Hi men , new member to the forum. Bought myself an 18ft 7" MCA fisher supreme, i have ordered a honda 10hp for it , i fish the lochs and sea lochs of scotland, will i need a boat hydrofoil that i have seen talked about on here or will i get away with ballast, to let you understand i mostly fish solo and you know how we can get caught out in bad weather. I would be much obliged for advice as i have not seen any other good irish fishing boats over here.

Cheers Big Dee

Welcome to the forum mate ,

I just add weight to the front of mine , how much all depends on the day , anything from 25-50 kg seems to do me . The reason I add weight is it not worth messing with fins for me as the engine I am using at the moment is only a 5 hp . Remember though adding weight will slow you down .

You have 3 options ...

1: Add some weight .
2: Add a fin to the back of the boat .
3: Add the fins to your engine .

What ever you choose remember getting the boat to plane nice and flat is all well and good , I am not keen on the way this can make the boat nose dive into big waves .

All depends how rough the weather is you fish in ?? With any fins you would still be better with some weight when out in some proper weather as boats can and do flip from time to time .
I like to have just enough weight that I feel the boat will not flip on me from either a wave of the wind+wave catching the underside , but just little enough that the nose is slightly up .

Another thing you need to think about it with fins added there is the thing that when steering the boat will act a hell of a lot different to one that has no fins , it will roll a lot . Also if it is fitted to the back of the boat don't reverse to quickly

At the end of the day it is all about pros and cons , thinking about what you will gain over what you will lose , and what you actually need and want from your boat and engine , and what conditions you will be out in ??

Probably not a lot of help really but there you go .......

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Your fish ----> ><((((º> My fish ----> ><(((((((((º>
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Cheers Danny

Co-Founder of S.S.F.D 2010

Danny will ya give it up!!!!!!!! I seem to remember 1 or 2 hairy days mate on the lough.......... I seen one man in a boat that was doing break dancing with a bit of hip hop and some rock n roll throw in for good measure on a day when sheelin turned contrary......... Wonder who that was danny.........,

HOWS THE BOAT COMING ON, PARKED MINE UP, GOING DOWN TOMORROW TO SORT OUT ANOTHER BOAT.. WHEN WILL YOU BE DOWN BUD,

Thanks very much Danny for the advice .Think i will go with your idea, a couple of 5 gallon drums of water and i can empty them for the trip home .

Much obliged mate

Big Dee

Hahaha yes , you know me though , not a day yet I have been blown off the lough , been a few though where I drop to my knees and kiss the ground when back on shore safe and sound ! , was out yesterday and it was uuummmm a little lumpy

Just leaving the boat for good weather , letting it all dry out proper . Have keys for someones elses boat that I can use as and when I like

---------- Post added at 04:34 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:33 PM ----------

No problem , good luck

__________________
Your fish ----> ><((((º> My fish ----> ><(((((((((º>
__________________

Cheers Danny

Co-Founder of S.S.F.D 2010