"Bob La Londe" wrote in message
...
I know, I know. Dry ride and bass boat are mutually exclusive terms. I'm
still trying though.
***No, dry ride and bass boat are NOT mutually exclusive terms. My Cobra
216 is a very dry riding boat. I've had it on Lake Erie in 4+ footers and
remained dry, I've run it on Lake Superior in even larger waves and stayed
dry. One game warden was out in a 19' Crestliner deep vee and had to wear
his raingear in order to keep from getting soaked. My son and I were quite
dry and comfortable.
I am looking for a dry ride that can handle some chop without dropping to
displacement speeds. My Baker Tunnel actually does pretty well, but it
sits
so deep in the water at displacement speeds that it makes me nervous if I
have to drop off the pad in heavy waves or chop.
*** See
http://www.venomboats.com
I want a boat that can handle light chop upto a couple feet and keep the
riders fairly dry, but also cuts the waves well at displacement speeds if
it
gets rougher.
*** See
http://www.venomboats.com Look at the 216 models. It's what I have
and I've been VERY pleased with the boat.
As I am sure a few of you know I have the Baker Tunnel up for sale, (now
that I have everything working right LOL) and I am looking for a new 20+
to
replace it. I have looked at a number of boats, and I am curious what
boat
will give the best rough water ride. I am looking at fishing more pro and
pro/am tournaments on Mead, Havasu, Powell, and Mohave in the next year,
and
I want a boat that can handle the conditions that are frequent on those
bodies of water. I know its not possible to stay dry in a bass boat when
those 4-6 footers start rolling across Wahweap Bay on Lake Powell, but
I'ld
like to be able to handle lighter weather as safely as possible.
***Dry ride is a direct result of hull design and driver skill. The hull of
my boat was designed with the California Delta and Lake Erie in mind. But,
even with the driest hull design, if the driver doesn't know what he's
doing, he's going to get wet. Now, before you get mad, I didn't say that
you were an inexperienced driver, it's just an observation. ;-)
I know that the obvious answer is not to buy a bass boat. Go with an
enclosed front cabin Searay, but I want a bass boat. I suppose I should
also consider a walleye boat with its slightly higher freeboard, but a lot
of manufacturers seem to be building a bass boat making a few minor
adjustments and calling it a walleye boat.
*** Nope, go get a bass boat, there's good ones out there. Some boats are
built for speed, some for smooth, dry ride. Everyone that's been in my boat
has been impressed with it's handling, comfort and dry ride.
I have my choices narrowed down based on price, overall safety, and higher
rough water handling speeds. I am curious what the people in ROFB have to
say on the subject.
*** Well, now you know my thoughts on the subject, let us know what you end
up getting.
--
Steve @ OutdoorFrontiers
http://www.outdoorfrontiers.com
G & S Guide Service and Custom Rods
http://www.herefishyfishy.com