Hard Ride with half fuel

Jpilot · #1 12-30-2003, 02:13 AM

I have a 80' 23 CC with a full transom and Armstrong Bracket. If my fuel get's below half, The boat will ride very hard and pound in a head sea. It never had this problem before I installed the bracket. I am wondering if my fuel tank is too far aft for the change in configuration. I am thinking about putting a portable water tank that I can fill with my washdown pump and put in the fish box while offshore to add ballast. Has anyone else had this problem? Looking for suggestions.

lost2a6 · #2 12-30-2003, 07:23 AM

This seems to be a common problem when adding a bracket. You have changed the center of gravity on the boat by installing the bracket, making the bow lighter when on plane. This makes the boat faster, but will have more bounce. I would add trim tabs first and use them to bring the bow back down. If still not satisfied then move the tank forward.

Brian Rice · #3 12-30-2003, 11:52 AM

Do you have trim tabs? I know with my boat when I get lighter forward I have to dig the bow in more in a head sea. Seems to be an easier solution than moving or adding weight.

Jpilot · #4 12-30-2003, 12:16 PM

I have tabs and have played with all settings. I have owned the boat for several years, but just recenltly installed the bracket. It has the classic Sea Craft sea eatin ride when heavy, but the ride deteriorates exponentially when the boat lightens up. I am on my way out to run the boat today to burn off fuel for more test runs.

JohnS · #5 01-01-2004, 01:06 AM

Trim tabs fixed that problem when I had my 20MA. I hated it until I figured out where to set the tabs.