Thinking of getting one for next season - I have been told that the only aluminium boat worth buying is a welded one - apparently riveted ones suck!
http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/...ps7f24e6ac.jpg
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Thinking of getting one for next season - I have been told that the only aluminium boat worth buying is a welded one - apparently riveted ones suck!
http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/...ps7f24e6ac.jpg
Are tunnel boats better suited to jets? Curious mind!
They make 2 different sized tunnels. The prop tunnels are significantly deeper. They are generally not interchangeable as prop tunnels cause cavitation with jets and jet tunnels are too shallow for props. A lot of guys in the southern us use prop tunnels especially in estuary areas with submerged sandbars.
tagged for interest
I have a Crestliner 1860 with a 50 jet but no tunnel or "planing pods". I would go for both of them if you can in the beginning although I would have needed more power. Like already noted, that pic is a prop tunnel, a very different animal from a jet tunnel. I prefer the jet myself, but it depends on your planned use. Either way a forward center console levels out the boat a lot compared to a tiller. I was on a tight budget so got a compromise that works for me. Also, jet or prop, work very hard to control the weight of the whole package and get the most powerful, lightest motor you can afford. (jet loses 30% power over prop).
Exactly - I like jets - but I don't like loosing 30% at the drive end of the deal - or the exaggerated fuel burn - so what's best compromise? Why not run a prop inside a purpose built tunnel - jacked up on a plate for skinny Stuff, or simply dropped down for crossing the bigger water or the Brine?
Centre consuls are great for sorting the trim and balances out, but the boat Im thinking about isn't configured for that option. This boat will have two functions - duck hunting first and fly fishing second - in both cases a low profile is most suitable - a flat - forward deck - for casting or a "plug in" a swivel seat allowing for a great shooting position.
I didn't want a flat bottomed Jon boat with all its shortcomings on a windy day (a V cuts through chop way better, but gives less stability) - best compromised with a "modified V" seems a great solution -
I'll find out next weekend
If you aren't trying to run very shallow and would rather have a more pronounced v for better ride in the chop a jet doesn't make sense for you. There isn't a "do it all" boat out there.
if you are going to hunt the marshes you wont want a jet. They're like a big vacumm and will plug up in no time !
Jets don't work very well in marshes or the ocean!
Got my new boat - still doing a few small things to it - may throw some pods on the back to give it a little more lift (and to act as stairs for the dogs to get in and out on the water)
I've run it in two inches of water on the Harrison with no problems - gets 35mph with two up and couple of dogs.
http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/...ps9767af0c.jpg
Your pic didn't work for me...would love to see it!