On Mon, 5 Nov 2007 15:05:21 -0500, "Eisboch" wrote:


"Chuck Gould" wrote in message
oups.com...
On Nov 5, 11:30?am, "Eisboch" wrote:


Making boats lighter has more implications than saving a few bucks worth
of
fuel.

Leave them heavy and drive slower, I say.

Eisboch


No problem for the trawler class- but as we know there is a point at
which slowing down a planing hull becomes less economical than staying
up on step. If the boat is slightly lighter it may be able to plane
more quickly and stay on plane more efficiently.

Offshore there is no replacement for displacement- but if the family
bow rider destined to zoom around Lake Whatchamacallit on warm summer
afternoons and in fair weather can be lightened up a few hundred
pounds without sacrificing structural integrty- that's probably a good
thing.


Agreed. I thought we were talking about high end sportsfishing boats. To
me, that means an offshore boat, but I hear you.

I learned a lesson about the newer, lighter sportsfishing boats with the Egg
Harbor I had.
Beautiful boat ... well built ... but would loosen your fillings on a rough
outing unless you slowed way down.

I guess that's why I still like the Navigator. Not fast, but fast enough
for fuel efficient cruising (which is my interest) and a soft, comfortable
ride in some fairly heavy seas.

And it doesn't have a low transom.