Yesterday we took the boat out, two of us for a total of 400 pounds of person weight. Boat was sluggishly different. But with me sitting in the back and partner at the helm, we got the required time at the 3000 rpm and then the required time at 4000 rpms. First run up to 5000 rpms with me in the passenger seat, boat felt a little squirrelly. This went away when I moved to the back again. Then we added 15 gallons of water into the livewell. I was able to return to the passenger seat and the boat handled nicely. So, we began to just explore the lake we were on.
Lake Houston is a fairly large lake at 18.5 square miles, and a 14 foot boat looks very small compared to some of the boats on this lake. Since we just needs to put hours on the motor we went from one end of the lake to the other a few times, crossing our path so we could also reach some of the sides. It was a really nice day and other boats were out on the lake but mostly just bass boats and small Jon boats. Summers this lake has jet skiers, larger pleasure boats pulling the tubes around and so forth. But today we were happy there wasn't much traffic.
After the first 2 or 3 hours of just riding around, my buddy mentioned there was a brewery at the upper end of the lake with a boat dock and everything, so off we went! I was not only thirsty but was getting hungry too. So up the lake we went. We pulled into one of the slips at the marina and tied off. Ana Marie seemed very small compared to all the other boats tied off, but she didn't seem to mind to much. Everyone was sitting out on the patio, so they seen us pull in. Never liked tying off a new boat the first few times with everyone watching your every move. At lease I didn't fall in the water.
. After a few cold beers and a nice lunch, untying seemed easier so off we went. We cruised around a little longer and the clouds started coming in so we called it a day as with the clouds the temps also dropped.My buddy dropped me off at the ramp so I could bring the trailer around. As I was doing so, he started playing out in the lake solo and the boat looked nice running back and forth. There is a no wake zone and he was way past it on a plane. I took pictures but even zoomed in, can't really see the Ana Marie to well. He was taking her up to 5200-5300 rpms and was getting 24-25 mph out of her. I reminded him there was still 15 gallons of water in the back, when he finally pulled up to the trailer. She is very easy to launch and recover.
We both enjoyed that we could easily see around the front of the boat at any speed because of the very short bow deck. When standing it is even better. One of the main things I wanted for the boat was easy to see around the bow, DONE.
I am also happy I put gunnels on the side, spray was coming up the sides starting just aft of center but only collecting on the gunnels and not coming in the boat. With the water temp in the low 50s we didn't want any spray near us. On cold windy days this could become an issue. Think spray rails would be a nice addition to the boat. Maybe in the near future.
The boat needs drink holders for the helm and passenger. I would also like a grab bar for anyone setting at the back and one on the passenger side for standing and rough seas. Already on the list is rod holder (already found one I like) for all rods and a few holders for when lines are out. Also have to come up with a way to get swimmers back in the boat. She has a lot of freeboard even with fat guys in her. Don't see it being to easy to get out of the water without help. I think I have a plan on doing this but need to work out if it will work. Also need a different prop for when she has so much weight in her. WOT rpm was around 5500. Still don't know what it is when I am in her solo.
Overall, she is popular at any dock and a lot of fun just to cruise around in. Will be doing the same next weekend.
A lot of older boats came out today and the 2cycles were smoking badly or not wanting to run at all. Boat ramp had a little oil slick today. Guess I need to add a little spray bottle of Dawn in my tool locker.