A few caveats before I begin:
1.) This is a “making what I have work situation”, I want a new/better suited/ longer boat but that is not an option right now.
2.) I know this website is called MudMotorTalk.com. Its not powered by mudmotor, but it is boat related and this boat is used for duck hunting and fishing like most people on this site.
3.)I have used the search feature and or read all of the posts since the new site started.

Alright here is my situation. I have an old light weight riveted 14’ jon boat with an older 9.9 Johnson. I bought this set up when I was 16 and I have not had the funds to replace it, yet. I loved the setup then and it still serves its purpose as a small, maneuverable boat with under 10 horsepower (some places I go have 10 hp limit of some kind or another). Well that was 8 years, many workouts, and meals ago. I am now having a problem getting the boat on step running empty. I am sure all 230 pounds of me plus the motor and gas tank sitting on the a$$ end of a short boat is the problem. I can get the boat to plane if I move all my anchors and tools to the bow of the boat, also making my dog sit up front helps. So here are my questions and goals that are somewhat interrelated to my boat problem:

1.) Will welding a bead under the transom or wedges help enough to justify the expense? (I know prices will vary but what would this cost me on say an average ball park figure to have done?)

2.) If I move the gas tank up front will my factory fuel pump on my outboard be able to pull fuel that far?

3.) I don’t want to just add weight up front because, well, it is just a 9.9 and doesn’t need any help being slow.

Thanks in advance.

Move the tank up front, & lose as much of the extra stuff as possible. You said "anchors" I'm just curious, but how many, what type, & what size are they? Not to be a dic, but it's just a lil 14' riveted boat, you shouldn't need but 1 small Danforth type anchor for that rig. I'm thinkin you've probably acquired a bunch of crap over the past 8 yrs that have weighed you down. I mean 1 sheet of paper weighs nothing, but a case of paper weighs ~50 lbs, know what I mean?

I know what you mean. The boat is bare bones, and there is not enough room to accumulate much junk. All that is in the boat are my two anchors, and small ammo can (.30 cal I believe) that has a few hand tools, a spare prop (remember its a 9.9= 9" prop), and my registration papers. That’s it.

On my two anchors, I have two mushroom/dead weight type anchors. Actually, they are just blocks of scrap steel, 10-15 pounds if I had to guess. One for the bow and one for the stern, to keep the boat from swinging when fishing. I only carry both of them when fishing, during the winter its one anchor or even none, because there is not much need to anchor in green timber. I know weight is always an issue; that is why I stated I did not want to just add weight to the front. Thanks for the input though.

So do you believe my old stock 9.9 factory fuel pump can effectively pull from the tank 14' away? I ask because I know a lot guys on here run auxiliary e-pumps for their MM’s.

If you use 1/4 or 5/16 line, it should be ok. It won't actually be but about 10' or so away.

sounds like you need one o dem whale-tail things on ya foot.
before you go welding beads across the transom you can run a rope around there coming over the top and tighten it real tight just to see what happens.

i have seen where a 1/2 " rope brought the bow down enough to make a 32 foot skiff plane off.

make sure its tight or its goin in the wheel.

Its all about the weight distribution you dont want all your wieght in the back because it squats, and too much above the rake will push it down too flat and it will plow.

You need to get your wieght perfectly balanced side to side and a good bit around the start of the rake switch it around some in the boat until you find the sweet spot. Just moving a cranking battery has made the diff. in plaining a 500 lb load in my 14' before.

Also, if you have been using that boat in the woods that long there is a good chance that the bottom is beaten up that makes a difference too.

I ran the same rig you're talking about for a long time before I got my lt. if you can get access to the material id say build a hydrofoil for it. I'm sure you could buy one if you wanted but if you got the tools they're easy to make. I put it on mine and it made a big difference for me.

Id think you could be running better than that. I could step my 14x42 w/9.9 Tohatsu with me and 2 teenage kids, dog and hunting gear. With just me, 80lb dog and fishing gear I have hit 22 mph before on my GPS. That Tohatsu is the best damn small OB I have ever seen. I had my gas tank up front and put my gear up that way too when it was just me. Never had a fuel issue.

Start jogging cut weight!

Getting there. I've already lost 20 pounds since April. I had to relearn how to eat. Getting older, trading my work boots and jeans for suits and ties. In case you guys didn’t know this, but you don't burn near as many calories sitting behind a desk turning pages as you do pouring concrete. Plus, I look damn near anorexic if I get below 215. I got sick one time and got down to 205 and my wife said I didn’t even look like myself. I am a big guy with a big frame, not a fat azz; I haven’t weighed less than 200 pounds since I was in junior high.

But thanks for the constructive criticism and your practical suggestions on how to fix my BOAT. (Insert sarcasm font). If I had feelings, and gave a damn, I think I would go cry myself to sleep in a pile of Twinkies.

How is your prop? Could be time for a new one!

Start practicing law and sell those dang horses and you will have enough money to buy a new boat. LOL!!!!

Of course im gonna call you out bro! I actually know you! Better get cracking on those books, so you can pass the bar in 9 days.

Update.

I moved my gas tank up front and solved 90% of my problem. I purchased some heavy duty 3/8" fuel line from NAPA. It was $1.90 a foot (versus $1.20 for the regular). I took the fittings off an old setup and put the primer bulb back by the motor. It took 15' and my 9.9 had no problems with fuel delivery. I also tried that rope trick mentioned above and holy crap! I used some 3/8" rope and there was zero bow rise. In fact it pushed my bow lower when I was under way than where it sat while standing still. The rope caused noticeable drag and I lost speed off my top end but the boat ran level flat at all speeds. I even moved the fuel tank back to the rear and all my other gear in the boat back and it still ran flat.

Thanks for the help guys. Just thought I would share the results.

Let's see some pics SMartin!!!

SMartin: My name is dguidry and I'm a lawyer; have been for 30 years. Glad you came out, too. The support group needs you. If you feel the urge relapse into normalcy you can call me anytime.

Reread his post. He was called out. He didn't want to fall into the stereotype you portray on this site. He has an aluminum boat and is on the right.

Guess your still gonna be a loner.

Have a good night.

It's all good Guidry. Water off a ducks back pal. I was just stating the obvious.

Reason he was called out is bc he is one of my best friends in real life and I felt the need to tell MMT! LOL!