if possible the dash speedo is not accurate))and RPM. Note both and compare the RPM's to the range given by your engine manufacturer. The first time you do this be cautious, over-reving and blowing a motor will ruin your day.