Why are some Boat Hulls heavy and some are Lite?

O

oldboy

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Sep 24, 2006
RO Number
23605
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Hi Im new to boat ownership.
I purchase a 1972 SEARAY SRV200 avicado color.
with 165 inline six motor. Im restoring it.
Its on a 5900LBS Steel frame duel axle trailer.
My qestion is why is the boat so heavy?
The tires show alot of "load weight" I have tires at 35PSI.
There is no water inside boat hull.
Just how thick is the fiberglass on my SEARAY SRV200 Boat Hull? It seems like a super strong Hull. And has anyone ever take one of these off shore? Or is it too small?
 
35 psi??? Are these trailer tires indicated by a "ST" on the sidewall? If you're using passenger car tires, you're headed for a heap of trouble! Trailer tire psi's are from 50 psi and up depending on size.
 
Comparing the rating of the trailer to the actual weight of the boat is meaningless. That trailer sounds like overkill for that size boat - no way you need dual axles.

If you want to find out the real weight of the boat, weigh the boat and trailer on a truck scale, then take the boat off and weigh the trailer. The difference is what your boat weighs.
 
Thank You for the information.
Anyone know the Fiberglass thickness/construction on my boat Hull?

I see it has alot of sealed foam in the hull.
Foam is dry and good.
Im still wondering why the weight of my SEARAY is so much?
Yes my tires are under inflated.
If a boat has a light Hull; Then is the boat not as strong as a heavy Hull boat?
And will a heavy Hull boat handle bad weather better?
 
Hulls used to be made much thicker than they are now.

It's from a variety of factors including: not fully understanding the strength of fiberglass back then, the cost of materials (higher now), overall contruction cost (higher now) and energy needed to move the boat - lighter=less fuel burn. Also part of is is the intended use of the boat. Off-shore needs more durabiity and a thicker hull. Also newer materials have higher strength and can be made thinner.
 
Thank You! b arrington.
I did not think the Epoxy,Polyester Resin & fiberglass cloth was any different from 30 yr's ago to today? Today we have Carbon fiber. You make a boat with Carbon fiber & Epoxy resin you have a lite strong hull. Seems to me the old Thick heavy Hulls should be stronger and last longer?
So is a SEARAY SRV200 made to be a OFF-SHORE boat?
Anyone out there ever own one and can tell me how it handles?
 
You may have waterlogged core, foam, or stringers in the boat. Did you have it surveyed before purchase?
 
Yeah, like Mike says. Boats tend to get heavier with age (not a good thing) and that one 35 years old.
 
What do you mean by "off shore?"

Any boat can go out in the ocean on a calm day, you have to learn the capabilites of yourself and your boat, then keep a close eye on the weather before you decide to go anywhere.
 
Water Logged?
I check that first thing. Foam is Dry & good.
The boat is on a trailer & cover is on it.
In Texas we get 100+ Degree's. So in this OVEN/DRY Heat. I dont think its water logged.
In fact it has not ben in the water for over a year now.
So im wondering how Fiberglass weighs more as it gets older?
HOGAN I do not know if this SEARAY was Design to go in the Ocean-Off-Shore?
I thought some boats are only for small fresh water lakes?
 
Basic ????. What makes you think this boat is heavy?
If you find a boat made with carbon fiber, you better break out more than one wallet to pay for it. Generally, boats made today have more coring. That makes them lighter & actually even stronger. IF, the coring & skins are built correctly.
Al
 
What makes me think it is Heavy? Its only 20' and is about 2300 Lbs/just the boat.
The fiberglass must be a solid 2" thick. Or there is Bricks in it.
Im afraid to put it in the water it might sink.
I gess when I get done restoring it and put it in the water for the first time I will cross my fingers hope it wont sink.
 
It's simple, call Searay and ask them what the original wt was and compare to what it is today.
 
You can get a copy of the original brochure from 1972 on an archive in Searays website. Your boat is listed as a 19' 7" centerline with an approximate weight of 2350 in an IO configuration. That doesn't sound all that heavy considering my previous boat was a Wellcraft 24 Cuddy and weighed in at around 3400 dry not including the outboard engine.

Also looking at the brochure this boat is more of a runabout or day cruiser that I would stay in the bay with. Maybe venture out on a super nice calm day if you wanted to take a look around in the ocean.
 
OK I will check all the internet sites and educate my self.
I think I will not try taking it in the Gulf of Mexico.
But may be some Fresh water Large Texas Lakes fishing.
Thank You everyone.
 
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