Fat guys in a little boat

[roscoe]

Re: Fat guys in a little boat

My suggestion, for stability, space, and weight capacity, would be a 14' or 16' jon boat. Not a v hull as others have suggested.

Hopefully you can find one with 20" depth, not the more common 15".

You can mount an electric troller on either the front or the back.


I picked up a 14' with a very nice galvanized trailer a few months ago, for $500.

That leaves $500 for a troller and battery(s), pfd's, anchor, etc.

The rig is only 15'8" long.

 

[azboater2]

Re: Fat guys in a little boat

You didn’t really say how much experience you had, besides that you and your dad went out in a small boat, did you go out a lot? How familiar are you with the lakes your thinking about? You mentioned wake-less lakes, so pick a lake that you know the best. Pay attention to the weather in the area and learn the weather patterns. Talk to other boaters in the actual area your interested in. Excessive weight lowers the boats free board and makes it more likely to swamp, so keep this in mind as you pick your boat and your lake. Get the widest, longest boat you can afford, I would place that higher than the motor size, look at Roscoe's suggestion above. Try to go out only in daytime if you can, and never go without a proper fitting life vest, not an inflatable, and wear it. Enjoy the lake, your family and life.

 

[DuckHunterJon]

Re: Fat guys in a little boat

You've gotten good advice so far and sounds like you're taking it well. I'll add just a couple more nuggets of info. On the purchase, be patient. $1000 will actually go quite a ways when looking at a small 12 - 14' tinny. Wait for the right deal to come along.

Second, there is a world of difference in a 12 and a 14' boat - yet it really doesn't take that much extra room/towing/moving/etc. You should be able to manually move it around at the house with no problem.

Lastly, forget that 5 hp briggs motor. They aren't the best regarded in any sense. Look for a nicely treated older 2 stroke - it will be much quieter, lighter, and generally easier to use. My old Merc 39 (3.9 hp) was perfect for a carryable, F-N-R, small motor. My Merc 60 was a bit heavier, but still less than that briggs motor.

Good luck and be sure to post pictures of what you buy!

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Fat guys in a little boat

saville said it well. a 12' jon has a capacity of 450. Your 300 plus your child's 80 is 380. Not much room for motor and gear, especially a troller and battery. But at capacity, you are only safe sitting still. 80# children don't sit still. 300# fathers fishing don't sit still. All it takes is both of you leaning over to look at a fish, run up on a stump, stand up to change positions, and you are history. Catch your heel on a rib, trip and loose your balance. Even worse if you install those highchairs that fresh water fishermen like--better learn to eskimo roll your jon.

I have a generic 12' jon and I am 250#. I am very careful in it and know how tippy it is. no problem tooling along; getting in and out is. I also hunt out of a 13' canoe and a 14' wide body jon. I know tippy. But when I haul appliances, I do it in a 19', and I'd do the same with you and your beefy buddies.

I stand by my position; the fact that you would consider overloading a 12' boat just because it fits in the garage speaks volumes.

 

[lncoop]

Re: Fat guys in a little boat

Welcome aboard mx. I won't get into capacity/safety issues as that seems to have been pretty well covered. You need a sixteen foot john boat, preferably at least 48" wide. They are out there, and while it will take some looking, you should be able to find one that fits your budget. You may have to piece together a rig, or you may get lucky and find a complete one that only needs a little work, but that's your best bet. As others have said, you'll easily be able to get it into the back yard. Happy hunting.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Fat guys in a little boat

Go for a minimum of 14', preferably a fairly high-sided model. My dad was looking for a little boat like you are and I strongly encouraged him to not go smaller than 14'. We ended up with this one: http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w200/ezmobee/DSCF2577.jpg for $600 with trailer and a fairly crummy single cylinder Mercury. We sold that and run it with my 4HP Evinrude. It's a little shallower than I'd like but still we've had my dad (220), me, (230), my stepmother (average sized completely evil middle aged woman) and my 4 year old son it at one time and it wasn't overloaded at all. Moves quite well (though obviously doesn't plane) with just the 4HP.

 

[mxcarne]

Re: Fat guys in a little boat

You didn’t really say how much experience you had, besides that you and your dad went out in a small boat, did you go out a lot?

We went out at least once a week in the summer, maybe twice, sometimes we would travel to a lakes and spend a whole week. So I would say I'm pretty familiar with the concept.

I stand by my position; the fact that you would consider overloading a 12' boat just because it fits in the garage speaks volumes.

I've never overloaded a boat and this is the first time I've considered packing so much weight in a smaller boat. Thus why I came to ask questions. Not get underhanded elitist remarks.

Go for a minimum of 14', preferably a fairly high-sided model. My dad was looking for a little boat like you are and I strongly encouraged him to not go smaller than 14'. We ended up with this one: http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w200/ezmobee/DSCF2577.jpg for $600 with trailer and a fairly crummy single cylinder Mercury. We sold that and run it with my 4HP Evinrude. It's a little shallower than I'd like but still we've had my dad (220), me, (230), my stepmother (average sized completely evil middle aged woman) and my 4 year old son it at one time and it wasn't overloaded at all. Moves quite well (though obviously doesn't plane) with just the 4HP.

That is pretty much what I am looking for, I don't want anything super special, and 14" is sounding to be about right.

 

[Silver Eagle]

Re: Fat guys in a little boat

Evey summer I see people in the water wavying for help because someone over loads there little boat. And there's always some clown who wants to see how big a wake they can make near one of those little boats. If your really taking your daughter out in one of those little boats make sure that she has her life jacket on at all times. And get one of those plastic boats that float real good. Or get smart and get an Alumn.Boat about 14 ft. With a 5 hp motor that will start every time so you can out run the wake that is headed your way. Get one with high sides and bow.Every year we have to pull some one out of the water.

 

[etracer68]

Re: Fat guys in a little boat

Two years ago I found a Western 14ft alum boat with councel steering, and 25hp evinrude, for $1100. The boat was 65 inchs wide, and very stable. It also came with a 2 year old trailer. I would just keep your eye out, I was looking on CL a few times a day, and when it came up, I dropped my ham sandwich, and was out the door. It was a great boat, and ran well too. I sold it last year for $1500 (asking price). It wasnt the prettyest boat on the water, but was stable, and reliable. I still miss that boat.

 

[PrinceValium]

Re: Fat guys in a little boat

How about a 13 or 14' boston whaler?? I am in no way making any reference by suggesting this other than the fact that the hull is shaped for better stability. The other suggestion would be a drift style boat because they have wide bottoms and are very hard to turn over due to that. People have mounted smaller motors on the drift boats.

 

[64osby]

Re: Fat guys in a little boat

Last year I was testing one of my little OB's that I had repaired. The kids (10 & 12 then) wanted to go. Less than 400 people pounds, 5hp motor, gas, life jackets, oars, anchors.....

It was a 12ft Sea King, capacity of 565lbs. I let my son captain the boat and I moved to the middle. The boat plowed and there was not much freeboard. I didn't like it at all. I went looking for a bigger boat.

I ended up trading, found someone on CL that wanted a 12', they had a 14', cost $0.00 before fixing up. The new boat has a capacity of 785lbs. Once it's fixed up I'm pretty sure it will easily and safely get us fishing and dinking around on the small lakes.

You don't say where your from, but in my neck of the woods, there are many boats (20 or more) that I could buy today for under 1k, splash ready that would be safe and fun to use.

For me it was an easy decision to step up. Make sure you get the right size, style and capacity boat for your needs.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Fat guys in a little boat

.......I was looking on CL a few times a day, and when it came up, I dropped my ham sandwich, and was out the door.....

mxcarne..... at one point you considered something that it turns out isn't safe..... you didn't do it but just considered it and asked.... Sometimes it's hard for folks to let someone off with just a change of plans but instead they need to see you fall to the floor and BEG for forgiveness LOL..... (just trying to be funny here)

I think you got the point, Now, lets find you a boat..... btw..... my boat is 30' long and weighs near 10,000 lbs and kids under 18 wear life jackets at all times unless below decks in the cabin so don't think we are looking down on you when we say make her WEAR the jacket..... you should too but you're an adult and can choose for yourself. I should but don't.

 

[fishrdan]

Re: Fat guys in a little boat

The biggest problem is people not knowing the "limitations"; capt skills, boat capacity, engine, weather, etc, etc, etc. I've done it and lived to tell the tale, but have learned when it's time to run and head for cover instead of battling through adverse conditions. A small boat loaded to capacity can be safer than a bigger boat lightly loaded, if the captain of the small boat is not pushing the limits of the boat and the capt of the bigger boat is. I've been hunkered down in a cove many times with my small boat, while watching bigger boats get the snot beat out of them and taking on spray and waves,,, while I was perfectly safe and out of harms way...

BTW, I don't think mx is going to have to worry about a 25' cruiser plowing by and sinking his little boat with the wake, on an electic only lake... Though, wind and waves are certainly a concern, even on small lakes.

kids under 18 wear life jackets at all times unless below decks in the cabin so don't think we are looking down on you when we say make her WEAR the jacket..... you should too but you're an adult and can choose for yourself. I should but don't.

True, True...

My kids know to have their life jackets on as soon as they step foot on the dock, then immediately rip it off once back on dry land. Rule on my 18' boat, kids must wear life jackets at all times unless 1- we are on the hook and 2- they are in the cockpit. Step foot on a seat or the bow and they had better have their life jacket on. On my 14'er, PFD's 100% of the time for kids.

Like SOTW, I don't normally wear my PFD, but have clipped to the seat back and ready to go. I put it on when I feel the conditions warrant it.

 

[arks]

Re: Fat guys in a little boat

I agree with EZ and roscoe- go with at least a 14 footer, preferably a widebody. It'll easily fit into a standard garage with room to spare.
Here's a shot of my 1448 BigJon hauling 400# of trash.
Note how close the bow is to the water. The boat was overloaded by about 150#.
Also note that conditions were calm and I was wearing a PFD and a drysuit.



I bought the boat /trailer and 25HP for $1200. Added console and electrics myself.
Fun boat and it runs safely at 28 MPH.

 

[mxcarne]

Re: Fat guys in a little boat

Kid wearing her PDF's is absolutely a must, I agree, plus if I let her pick it out, there wont be much arguing.

I'm keeping my eye on CL, I found http://denver.craigslist.org/boa/2783247369.html in going to try and look at tomorrow, tape measure in hand, I want to check the depth of the boat and the width of the beam. Am I on the right track here?

I'm not in a rush, but I'm one of those people once I get going, I try to pounce on the best deal ASAP.

Also, looking at BPS it had their 15ft John at 850lbs, but when I got there it said 450lbs on the boat. I brought it up to the sales guy and he was a bit confused, now the site says 775lbs max load - 450 person weight. So they are taking into account 275lbs for motor and gear?

 

[roscoe]

Re: Fat guys in a little boat

I found http://denver.craigslist.org/boa/2783247369.html in going to try and look at tomorrow, tape measure in hand,

Not a fan of those jons with raised platforms.

Its one thing to put big guys in a boat. Yet another thing to raise them up on a platform, then raise them up further on a pedestal seat.

You will be raising the center of gravity from about the top of the gunnel, to almost 2' above it. Makes for a very unstable situation

http://www.alumacraft.com/2012-models/mv-1648-ss/1648-15-20/#info


1648 regular riveted jon, capacity 1010#

 

[oops!]

Re: Fat guys in a little boat

Not a fan of those jons with raised platforms.

Its one thing to put big guys in a boat. Yet another thing to raise them up on a platform, then raise them up further on a pedestal seat.

You will be raising the center of gravity from about the top of the gunnel, to almost 2' above it. Makes for a very unstable situation

yep......recipy for disaster.....

forget a raised platform.....get a 14 tinny with deep v.....that means high sides...

 

[southkogs]

Re: Fat guys in a little boat

No one's mentioned it yet, and I know you have some space issues for storage - but you sound like a prime candidate for a short pontoon boat with a small OB.

Denver Craigslist had this on it: http://denver.craigslist.org/boa/2814043427.html Might not be bad with a small OB on back. Use it kinda' like a barge.

 

[mxcarne]

Re: Fat guys in a little boat

No one's mentioned it yet, and I know you have some space issues for storage - but you sound like a prime candidate for a short pontoon boat with a small OB.

Denver Craigslist had this on it: http://denver.craigslist.org/boa/2814043427.html Might not be bad with a small OB on back. Use it kinda' like a barge.

I saw that, Kind of interested in how bad the boat is. Its big enough, if its aluminum and 6ft wide or less I could most likely hand move it into the back yard. My truck should still be able to haul it, again if its aluminum, and I kept the motor small. I know next to nothing about boat mechanics though, I can do basic maintenance but hardcore stuff like steering and electrical would be tough.

 

[fishrdan]

Re: Fat guys in a little boat

Not a fan of those jons with raised platforms. Its one thing to put big guys in a boat. Yet another thing to raise them up on a platform, then raise them up further on a pedestal seat. You will be raising the center of gravity from about the top of the gunnel, to almost 2' above it. Makes for a very unstable situation

^^^ Completely agree. I've seen a bunch of "decked" jon boats and most of the guys throw in a bunch of 2x4's and 3/4 plywood, easily 100-150# of added weight. I've also seen them done with light weight materials, that's an exception though. I low decked my jon boat and added about 50#, 3/8 plywood and 1x1 stringers. The seats sit about 3" higher than the benches, so it's stable.

I bought my Tracker 1426 jon boat new and regret it. I should have bought a used boat to fix up. Then, Trackers are not the best quality and I have had some cracked welds. It's and OK boat, but the Alumacraft 1436 available here now (they came in a year later) is a MUCH better built boat, kicked myself for not looking harder. Also, if you buy a new boat, you will have to buy everything else; motor, trailer, safety equipment, etc., etc.. That $1000 15' Tracker would probably cost $2000 to get on the water.

Are you going to put an outboard on the boat? I though you were looking for a boat to mostly use at electric only lakes. Bigger boats will require a bigger trolling motor and that 17'er will be a lot for a 12V trolling motor, unless it's a light weight aluminum boat. I have a 70# 24V digital trolling motor on my heavy 18'er and it has marginal performance. Since you are going to be on electric only lakes, I would put some money into the trolling motor and buy a "digital" trolling motor. They use far less power at slower speeds than the less expensive speed coil trolling motors. The downside is they cost twice as much, the up side is you can carry 1/2 as many batteries. I use that 70# 24V digital trolling motor on my jon boat and can go for about 24 hours before the batteries are discharged, with a cheap 40# speed coil trolling motor, those same batteries are discharged in 8 hours......

Oh yeah, what ever you buy, make sure it has titles for both the boat and trailer. I would question if that 17'er has a title, not saying it doesn't, but........