Boat Flotation

[Duffy.yyz]

Looking to get a little better flotation out of my aluminum boat, if possible. Just asking around to see if there are any old tricks/secrets to getting better flotation in smaller aluminum boats. Anything (material) I can added to the back of the boat? Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.

[B-Stealth]

pods

[CajunChristian]

First, move all the weight you can forward. Things like, gas tank, battery, anything with more than 15 pounds to it. That should help level the boat when you fish by yourself. If you need more flotation period, add pods. They are horrible for performance, but great for flotation. Once you add pods, you cannot raise the bow under power. It matters not whether you have 25 or 250 horsepower, the bow will not raise under power.
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[Duffy.yyz]

Main reason for this is to improve my hole-shot. Had the motor rebuilt a couple of years ago, and instead of re-boring the sleeves, they put new standard size pistons, sleeves and rings. I lost some power and top-end in that deal. Went from 30 mph to 26 mph, and the hole-shot is good, but not as good as it was. Always looking to get a little more out of what I have.

[smooth move]

stationary or flex tabs.

[B-Stealth]

Another option to think about before you start spending $$$ is to buy a motor that has power you want. You can get a used 3 Cylinder Suzuki 2 stroke 25 for under 2 grand. I bet Damon @ DHP would let you trade up for the Zuki.

[AubreyLaHaye458]

Tape some styrofoam to the hull.


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[swamp snorkler]

Originally Posted by Duffy.yyz

Looking to get a little better flotation out of my aluminum boat, if possible. Just asking around to see if there are any old tricks/secrets to getting better flotation in smaller aluminum boats. Anything (material) I can added to the back of the boat? Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.

Nothing you add to the inside of the boat will help to make it float higher. Closed Cell Foam Flotation only works if you get swamped to keep it above water. Looks like you have a lot of wood in there too, mybe try to take some of that out. Also move as much weight as you can forward.

[evidrine]

I added a stabilizer fin to my motor (the no drill ones) and it helped. I lost a few mph, but hole shot and handleing performance went way up.

[Duffy.yyz]

Thanks for all of the advice guys. I appreciate it.

[keakar]

if that's 3/4" ply switch it for 1/2", that's all you need and plenty strong enough. if you have 3/4 switching to 1/2 will save you a good 10-15 lbs of weight.

on mine I got the closed cell Styrofoam sheeting they put on houses and layered it under the floor gluing it together with spray adheasive. its going to make it a lot quieter so you put less sound through the hull into the water, plus its an extra safety feature and adds floatation if the plywood is screwed down or if not it still is something to hold onto if you ever sink but wont help you draft less water.

on my boat I had a sheet of aluminum riveted on top of the foam board so I never have to replace the wood anymore.

for more floatation (higher draft) you need to add floatation pods to the back to raise it out of the water more.

you need something like this: http://www.cabelas.com/product/Beave...ods/847206.uts

[Duffy.yyz]

Thanks guys.