Recommendation on 1995 Griffis & Sons 14' "Stumpknocker"

[JAT1957]

I'm thinking about buying this flatbottom for freshwater lake fishing, electric trolling motor only.
Does anyone have any experience with this make and type?
I'm wondering especially about 2 things:
1. The vertical front and back of the benches have some give in them. What would be the best way to reinforce them for clamp-on seats? Or would it be better to reinforce the tops (maybe w/ a 1x6) and bolt it to that?
2. What is the suitability of fiberglass with the possibility of actual occasional "stump knocking" at trolling motor speeds?

Any help is appreciated.

 

[briangcc]

1. There was probably wood structure under the fiberglass bench that provided stability. If its flexing, either it wasn't built with reinforcement OR its garden mulch which requires replacement. The proper way to tell would be to drill an inspection hole or two to find out what you're dealing with. They make very cheap inspection cameras that connect to tablets/phones - might be worth the few $$ to get one.

2. Which trolling motor are you referring to? The minnkota on the bow or the small outboard on the transom? The minnkota you're probably more likely to break the prop on that motor before you damage the hull. If you're using the outboard, bets are off as if you wind it up high enough I would wager you could crack something.

And in all honesty....if you're looking to go bouncing off stumps, you might be better suited with an aluminum boat....or better yet, just don't hit it in the first place.

 

[JAT1957]

Thanks.
I was referring to the Minn Kota. Aluminum is my first preference; I'm a skinny water guy and the bumps are inevitable.
I was just looking for opinions bc this looked like a good bargain. Probably eliminate it from consideration now.
I appreciate the help.