Sea Ray 175 in the waves. Advice needed, I can not seem to trim down enough. Change Prop?

@97Alpha175 if I read your first post correctly, you have limited experience and many members with years of experience in a variety of sizes of boats have responded.
Here are my thoughts. I believe in salt water there is a buoyancy difference compared to fresh water. That may cause your boat to react somewhat differently in its handling.

I kept my 21’ Sea Ray only on a group smaller lakes and a connected river. I wouldn’t think about taking it out on Lake Michigan. It was designed and better suited for those smaller bodies of water. Could it handle nice days on Lake Michigan? Sure. But conditions can change rapidly and I never pushed boundaries.
With my 40’ Sedan Bridge, I usually hesitate taking it out on Lake Michigan in anything over 2’ waves. Not because of the boat as it can handle more than I can handle but because experience has shown me that my guests usually will not enjoy the cruise. If I go fast it’s too bouncy and if I go slow someone will get sick from the rolling motion.
Have I been in 3’ to 4’ waves? Yes! Do I want to be there again? Not really. It’s too much work and stress worrying about everything.
Hopefully, you can see from my experiences that a small boat is not a big water vessel.
 
97Alpha175 said:
I agree jmauld wind, tide, weather forceasts in general are priority always (I have a pilots liscense and understand prioritizing weather). I think people have a misunderstanding of my intentions but I appreciate the concern! I do.
I think it is hard to express my intentions clearly so maybe this will help: (all caps are for emphasis, I am not yelling) I PLAN to drive in UP TO 1ft waves when I go out and would like the most control possible. Currently I do not have to trim up much to smooth out driving on plane and would prefer MORE TRIM CONTROL in general.
I am PLANNING to AVOID anything over 1.5 ft waves. I know things do not always go to plan so in the WORST case scenario and I have to tackle 2- 3ft waves I want to have as much control as I possibly can (maximize the capability of my boat). It is rated as a class C boat so it should have a hull that can take these conditions.
If you think I do not recognize whatever, that could be true I have no experience boating. But know I am NOT trying to go out in 4ft, 3ft, or even 2ft seas. So whatever you feel is concerning I probably would too.
I am trying to express that I feel my boat should be able to handle some waves. 1.5 - 2ft was manageable when I went out in it (NOT ENJOYABLE) there was very minimal ALMOST NO porpoising and NO water came aboard. When I would porpoise I had no more bow down to trim in.
I would NOT consider planning a day of cruising in these conditions FUN or a GOOD PLAN for me to go out in. I imagine everyone here has planned for the best and run into something worse. Being prepared is everything. I am just trying to be prepared for weather worse than what I expect to be in.
I did not buy this boat with the expectations of blasting off to the Bahamas. Their are some islands a couple miles out in the area I live and it would be cool to go out to them IN CALM WATERS. Early morning or evening hours low wind and calm weather in general on the ocean is my plan.
I am actually surprised that no one has tried to explain the conditions my boat SHOULD stay in or what they think it CAN handle. Not once. I only hear ridicule about me personally or my boat and I wouldn't go out in those conditions personally.
I am not sure why everyone is trying to tell me I am diluted or implying I am not listening, and exaggerating my expectations. If you feel my boat can not handle certain conditions explain the conditions you think it CAN handle and what to avoid. Telling me my boat is too small and exaggerating my intentions doesn't help.
I am leaving this thread with a hint toward propellers that help lift the stern and smart tabs. I am very thankful for the information and concern.
I will plan to keep my boat in the bathtub where it belongs from now on. J/K
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Ok. It’s pretty simple. Your boat is made for small inland lakes. It’s a fun boat for tubing, skiing etc with the small kids. Maybe some light fishing with the kids. Small inland lakes rarely have waves to worry about.

Frankly, you’re taking some of the comments way too personal. You’re trying to adapt that boat for something it wasn’t designed for. You’re going to spend a few bucks and may not achieve the results you’re looking for. To each his own I guess.
 
I agree with the above about spending some time by yourself learning how to operate the boat safely.

Also, there are lots of YouTube videos that help with rough water suggestions. For example this video:

Actually, if you’re a new boater, watch all of their stuff. They put things in very clear terms. Keep in mind they are in a 32’ deep-v center console in 3’ seas. That boat is far more capable than your boat, and some of their suggestions will not work for you. You’ll also notice that they are standing/leaning instead of sitting in rough water. Something that you can’t safely do in your boat.


In that video above, you’ll also see that they generally suggest trim tabs up, which reduces their effect. What I don’t like about smart tabs, is that you can’t control them yourself. They do provide a benefit, but there are times when you need to make the adjustments yourself. They are always trying to make the boat level, which can make things worse in rough water.

Hopefully, you’re coming to terms that your boat is a fair weather boat. So is my 39’ Sundancer. There’s no way I would take it into the conditions that searay claims it is rated for. Those conditions would most certainly damage the boat. Nor would I follow a 39’ sport fisher out into rough seas thinking that I could keep up with them. It’s just not what my boat was made for.
 
97, there's no way to tell you EXACTLY what the boat can handle and can't handle. There are just WAY too many variables.

You talked about a scenario where you just couldn't get the bow to stop bouncing and had the drive tucked all the way in. In that scenario, you are going to fast. Slow down.

But, if you read my post, I DID say it can handle the type of weather you're talking about. Now, how well it handles it is up to you. But "
 
I had a SR180 for a number of years and on the weekends I could not compete with all the cruisers on the river. I normally stayed out of the channel and just putted along during the busy times of the day. Once I actually made myself seasick with how that boat was handling the waves. It was terrible at times.

There must be something with that hull design where other marks seem to slice through the chop effortlessly.

When I moved up to a Sundancer a number of years ago the extra weight was fantastic for smoothing things out.
 
I've had a few boats and been in just about any conceivable water in those boats. I'm assuming you are talking about waves with short periods.
With the size of your boat, the way you are loading the boat, and the waves you are talking about, there is really no way to make the boat comfortable at any planing speeds. Trim too far down and you will be taking a lot of water over the bow and trim too far up and the bow will porpoise badly. Trim too far up and you will risk a wave over the back and swamping the boat. I think you'll find there is no happy spot for the conditions you are trying to navigate comfortably.
 
scoflaw said:
This knucklehead sent me 4 PM's yesterday to tell me I'm a bully for suggesting he needs a bigger boat for him and his 4 friends. Can you say "WOKE"
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jmauld said:
HOW DARE YOU!
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Yea, karen, er, I mean Karl PMed me also.
Here's the beginning:

"Hello Sir or Madam,

I am not sure what compelled you to comment in my thread about possible props to help my porpoising problem, but I did not appreciate it."

And here's the end.
"Your photo and two comments took up almost an entire page and only distract from the usefulness of the thread for present and future readers.
I would like to kindly ask you to refrain from posting in my threads if you have no comments that specifically pertain to the thread topic."

I'll spare you guy's the detail's.
 
Scoflaw how dare you. He needs plywood or a bigger boat. Hell I want a bigger boat. Hopefully that comes with time we'll see how things go but for now it's a 2:15 weekender and that's what I got that's what I use Hope you're back up here need to hook up this year I will be taking days off during the week thanks man
 
Scott215 said:
Scoflaw how dare you. He needs plywood or a bigger boat. Hell I want a bigger boat. Hopefully that comes with time we'll see how things go but for now it's a 2:15 weekender and that's what I got that's what I use Hope you're back up here need to hook up this year I will be taking days off during the week thanks man
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That's a good point. Plywood on the bow with a honda generator mounted on top for forward ballast would transform the boat to an off-shore beast!
 
97alpha has accused me of roughness, ridicule, bashing, and a lack of politeness. He has me lumped in with the rest of you insensitive brutes.:( I'm hurt of course but in time I'll heal.

Captain 97alpha just needs more water time, he'll find his own answers, discover some new boating truths....

captain.JPG
 
He should probably post the question on the Hull Truth boating website. Lots of experienced big water boaters on that site, and they tend to be much more supportive and coddling to inexperienced boaters that post questions and then challenge the answers they get. ;)
 
Just for posterity SCOFLAW talks trash in all my posts here are my private messages with him:
Hello Sir or Madam,

I am kindly asking you to please refrain from posting in my threads in the future. I do not appreciate you minimizing my concerns or you ridiculing me.
Because there is no block feature the forum allows you to do what you like, but I would ask you please stop commenting in any thread that I have started.
I hope you understand that our arguing has no place in a forum made to help people learn. Our childish bickering only distracts from the threads purpose.

-Thank you

SCOFLAW:
Dude I'm trying to give you friendly advice the way you perceive it is on you. I've been here a long time you are a newbie toughen up grasshopper

97Alpha175:
Just read your response just now and pretend someone wrote you this message. Your fault, your a newbie, toughen up... Come on you really don't see it?
You come off as a bully. I am tough, real world tough, trust me. I do not need to bash people in a forum to prop myself up.
When I asked you to explain your "friendly advice" you did not you just tried to bad mouth me. Now again friendly advice? I asked how to improve my boat and you say buy a new one. HAHAHA what a funny demeaning comment. That is either taking a shot at my boat or just ignoring my questions. I did not ask if I needed a new boat nor did I say I wanted to drive it in the conditions you said I did.
You exaggerate and add things I did not say to try and make your comment sound solid. That is called ridicule.
You do not see it but you are being rude and off topic.

Again please just stay away from my threads. It is your decision, but it only starts arguments. Unless that is what you are here for.


SCOFLAW:
And then you just referenced me ? you little prick


97Alpha175:
Yeah big prick. Push and I push back. Last comment/response from me. I think I said my piece.

SCOFLAW:
I'm not done with you yet like I said I'm a well respected member of this forum for a very long time so a little puke like you doesn't stand much chance

END:
Guys I do not need coddling and far from woke, but this is my point why are you all here to bash newbies and put us down. The forum is a place for learning and sharing, you are all jaded and think everyone is lesser and making bad decisions.
You would rather spend time criticizing then getting to the point of the thread and just be specific. Saying over and over that my boat can't handle the "situation", or "those conditions" when not clarifying is not helpful. You guys were clearly misunderstanding me. You could have just got to the point and said dude your boat can handle maybe 2ft at best and be careful. But you all had some assumptions about my actions, intentions, or decision making.. Some of you were polite and thanks, and others bashed but provided good info so thanks to I guess.
If you see the same 4 or 5 voices on here it is because you have made people feel unwelcome.
I am out and you guys can continue to jump on newbies for being in the same place you all were at one point.
 
Here is the full message to TECHMITCH leaving out the rest makes it sound like I am being unreasonable:

Hello Sir or Madam,

I am not sure what compelled you to comment in my thread about possible props to help my porpoising problem, but I did not appreciate it.
It seemed you were trying to put me down or make me somehow look ungrateful. I do not know your intention but at the least it was far off point to the discussion. If you have any questions that you would like to clear up or something you would like to say please private message me. Your photo and two comments took up almost an entire page and only distract from the usefulness of the thread for present and future readers.
I would like to kindly ask you to refrain from posting in my threads if you have no comments that specifically pertain to the thread topic.

-Thank you
END:

I think that is fair. He jumped on to insinuate I am ungrateful is just a distraction to the thread, whats the point. He can PM me. Call me whatever but I am trying to air my grievances off the thread and keep things civil. I am here to learn not bash each other and try and make someone look bad by ganging up and using ridicule. Most of these forums are not a social hangout. You guys seem to use it as such.
 
Yeah scoflow and tech are dicks. Stay away from those guys. You should message Paul Hughes for direct advice. He’s the resident expert, but he only responds in private.
 
jmauld said:
Yeah scoflow and tech are dicks. Stay away from those guys. You should message Paul Hughes for direct advice. He’s the resident expert, but he only responds in private.
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Well if you are serious, I reached out to an Admin on how to block someone but he did not answer if it is possible.

Also Espos4 the ignore feature still allows them to post in my threads, I just won't see it. That kind of defeats the purpose of why I want to block. I would like to see their posts so I can defend myself, I just want them out of my threads if they are not going to contribute and be civil.
 
Lazy Daze said:
97, there's no way to tell you EXACTLY what the boat can handle and can't handle. There are just WAY too many variables.

You talked about a scenario where you just couldn't get the bow to stop bouncing and had the drive tucked all the way in. In that scenario, you are going to fast. Slow down.

But, if you read my post, I DID say it can handle the type of weather you're talking about. Now, how well it handles it is up to you. But "
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I appreciated your post, I did. I just felt I had to spend too much time defending that I am not a speed demon endangering children.
 
@97Alpha175 grow a pair. This is an open public forum. People will post things that you may not like. They may even hijack the thread and go completely off topic. So what. Skip what you don't want to read. But pretty much everything said in this thread has been valid. You're essentially asking how to make a small boat serviceable in some nasty conditions. Go ahead and spend your money on props, tabs, and magic beans. There is loads of experience here that is skeptical. Hopefully, it works out for you.
 
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