Opinions about the floatability features of this boat

[horseshoer]

My work takes me past a boat dealership frequently. I have seen similar boats before but this one stuck out and just makes me turn my head every time I pass, like its calling to me. Between trusting my instincts and wanting to have it, I have stopped and looked several times. My question is this-what kind of ride should I expect or ride changes be prepared for with this hull design? I started out with a 15 ft alum V-hull with 8 hp mariner, then 2 16 ft walk-thrus gutted for fishing with a 70 hp Johnson. Both of them were tri-hulls, the first a straight tri-hull but the 2nd what I guess could be called a semi-V. Now I have a 14 ft jon.
I like this boat (16 ft) cuz it is wide and deep. Look at the shot of the hull then that of the interior. The hull (or keel or whatever) has a little cutting V
at the bow end but them quickly tapers flat. The inside has those 3 angles of floor- a flat section running down the middle lengthways and then the 2 sections on either side of it that angle upward slightly toward the sides.
Without trying to be nasty, but put my thoughts in plain English, it strikes me as a boat that you could pee over the side and not rock the boat much, stability-wise. The boat & trailer are new and asking $3700 for. The motor is a consignment '03 model that they say tests out good and the owner allowed them to hang it on the boat and attempt selling as a pkg. The dealership will give me a 1 yr unconditional fix-it warrantee on it so long as it aint grounded out on a shell reef or such. They said they did a compression test and it has good head pressure, changed out the oil in the power head, lower unit, new impeller, carb kit. Price with motor is $5600. Boat rated for a 25 hp.
Thanks for any input. I aint asking about the pricing so much as the quality of ride, stability of this design hull.










Thanks again for any opinions.

[G3.]

Looks to me as the ride would be rough. Not much v on the front tapering to flat on the back to break waves. Looks pretty much like pointed nosed jon boat. Also has one keel & it appears to be small. This could cuse the boat to slide sideways on turns rather than leaning a little & digging in. I don't see any spray rails on the sides either. This could make for a real wet ride. Don't see any oar locks either.

Rich

[horseshoer]

Thats what I was scared of-the jon with a V so slight as to not really cut and too much flat on the bottom. Got that already. Most places I fish are trolling motor only so I wont be doing tight turns at 40 mph but if I'm gonna fork it over to upgrade I want the best I can figger out. The stability of the flat IS attractive to me in that I dont swim/dogpaddle/float/tread water and I like a solid tub under me but realize I will have to sacrifice elsewheres and cant have it both ways. Thanks man.

[Shellback]

That's a sweet looking skiff. That design has been around for ages. The Honda motor is the cat's meow too. I'd say you are looking at 18 to 22 MPH as top speed with a 20HP. Flat bottomed hulls are easier to plane and more fuel efficient. The deeper V hulls are more stable in the slop. Turn a hose on it when you get home, and you are done.

[dustdew]

What is the make of the hull Shoe? It looks similar to a rig Gibby's buddy has that he loves. He fished the N.W bash with us but I am sure you wouldn't remember. He actually takes the boat to the first island of the CBBT on good days so if if its the same hull you'd have no problems. Let me know the make so I can ask.

[ga.crappie&breamguy]

that boat is similar to mine. and is smooth riding. we have i think a 20 hsp maranier on it and it will handel the roughest weather. give me some time and i will post some pics of it.

[jaxsprat]

Hi Horseshoer, I kinda of agree with everything G3 has said but hey tell the dealer you are looking to buy & ask for a test drive of boat & motor before you buy, many dealers close to water are happy to go out with you & in this economy I would think the dealer would jump to make a deal.

[wvspec]

I think you would like it! That would be awesome on the Chick! Put a nict TM and you are set.

[gabowman]

Hi Horseshoer, I kinda of agree with everything G3 has said but hey tell the dealer you are looking to buy & ask for a test drive of boat & motor before you buy, many dealers close to water are happy to go out with you & in this economy I would think the dealer would jump to make a deal.

I'd DEFINITELY expect a test ride before buying. From what I see it would ride comparable to my carolina skiff...shallow draft and really rough in rough water. It might cut thru waves but still looks shallow running putting it on top of the waves once planed out making it bounce from wave to wave. Never been in a boat with a hull designed that way but that is my opinion.:o

[Crappie Reaper]

Shoer, I don't think you could do wrong with the design. It reminds me of a Boston Whaler which is one of the most stable there is. With a mere max hp of 25, how rough could the ride be? I think $1,900 for the '03 model Honda is too much though. Any signs of saltwater use on the motor? That would make it drop drastically.

Boat and trailer good.
Honda motor, good, but seems pricey for 6 years old already.
(Billbob sold me his 60hp Merc for 1k, which he said was the dealer trade amount so he kept it to give someone else a break.)

A little shopping might save some on the motor, but some wheelin and dealin on that one might be in order. How long it been sitting there?