need expert advice.. re-powering a hull

[oldredsled]

not a design question ..per say.

I have a 1996 18' mako pro guide flats.

actual length is 17' 8" with a 8' bottom. Hull weight is 950lbs. and the bottom looks more like a gheenoe than a regular simple modified v or flat bottom design..

its currently powered by a 1996 yamaha that weighs 426lbs.

I am wondering if moving down to a 90 yamaha 2 stroke (weight) 261lbs would get it to float in 6" in the hole (it currently floats about 8").

Reason.

I like to fish several creek marsh drainage's on the out going tides that empty out onto a flat that gets about 6" at low. i can poll about 1/4 mile to deeper water to get the boat up but i currently get stuck if i fish the entire tide. A lot of the guides fish hulls that claim 4-6" drafts (hells bay and East cape skiffs) and after my 6 hour "picnic" Saturday, now i know why.. stuck boats dont float :-( ...

so will dropping 165 lbs off the back help my cause or not gain me that much?

thanks
joshua

P.S i did drop as much weight off the boat as possible. I run a 12V trolling motor battery that i also use to crank the big motor (with a low voltage cut off) other than that its just me and the rods.

[michael pierzga]

I have no experience with your type of boat but I'm sure the result will be a better skiff. Lighter hence Easier to manhandle , better self bailing and trim.

Dont know if you will lose 2 inches of draft, but you will definately float higher . Those big heavy 4 strokes are a curse for small boats . a 90hp 2 stroke will definitely make a 18ft, 1000lb boat fly.

[Easy Rider]

Redsled,
I agree 100% w Michael. May not need that much power either. An idea ...when you get to the river mouth how much weight can you move fwd easily? If your fuel tanks aren't fixed that could raise the stern quite a bit.