Adding a front deck question

[Godrew1972]

So I’m trying to add a front deck to my 16ft Starcraft camp. Does adding that deck increase how tippy the boat is while standing? I am thinking that 3/4inch plywood is the way to go. Currently I have a seat attached to the bench that is in the front of the boat. It’s fine for fishing, but a little tight. Any advise before I start drilling is much appreciated. Thanks

[Capt. Debbie]

Ah Ship stability questions... center of gravity vs. center of buoyancy from the Master's exam.

The lower the deck to the water line, or better yet below the water line … the more laterally stable. Meaning less tippy.

Your body weight is simply the weight of your feet on the deck. The higher above water line the more tippy. The lower is improved stability.

Also that assume both feet are directly over the keel. More weight to one side it tilts that way. The further your weight from the keel the more effect like a torque arm. So standing directly over keel- perfect.

Sit on the gunwale furthest from the keel then that is the worst effect your weight will have on tipping or "listing."


Hope that helps you?

Also keep in mind that extra weigh is going to change the running angle due to the additional forward weight you permanently added.


Frank






So I’m trying to add a front deck to my 16ft Starcraft camp. Does adding that deck increase how tippy the boat is while standing? I am thinking that 3/4inch plywood is the way to go. Currently I have a seat attached to the bench that is in the front of the boat. It’s fine for fishing, but a little tight. Any advise before I start drilling is much appreciated. Thanks

[ScowardNJ]

If you are on Facebook, join the Tiny Boat Nation group. Endless amount of information about decking and modifying small boats there.

[bulletbob]

Not a big fan of "add on" decks personally as the boats often aren't designed for them... I just removed the one that was in my Grumman.. Very stout and well built, but hundreds of pounds, of framing, plywood over the framing, seat with pedestal etc really upset the balance and the boat is much better now, sits higher in the water as it should and doesn't plow as much. a LOT less spray over the bow..

It depends on what type of fishing you do I suppose.. Add ons have to be well designed, and light, . If not, they could cause a lot of problems... In small calm lakes where you are not running at speed through rough water, not as much of a problem, but i have seen a lot of boats way too nose heavy due to well constructed, but poorly balanced front casting platforms, added on to open style boats... bob

[Godrew1972]

thanks for the opinions, i think I will leave it alone.
just get a better seat.

[skippy]

I have 1990 14.5 foot StarCraft, which when I bought it in 2000 it had three bench seats. I removed the middle one, decked over the rear and front ones with 3/4 plywood. Also added decking to the middle, where the third bench seat was. Put reinforced seat holders in and added two high fishing seats. Bought a new 2000 Evinrude 9.9 four stroke and have been fishing off of it ever since. It is very stable, it is not tippy at all and you can easily fish 3 guys from it, but I prefer only 2. Hope this helps.