Another Fiberglass vs. Aluminum question.

[Reg312]

I have a 16' mid 70's Mark Twain fiberglass tri-hull with same year Merc 115 which I approx. the weight on water at 2000 - 2500 pounds with 4 adult riders. I'm looking a mid 70's 16' aluminum Starcraft open bow v hull with same year Evinrude 50 hp which I'm guessing would weight 1000 - 1500 with 4 riders. Even if my weights are off I think the Aluminum would weight at least 1000 pounds less. Would the lighter boat with smaller engine pull a adult tuber/ skiier similar - better - worse than the fiberglass tri-hull? Reason for the possible switch is its a ***** to pull the fiberglass boat out of the water at my ramp on my property even with my 4x4.

 

[26aftcab454]

Re: Another Fiberglass vs. Aluminum question.

I think the Mark Twain would be a better ski boat-
I dont think a 50hp with 4 people will pull a skier up that weighs more than 95lbs.

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: Another Fiberglass vs. Aluminum question.

Also a lighter boat, the skier can drag the boat stern to the side if he pulls hard.
i agree with above, more power needed when skiing or tubing.
Have you used low range to pull the boat out?

 

[Reg312]

Re: Another Fiberglass vs. Aluminum question.

97 Expedition with 5.4. Yes, it was in low. Thanks for the advise. Never even thought about a skiier / tuber dragging the lighter boat. Guess I'll just rework the ramp. I use the trihull with the merc just for play and have a a small 14' fishing jon boat for daily use.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Another Fiberglass vs. Aluminum question.

Is the flotation dry in that Mark Twain? It might be 7-800 lbs heavier then it should be. They were prone to saturated foam.

 

[Reg312]

Re: Another Fiberglass vs. Aluminum question.

I've read a lot about wet foam here. Without pulling up the deck I really can't say. What I do know is the condition of this boat is exceptional inside and out. The Mid 1970 Merc. looks 5 years old max. Not fadded, paint shinny, stickers bright. Alway's parked under cover so last owner says. plywood is solid, carpet in good condition but by all means not perfect so by reasonable deduction approx. never replace, but thats just a guess. After a weekend of play only a few gallons max comes our when I pull the plug. So is the foam wet? If there is an easy way to tell I'ld love to know. I guess I could take it to a scale somewhere and weight boat, motor and trailer which I guess would tell me if foam is wet. Would my guesstimate of 2000 pounds for boat motor and trailer be close to right?

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Another Fiberglass vs. Aluminum question.

After a weekend of play only a few gallons max comes our when I pull the plug.

That doesn't sound real good.

 

[109jb]

Re: Another Fiberglass vs. Aluminum question.

That doesn't sound real good.

A few gallons from skiing all day with wet skiers getting in and out is nothing. If that few gallons was just cruising then it is bad.

 

[Reg312]

Re: Another Fiberglass vs. Aluminum question.

Actually, the few gallons was after 2 days of play and it had rained the night between and i didn't have a cover for it at that time. I was expecting more water to come out. Maybe to foam soaked it all up?????

 

[dave11]

Re: Another Fiberglass vs. Aluminum question.

That Starcraft is a great boat, but it will be a real dog with that 50 and 4 people.