Bought First Boat (used)

[Raye7r]

Been thinking about a boat for awhile. Wife saw one this week end, went and BOUGHT Tracker Tadpole 12 ft with Nissan 5 HP 4 stroke motor, trolling motor, and trailer for $850. Looks brand new and I know the guy pretty well. Anyway, it is my first boat, planning on Wabash river navigating/fishing. I have a lot to learn, but main question NOW: My grandson and I or my wife and I will exceed the MAXIMUM weight listed by probably 50 to 100 pounds. Do CO's ticket for overloaded boats on the Wabash? Thanks for you answers in advance.

 

[IndyGunworks]

I doubt that will ever become an issue... just have your wife lie about her weight

 

[churchmouse]

Be very careful in that little boat.

 

[1DOWN4UP]

If the engine is over 5 years old,change the impeller.(waterpump)

 

[bwframe]

Be very careful in that little boat.

This right here! ^^^

Dunno if you'll have CO problems, but I'd be a lot more worried about undercurrents, drowning, silver carp, losing all your stuff, etc.

I'd sure check with experienced people on whether that's enough boat for that water.

A man died a few hundred yards from me on flat water on Lake Lemon earlier this year. A wake from a pontoon capsized the jon boat and the poor fellow had a heart attack while struggling in the water.

 

[Cameramonkey]

Don't do it. Just don't. Dad and I tried it and failed miserably doing something similar. We couldn't run above half power (on a 1.75hp) without water spilling over the transom.

ETA: and we werent overweight... we were still a solid 25 under/

 

[Fishersjohn48]

100 lbs overweight with your grandson in the boat and your worried about the CO?

 

[churchmouse]

100 lbs overweight with your grandson in the boat and your worried about the CO?

Yup.......I had a budy with a similar boat and we had to retrieve it twice. It has not been wet since.

 

[Fishersjohn48]

Yup.......I had a budy with a similar boat and we had to retrieve it twice. It has not been wet since.

That's what I'm saying. Far bigger problems than the CO

 

[bwframe]

Check the weight capacity without the gas motor and fuel. If you pass weight restrictions and wear your vests, Greene Sullivan has some great electric motor only flat water lakes. I'd much rather start on flat water, not dealing with powerboat wakes or river currents.

 

[oldpink]

What?
And you didn't at least make an offer for Donnie Baker's first?

 

[Raye7r]

Well you have scared the hell out of me. I have no experience. Grandson is 20 and is bigger then me. Will try to get out of it, paid them but did not pick up yet. I can picture getting pinned against something cross ways to current and being pushed under. Dang Dang Dang I appreciate your comments (except for fishersjohn48 or whatever} Thanks

 

[embmtxatl]

I wouldn't do it. Its going to create an imbalance either in the front or back. So you will either have water close to coming over the transom or when you stop or hit a wave it might cause it to come over the bow.