posted 07-15-2014 10:10 AM ET (US) I bought my son an old beat up 13 whaler as a pond boat. I put it in our small lake and tied it to the dock for him to use whenever he wanted this summer. It has a battery in the back and a trolling motor. I installed a bilge pump so that I wouldn't have to leave the plug out.
The arrangement is working out great except that water constantly stays pooled in the low spot in the floor under the middle seat leading to a lot of algae growth and staining. there just isn't enough weight in the back without an outboard to keep the water draining to the stern so the bilge can deal with it.
I've considered putting some concrete blocks in the back to weight the stern down but was wondering if anyone else has encountered the problem and come up with a more ingenious solution.
Ll.
macfam
posted 07-15-2014 10:34 PM ET (US)
I don't have the same problem. But instead of using concrete blocks, try a 5 gallon pail. When at rest, simply dip it overboard to fill with water (40+ lbs). Then pour it out when you don't need it. Leave the pail behind , or take it with you.....when empty, it is very light.
Binkster
posted 07-16-2014 10:04 AM ET (US)
I like the pail idea better than concrete blocks. When the boat was new the standard motor used on that boat was a 25 hp OMC that weighed in at just under 100 lbs. So 2 1/2 buckets of water should do the trick, provided the hull isn't waterlogged. rich
Landlocked
posted 07-16-2014 11:43 AM ET (US)
Excellent Suggestion!!!
And, he can use the bucket to carry home all the redear and crappie he's been catching!