Big Bodied Boater

[pitbulljoe]

Is there a chance my 12ft Aerocraft aluminum boat will hold me(250lbs), my buddy(200lbs) and the motor/other equipment? If so wat would be the biggest motor I can have on there comfortably? It would be used for intercoastal canals, bayous and lakes.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Big Bodied Boater

A 9.9 would do nicely if it were just you. A 9.9 will get two "average" weight folk on a plane and be relatively safe in calm water. HOWEVER - 250 + 200 + gear + engine (of any hp) in intercostal canals would not be safe in my book.

You have two options - 1. A bigger boat. or 2. Leave a bunch of pounds on shore.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Big Bodied Boater

Second that. I had a 12' Lowe Lake John that was much wider and deeper than regular john boats of a given size. I used a 7.5 Merc on it and it performed very well.

I have had 2 people in the boat with gear but it was risky and weight wasn't near as high as yours. Plus johns are noteably more stable than conventional semi-V hulls.

Again, I think you are asking for trouble. You can get some very large boat wakes and waves on the intercoastal.

Mark

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Big Bodied Boater

safely no. 450 people. 125 engine, gas can 60, gear, beer. 100. your pushing 700 lbs. in a 900 at the most rated boat. one wrong wave, not a big wave, or one wrong move. your wet.

 

[pitbulljoe]

Re: Big Bodied Boater

Thanks for the warnings. I guess I will be sticking to the lakes and bayous around here. Also I guess I will be going out by myself to learn the ropes. I have seen 2 other boats similar to mine when I was riding around my neighborhood. Both had 15hp motors on them and one guy was bigger than I am and he says he goes out with his son who is the same size as me. So i'm thinking of going with a 15hp. Any opinions?

 

[Frugal Floater]

Re: Big Bodied Boater

I go on a 3-day canoe trip with a bunch of old friends every year in West Virginia...Our canoes are rated up to 1200 lbs. One guy who goes on the trip is about 325lbs and he paddles with a 250lb guy...add in all the camping equipment and beer and we push that max capacity...You should have no trouble in that Jon boat...Just remember that your freeboard will be small so stay out of big water and lakes with big boats with big wakes....Also don't go over the max weight.

 

[MrBigStuff]

Re: Big Bodied Boater

Your boat should have a placard riveted to it that states the maximum capacity for motor hp and weight. Often they have a total for motor, gear and people as well as a separate limit for people and gear. Of course, this assumes normal operating conditions and not 3-4 foot rollers or huge boat wakes...

 

[jmoorepghpa]

Re: Big Bodied Boater

Besides the safety concerns I doubt your comfort level in a boat that small would make for an enjoyable outing. Its hard to get relaxed and enjoy yourself when you are close to swamping or capsizing if someone makes a wrong move. If you decide to go for it keep your lifejacket on and buckled.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Big Bodied Boater

Can it be done - - yes. Have other people done it - - yes. Is it safe to do it - - you have our input.

When you do as you plan make sure that anyone and everyone on board is wearing a PFD rated for their weight - - - last thing - - make sure your life insurance is paid up.

 

[pitbulljoe]

Re: Big Bodied Boater

Thanks for the guidence, i will consider everyones input when making my decision. I dont want to be hearing "I told you so".