"You're going to need a bigger boat"

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"You're going to need a bigger boat" (Read 4880 times)

Shaka

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"You're going to need a bigger boat"
Jun 2^nd, 2011 at 1:33pm

Went out to LBJ for Memorial weekend. Wind advisory all weekend. Went for a short run over to Sunrise Beach area and got us all soaking wet. The chop was pretty tough on my little 20' runabout. Brought all the toys, but it was just too rough to wakeboard, ski, or tube.

I have twofootitis as it is, but after this weekend, I really want a larger boat.

What's a good runabout size to handle chop? 25'?

What is the tipping point for small block vs. big block relative to boat length?

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Captain YARRR

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Doing the rain dance

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Re: "You're going to need a bigger boat"
Reply #1 - Jun 3^rd, 2011 at 8:32am

I think you stick to the lakes smaller and smoother than Travis, so 25' would probably be the starting point for a really smooth ride.

I've been shopping a lot this Spring and it looks like once you start passing that 24'/25' mark, most engine packages start getting to be big blocks. I'm sure you could find small blocks, but there's probably a good reason for them being more uncommon in that size. I'm guessing torque Wink

2005 Sunsation Dominator 32 MCOB - twin 6.3L
2004 Dodge Viper SRT-10: 460 RWHP, 503 RWTQ

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PDubs

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Re: "You're going to need a bigger boat"
Reply #2 - Jun 3^rd, 2011 at 8:47am

My brother-in-law came down to deliver the boat we purchased from him in March a few years ago and noticed how choppy our lake can get (Travis). He mentioned nothing less than 25' if you want to enjoy the lake whenever you want and deal with the wind/cruiser chop. I'm glad we listened to him.

Larger boats seem to dictate larger blocks for obvious reasons. Although even bigger boats can have a pair of small blocks, you're now you're getting into maintenance of two engines.

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Owtlaw

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Re: "You're going to need a bigger boat"
Reply #3 - Jun 3^rd, 2011 at 12:16pm

25 is a good minimum for Travis. And forget about deck boat style boats regardless of size. You want a deep V hull. Small block or big block is more a function of weight and personal preference rather than length. I'm a fan of small blocks in runabouts, and would go with twin small blocks in a cruiser over one big block. Manuverability and the ability to limp home on one are nice.

Owtlaw
Currently Boatless

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Captain YARRR Admin Offline Doing the rain dance Posts: 2587 Round Rock, TX Gender:	Re: "You're going to need a bigger boat" Reply #4 - Jun 5^th, 2011 at 7:45pm I think Shaka rarely does Travis, but maybe he would with a bigger boat! I saw a 20' Celebrity like yours on Saturday, they do look a little small to handle much chop.
Back to top	2005 Sunsation Dominator 32 MCOB - twin 6.3L 2004 Dodge Viper SRT-10: 460 RWHP, 503 RWTQ IP Logged

nathan Lake Admiral Offline Going Home !!!!! Posts: 2120 Leander, TX Soon Gender:	Re: "You're going to need a bigger boat" Reply #5 - Jun 5^th, 2011 at 8:43pm I spent alot of summers on lbj. my grandpa had a lake house in sunrise beach. the boat we had were 18 foot sea ray and starcraft. the chop could get bad. we usually tried to get in sink with the waves so it would not be so bad.
Back to top	My Happy place is on a boat at the lake with my kids!! current boats: 1983 chaparral 235 XLC (restoration) 1977 playcraft p24 pontoon (parents own now I am the mechanic) 1975 skeeter hawk (on hold) IP Logged

Shaka

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Re: "You're going to need a bigger boat"
Reply #6 - Jun 7^th, 2011 at 1:14pm

Captain YARRR wrote on Jun 5^th, 2011 at 7:45pm:

I think Shaka rarely does Travis, but maybe he would with a bigger boat!

I saw a 20' Celebrity like yours on Saturday, they do look a little small to handle much chop.

It seems like a lifetime ago I used to go to Travis all the time. Getting married and four kids (11 years) later, I must admit I rarely go to Travis. Don't tell the wife, but I do miss "the cove" scenery.

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