Too much weight??

[wswaneyw]

Is there such a thing as putting too much weight on a boat??? I am rebuilding an 84 17' 8" Glassstream boat. I am converting it to more of a bass boat. It had a 115 on it now it has a 120 (since the orginal was blown) I am framing the inside and putting on a bow and stern fishing platform. Should I be concerned about the extra weight added. P.S. My wife swears up and down it is going to sink the first time I put it in the water. Any thoughts would be great. Thanks

 

[crab bait]

Re: Too much weight??

sure ,, you hafta be consern... weight that you permently put in to it ,, must be subtracted off the capacity lable.. <br /><br />weight is not a good thing.. an especialy 'placement' of said weight & how high..<br /> [ center of gavity ]...

 

[bassin large]

Re: Too much weight??

I built a casting deck on my 12' fiberglass Sears Gamefisher. Sure it's a lot of extra weight but in freshwater lakes and ponds it works just fine. I've even had it out in the Delaware River taking on cargo ship wakes. Just be cautious.<br />Check it out: http://hometown.aol.com/brideg19/BassBoatConversion.html

 

[johnnybigrigger]

Re: Too much weight??

Bassin, you can use 1/4" plywood to make your fishing deck. The only place you need a piece of 3/4 is in the seat mounting area. All you need to do is think about a bridge. Make a grid of 1/4" to support the deck. Extend them down to the floor. I would think two running the length and maybe two in the center with a solid piece on the end should be strong enough. This will also give you several storage areas. I would take 2 1/2" strips of 1/4" on edge and make an "X" in the open spans. Most people equate strength with mass i.e. using 3/4 for everything...be smart engineer it properly. I would recommend coating everything with resin before assembly, and use small 45 degree braces for areas you feel need a little added strength. Think about it...I have done it with a floor, and it is still as strong as a 3/4".

 

[JasonJ]

Re: Too much weight??

Weight is critical. Too much weight in the wrong areas can make the boat handle poorly, too much weight wastes fuel and reduces your ability to carry people and gear. What are you rebuilding the boat with? 3/4 for stringers and any verticle support is all you need, and 1/2 inch is all you need for horizontal surfaces. You don't need 2x4s or bridge abuttments. Let us know what you are using.....<br /><br />Johnybigriggers post is a good idea, but it will increase the amount of resin and mat/cloth/roving used, which also increases weight and cost. I used 3/4 ply, 5/8 ply, and 1/2 inch ply for my center console conversion, and ended up with a lighter boat than when it was a stock bowrider.

 

[SeaMasterZ@aol.com]

Re: Too much weight??

of course, he had so much waterloged foam in that sucker, he could have poured a concrete slab and been lighter! lol<br /><br />but do pay attention to Jason, once his work of art got on these pages (and I steered a few to take a peek!) all the sudden guys were sayin, well, I CAN DO THAT TOO!!!<br /><br />and VOILA ... no, not viola, lol, grrrrrr<br /><br />the iboat fleet grows larger and larger!<br /><br />yet lighter!<br /><br />lol<br /><br />great job on the gamefisher, I bet shes a BIT scary over those container ship wakes, but you deal with the topheavy aspect fairly well it seems<br /><br />I still wanna know what djohns is got up his sleeve for the next one

 

[93bronco]

Re: Too much weight??

if that is a 1985+ 120hp, they are close to 70lbs heavier than the 115.