tunnel hulls

[staying alive]

am considering building a 22'alum sportfishing / waterskiing boat from a kit anyone had any experience with this . saw a sweet looking tunnel hull kit but have always had mono hulls anyone have any info or experience with these.

check out this pic

http://www.simpsonmarinedesign.com/cat21.htm

 

[Paul Burak]

there is a guy in Nanaimo who has one don't know his name

 

[Gypseas]

Sweet looking boat.
Cats are supposed to be running more stable in the chop, and for 300 bucks sound like a good deal if you know your way around a tig welder.
I wonder what would the material cost for one of these boats.
Good luck
vic

 

[Cedarstrip]

I'm sure there are all sorts of different designs out there, but I was out in one a while ago which was fiberglass. 21' 225hp.

I thought I was going to die!

Incredible flexing and torsion on the hulls, pounded on flat water but was OK in the chop, and cavitated like crazy. (single engine mind you)
I personally would make sure you get out in one before committing to a project like that.
My .02

 

[jimbob]

I agree with Cedar. Been out in a 21 footer with a friend. The boat cavitated constantly at high speed and getting out of the hole. However, the boat really did well in a haevy beam sea and was good in the chop but not so good in flat conditions. I also worried about the full flex.

 

[staying alive]

thanks for the come backs,that's probably a good idea to get a ride on one to see how they perform .that's the big problem with kit boats you just have to research as much as possible the wife will let me build one but i don't think she will let me build a 2nd one if i don't like the first . found another site in Australia another nice looking boat the "air rider hull" the Ausi's don't like cuddy's for some reason they like to steer way up front .guess they like to bounce around

http://www.marinekits.com/gallery.php?id=45

If I went to buy one it would probably be the Hewescraft 22' pacific sport with the soft top--- http://www.hewescraft.com/2007/docs/product_guides/pacific_pg.pdf