wasilvers
Well-known member
So I built my boat out years ago. I used some heavy materials - 3/4" plywood for all the decking. a 2x12 for a stringer(?), etc. I fish with some 300lb+ guys and wanted everyone to feel comfortable. In the final setup I had 2 batteries (biggest I could find). One in the rear to start the engine and run some electronics. One just in front of the console - to run the trolling motor.
Late last fishing season, I took out the front battery and put in wiring to the rear - just using one battery in the boat. The removal of weight in the front, and loss of 60-80 lbs increased my boat speed by FIVE mph. It's not a speed demon, but I was just under 25 mph and last trip I was just under 30 (16 footer, 50 hp, under propped). Wind was not really a factor in this test.
Now I'm considering redoing the entire boat with weight control in mind. Might be easier to start another boat, then I can fish in between working.
Late last fishing season, I took out the front battery and put in wiring to the rear - just using one battery in the boat. The removal of weight in the front, and loss of 60-80 lbs increased my boat speed by FIVE mph. It's not a speed demon, but I was just under 25 mph and last trip I was just under 30 (16 footer, 50 hp, under propped). Wind was not really a factor in this test.
Now I'm considering redoing the entire boat with weight control in mind. Might be easier to start another boat, then I can fish in between working.