I have a 1993 16 ' Tide Craft with a 115 evenrude.  I am a pretty big fellow, 6'3" and 350 lbs.  My boat belonged to my father in law who passed away a coupe of years ago, and I was able to buy it from my brother in law.  It is sentimental and has only been in the water 4 times.  

With my "portly" size it leans and can't get it up on plane without scaring the bejesus out of me and then the steering becomes an issue.  I have seen fisherman bigger than me in 16' bassboats.  Is it the way the boat is made or do I just need a bigger boat???

I really love this website and all of you helpfull folks that don't beat up the new guys or gals

Thank you,

Dingo Dan

I'm a big guy too. Not 350 , but 290 and I fish from a 17 1/2 footer with a 75hp. It leans, but It can get on plane fast so that is not a problem. One thing I did was try to put some of the weight on the other side of the boat. I have 4 batteries in my boat. 2 sit in the middle, but 2 sit on the opposite side as me. in the back, It helps alot. also if you have two live wells and can fill one not the other. fill the one on the opposite side as you this might help also.

The planing might be the boat, not sure, but I know 3 guys with 16 foot bass boats with 115hp, all 3 different boats and motors, and all 3 have planing problems

Don't really no the area you are from but there are guys that are crack at boat set up everywere.

You likely have a prop problem along with motor hieght.

2 blade prop are fastes

3 blade not as fast and wieght senistive the more wieght huge dropoff of speed and holeshot.

4 blade not as fast but better at holeshot and very little dropoff of speed and good holeshot.

5 blade really slow compared to 3 blade, wicked holeshot almost no dropoff with added wieght.

You need to set your boat up for what you do most if it's tourneys thats 2 big guys, ton of equipment and livewell full of water and fish(hopefully).

This site goes everywere just post area and somebody will no who can help. Theres marinas that will lend props to try until you find the one.

Garnet

Garnet

I appriciate the impute and advice.  I have three batteries all on the driver side.

I appriciated both of you responding so quickly, weather is good and I need to be fishing.  

By the way I live by and fish on Beaver Lake in Northwest Arkansas.  

God Bless America our Troops and the Arkansas Razorbacks