Stability For Fat Guys?

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The Lure Washer

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I just recently purchased a 14ft Ward Sea King. Im a big guy at 6'4" and 390lbs. Now my question is am I going to be ok with me sittin in back with the motor? Im not gonna swamp it? Am I? This is my first boat so its all new to me. Is there a way to add foam to make it sit higher in the water? Or am I doomed. I did purchase a 6 gallon tank and 12ft fuel hose so I can put the tank up front but is that going to be enough. And one more question how high is too high for a seat post? I was looking at a 7" seat post height off the seat thats there now.


Thanks for all the info that Ive trolled through already. I enjoy this site thoroughly. Well done.
 
How wide is your boat? What style boat?
I have a Sea King 1436 jon, me and my motor run 320lbs plus the battery when needed. I put a 12 gal tank and a small deck up front to help balance the boat out.
Foam won't do anything until the boat is full of water. You could add a set of pods on the transom.
 
I have seen something called stick steering. It is essentially a stick that takes the place of the tiller but puts you farther forward in the boat. Sorry, that's not really a good explanation but maybe someone else can do better. It seems that stick steering is usually on longer boats but maybe it could work on a 14' boat. Also, I don't know if the stick steering works only with motors set up for console steering or tiller models too. Maybe it's worth checking out.

Here's a random site that sells stick steering units - https://www.nicksoutboardmarine.com/steeringpg6.html

The pods that lckstckn2smknbrls suggests could work too. You can buy ready=made ones or have them made. Here's a link to a flotation pod project from Specknreds - https://www.tinboats.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=10254 and a link to a company that makes them - https://www.beavertailfounders.com/pods.html
 
bobberboy said:
I have seen something called stick steering. It is essentially a stick that takes the place of the tiller but puts you farther forward in the boat. Sorry, that's not really a good explanation but maybe someone else can do better. It seems that stick steering is usually on longer boats but maybe it could work on a 14' boat. Also, I don't know if the stick steering works only with motors set up for console steering or tiller models too. Maybe it's worth checking out.

Here's a random site that sells stick steering units - https://www.nicksoutboardmarine.com/steeringpg6.html

The pods that lckstckn2smknbrls suggests could work too. You can buy ready=made ones or have them made. Here's a link to a flotation pod project from Specknreds - https://www.tinboats.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=10254 and a link to a company that makes them - https://www.beavertailfounders.com/pods.html

I have stick steering in my 16 foot jon. Works great for balance and when you get to your fishing spot you just jump up on the casting deck. I really like it, but my setup takes a bit more room than most traditional set ups, which is why I am likely going to move to the side console. Check out my build for details, and if need be, I can post more pictures.
 
I know what you mean. It really depends on how wide your boat is? As far as swamping it at transom I doubt you will do it. I'm a big guy myself and it is a worry but nor a realistic one. To address my stability issues I used a set of kayak stabilizers (these are good to prevent rolling side to side see picture). As far as the rest goes both pods and remote steering are good options. Your best bet is to get out in the boat and see how it sits and how it handles. Then you can make an adjustments needed.
 

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I was at the same weight as you when I started using my boat. 1st time i took it out, I had to lean over the back of the boat and raise the motor to clean off some moss that wrapped around the prop and wouldnt let the prop spin very fast. I didnt even come close to swamping my boat. My wife and I (450lbs combined) can sit on the back deck by the motor and not come close to swamping it. Also, I dont think i can tip my boat over. I would fall in before the boat would go over.
 

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