unstable 10 ft. aluminum boat!

[mjeepp]

any ideas to be safer? thanks mg

 

[metriccrescentwrench]

Re: unstable 10 ft. aluminum boat!

You're going to need to include more details, and maybe a photo or two. Unstable in what way, while underway, just sitting still fishing, when loading and unloading? A lot of 10 ft boats are just so narrow that the only way to improve stability is to get a bigger boat.

 

[mjeepp]

Re: unstable 10 ft. aluminum boat!

very unstable, so probably will need wider boat. have picture, but won't copy. thanks

 

[mjeepp]

Re: unstable 10 ft. aluminum boat!

Do they have slat, that can be welded(epoxy) to hull for stability?

 

[5150abf]

Re: unstable 10 ft. aluminum boat!

That si sort of the nature of a 10' boat, there just isn't much there to provide stability, all I can siggest is to keep all your weight as low as possible and save your pennies for a bigger boat.

I started out in a 12'er and ya, you had to anounce when you were going for a soda so both of you didn't move at the same time.

I think you are talking about outriggers and I have never seen them for sale but you could certainly make something that would work, maybe from some 6''-8'' pvc pipe, how to attach it you would have to figure out.

 

[jigngrub]

Re: unstable 10 ft. aluminum boat!

http://www.cabelas.com/canoe-kayak-accessories-wave-armor-canoe-kayak-stabilizer-kit-2.shtml

Outriggers will be your best/only bet.

 

[pikefisherman]

Re: unstable 10 ft. aluminum boat!

I flipped my 10 footer over and tied it to the top of the dog cage its really stable, but a friend borrowed it, he said it was fine,you must stay in the middle I,m sure.

 

[MTboatguy]

Re: unstable 10 ft. aluminum boat!

Does a 10 footer float? Yup, does it do it with fun, Nope! You need to do something to add stability to that boat, make it wider and you will have more stability, or sell it and buy another boat.

 

[DANZIG]

Re: unstable 10 ft. aluminum boat!

Ahh A subject I know a little something about! Forgive me if I get longwinded.

You could rig a pair of PVC pipe outriggers on her, or something like this http://homepages.paradise.net.nz/garyd/quikama.html but there is really no substitute for balance.

Personal balance. Once you get the hang of it, it is much like riding a bike.

And a careful choice of boatmate. (tandem bike)
I have only 2 boatmates I trust on her but I trust them implicitly. We almost instinctively counter balance each other just by feel. Even a bit of beer drinking or standing are little problem.
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Until you get that experienced, low and slow! Stay low, move about in the boat slowly. No jerky or sudden movements.
Warn your boatmate before you make any movement more involved than scratching your nose. Yep, if you need to lean up and scratch your butt, you need to announce it first.
Be careful about leaning over the side to land a fish or what not, if you start to take water it can go badly very quick. It takes less water than you think to blow the balance (yours and the boats) leading to taking even more water,,, over and down you go.


Other handy tips:
If it needs to stay dry, ziplock bags. Leave some air in so they float.
If you don't want to loose it, when it is not in use tie it to the boat. Doesn't take much, string is fine.
Watch the Weather!! Not just the forecast, keep a weather eye out at all times. Even just a stiff breeze sneaking up the river or across the lake can get serious if you are surprised..
Be careful how much gear you take or mount, mine is rated for 300lbs---Gear and people. Not much leeway for extras.
Need I mention the wakes from larger boats?

All of these were learned the hard way.
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That said,, I love my little 10 ft Jon. Had her for 20+ years.
Just a couple inches of water and she floats. Handy for getting into back waters and down shallow streams/rivers.
Calm day and she can float out on the Ohio River. (yes, as matter of fact, I am nuts)
I have even slept on her.

But she is what she is, not much more than a beer can, you have to learn to work with the limitations.