Is boat weight an important factor?

[Perch_Jerker]

I’m looking to upgrade from my 16ft stick steer to a larger boat. One of my highest priorities is to get a boat that will be more stable while fishing. I understand that fiberglass boats float lower than aluminum so they aren’t blown around by the wind as much. I also get that the longer and wider the boat the more stable you are. My question is whether or not the weight of The boat is as important of a factor as the the length and width? I’m sure the heavier the boat the less it bounces in the waves and probably also creates a smoother ride back and forth to the launch.

do you think you would see a big difference in 300-400 lbs say 1300lbs vs 1700lbs?

[4THETHUMP]

IT SEEMS YOU ANSWERED ALL YOUR OWN QUESTION . THE WEIGHT DOES HELP THE RIDE AND YOUR WIDTH HELPS WITH THE STABILITY. THOSE HEAVY FIBER GLASS BOATS WILL RIDE THE WAVES MUCH BETTER . GO WITH WHATEVER YOU CAN AFFORD . JUST GOTTA LOVE IT

[feeshrman]

Ok here's my two cents. Most glass boats have lower sides than the aluminum rigs. This allows them a lower profile on the water and they catch less wind. Weight and weight distribution plays a lot into how a boat rides and performs. Also the shape of the hull itself is most important. In general the heavier rigs are the better built ones. Thump is correct, go with what you can afford and enjoy.


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[bigcrappiemax]

I bought a 14ft aluminum boat, put a hand-controlled trolling motor and some rod holders on it, and attempted spider-rigging for the first time. I caught fish, as long as the water was flat, but the slightest wave made it next to impossible to catch fish because the boat jumped crazily. My cure was to build a deck halfway to two-thirds the length of the boat. I built the frame out of two 8' treated 2x4s and fashioned the deck out of a sheet of 3/4" treated plywood. I slapped a foot-operated trolling motor on it, and I can fish through some pretty rough stuff. The boat is incredibly stable, for what it is, much better than I expected.

I don't know how much weight I actually added, but whatever it was, fixed my problem. Obviously, I can ride out the really big waves like bigger, more expensive boats, but for what I was willing to spend, I'm well pleased. When I was learning what I could and couldn't do with her, I got swamped a few times, but I just pulled the plug and rode until the water ran out. Now that I've learned, I never have any problems.

All of that to say: Weight matters tremendously. You don't need a 300 - 400 pound difference to prove it, but with that kinda gain, I believe you'll see considerable difference.

[feelay]

My boat is about as heavy as they come. Really makes a difference. On the rough days, I will let my hull fill with water. Pump it out when I’m ready to leave.


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[bwillig]

I took my trolling batteries out of the rear and put them up front, keeps my 20 Charger bow from bouncing as bad.

[Northforker]

I have a ranger aluminum RT188C, I put the plug in the front livewell and fill it up, helps tremendously.

[CliffordN]

If you fill your boat up with water, like Thump did yesterday, it will sit really low in the water!

["G"]

What did he do now ? Lol

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[CliffordN]

I will let Thump tell it...