weight distribution and rough water

[Bass Cat Boats]

It is a fine line depending on conditions and you are coming to understand the nuances of setting up your rig for different conditions. Which is why a Bay Cat has front and rear 35 gallon fuel tanks. You have the option of balance, shallow water draft or ride verses performance.

[billius]

I would second BCB comments about the Baycat and the placement of the gas tanks…it made for a very stable ride, no matter what kind of water you were running in. Ive kind of taken that concept with my CougarFTD. I have most weight in the back and the next heaviest items in the storage compartment closest to the consoles. It seems to work out pretty well.

[Bass Cat Boats]

I have a Classic with 200 opti and I like having my lures in the big front storage for ease of access! way better then using the back imho. Also I have found the Classic is so light in the front with the extra weight of the lures in the front it is a lot better when it gets rough….helps keep the nose down better so it isnt all over the place bobbing (when rough)….with the torque of a 3ltr merc and a light bow classic it is a ton better….Even with Bass Pro Shop in my front bow box 1/2 tank of fuel and 2 people I am still turning out 72-73(gps)mph I bet I would be 75+ if I lightened the bow but to me not worth it….I like to fish and the ease of access and better rough water ride wins over a 2-3mph speed increase.

[Bass Cat Boats]

btgibson, you are fortunate that you have a powerhouse on the transom, and you enjoy that every time you use it, except the required fueling instances. LOL!BCB

[btgibson]

BCB the lakes I fish are small so my average lake outing gas usage is only 1-4 gallons depending…so fuel load is a variable that isnt an issue. I have had the fuel full or close a couple times and it didnt seem to matter all that much…I guess it does help that I weigh 175lbs and my fishing partner is probly 160-175lbs as well….LOL I dont need a lot of fuel for my usage so I dont put a lot in the tank. The other issue is ethanol in the fuel we use today sitting because it isnt being burned up in a trip or two isnt desirable from my understanding….so I try not to have a lot of extra fuel sitting in the boat tank. I do still use Marine Stabil in all my boat gas just as a precaution. I work shift work and long stretches so never now how much it will (boat) get used on a weekly/monthly basis…. It does get cleaned often though

[schodackbassman]

Im with BT, I have my classic with an Opti is set up for fishing more then running. I havent spent much time on weight distribution. Middle storage for most tackle/trays/plastics, starboard locker for what wont fit. Rear compartments for boat bumpers, fuel additives, extra life jackets, lunch/coffee thermos/etc. While I fish Champlain, I swear some of the best fishing on the lake is no more then 5 miles north or south of Ft Ticonderoga (camp is across the lake from there) so I dont run that far either. Average fuel burnt is 6-7 gallons on any one day. And that usually involves at least one fast run “cause I can” more then need to get someplace. I hadnt really thought about it but other then batteries, most weight is forward but lift is anything but an issue. Regarding batteries, the pair of trolling motor batteries are on the starboard/driver side which is how I got it. Wouldnt it be smarter to have them on the port side opposite the driver to balance the weight out some? I did that with my old Phantom and it seemed to have helped we we are talking night and day regarding hull design.

[1958]

Thanks all for replies.I was able to get out and test a few things today. Wind was high with 2-3 foot waves. Facing into the wind the trolling motor (45″ shaft) would come out of the water on the waves. I placed two 15 lb dumb bells wrapped in a towel in the front compartments. The motor didnt come out as much -seemed to push the bow down about 2″. It did feel more stable too. I had tried that in the past but it wasnt rough enough to get a good feel then but after today I could feel the difference. Sunday we have a tournament and wind is suppose to be howling. Maybe Ill try 20 lb dumb bells

[RandyTaylor]

1-3 gallons an outing?! 6-7 gallons? What are you guys fishing on, farmponds?! I burn 20-25 gallons on Conroe every outing and 60-80 gallons in a tournament here.http://www.vrbo.com/297770

[schodackbassman]

Lake Champlain isnt exactly a farm pond but more time fishing and less time running tends to reduce fuel consumption. More time fishing can put more fish in the boat too….

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