Beam length question

[RobDar]

was wondering how the beam length effects a Bass boat. I assume this to be like the backbone of the boat so the longer beam to overall boat length ratio the stronger the boat...is this correct? ...but a 20' boat with a 90" beam and a 20' boat with an 82" beam...will i ever notice a 8" difference? what does that extra 8" do for me?

 

[arks]

Re: Beam length question

"Beam" is the measurement of a boat's width at it's widest point.<br /><br />Wider beam = more stability, especially when not on plane. Beam really has nothing to do with a boat's structural strength.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Beam length question

As a general rule a wider beam does help stability.But some boats have a wide flare that results in a wide beam but may have a relatively narrow waterline width that could comprimise the stability some.A small jon would be a classic type a 1236 might have a 48" beam but only 36" at the waterline.

 

[umblecumbuz]

Re: Beam length question

A boat is as strong or as weak as its construction. Beam has little to do with strength.<br /><br />A narrow-beam boat at the waterline, all other things being equal, will tend to be quicker and track truer than the same outfit with a wider beam. But it has less port/starboard stability at rest than a wider beam outfit.<br /><br />There's arguments for and against different beam/length ratios, and these could go on forever. Maybe you've just started one!

 

[f_inscreenname]

Re: Beam length question

My boat seems to have the best of both worlds. 8' at the transom makes it very stable but when on a plane it raises up and maybe 5' stays in the water. Very complicated to explain but it works. And again it has nothing to do with boat strength. Even the great Don Aronow's "Cigarette race boat" was very narrow and he would tell you that it was very unstable (wanted to roll over)because of it but it could fly and take a beating. Narrow boats tend to roll side to side a lot more then wider, flatter hulled boats. On a lake in Indiana I don't think you will notice the 8"'s except for the space difference. On a 20' boat that works out to about 13 square feet. Thats a lot of room on a boat.

 

[RobDar]

Re: Beam length question

so...thinking mathmatically...<br />the beam length in a Bass Boat would be somewhat less critical than in a pleasure or a "v" hull boat as the flatter hull..as well as the smaller width to height ratio...will allow alot less port to starboard wobble.

 

[umblecumbuz]

Re: Beam length question

Er .... yeah!

 

[KCook]

Re: Beam length question

Forget the math and just get the boat you like better.<br /><br />Kelly Cook

 

[jtexas]

Re: Beam length question

I asked my wife about the value of 8 inches...wait, that's another topic. <br /><br />In a bass boat it should give you room for at least one more rod & reel in the box plus one more on the deck!

 

[cuzner]

Re: Beam length question

The 8 incches makes a huge diference in the amount of usable space . Personaly I'd opt for the wider boat. But then it seems the more room I have the more stuff I need.<br /><br /> Jim

 

[Realgun]

Re: Beam length question

Wide is more stable and slower everthing else being the same. Narrow is used for speed less stability. You can say all you want about how its a Deep V or its a flat bottom thats when its planeing. Still the cigarett boats are not know for stability just speed. look how long and thin they are. Now a Deck Boat is a stable platform but is slower than a Narrower Deep V boat.