TOPIC:

Steelie wrote:

Did you ever dip the bow under water during your ride back in? It seems these short boats will do that a lot. I know the last time I was out in 3 and 4 footers the wave period was short and the nose of my Alumacraft kept going under. That made for a miserable ride back to the ditch and safety. Heck it went under some when at trolling speed when we still had lines out. I think a 19 footer would be a much better all around boat length for fishing this lake. If I could do things over that is what I would have done.

Not really too bad - did get a few come over the front but I wouldnt say I dipped it under. When I get in bad waves I trim the engine to bring the nose up some to keep it from nose diving as much as possible. A 19 would be better for the big lake but I also run to smaller lakes and once you go above 17' everything gets a lot more expensive (larger motor, hydraulic steering, trailer brakes, etc). So far I do not regret my boat for how I use it and where I go with it but that is just a personal thing. 17 is the smallest I would want to be out any distance on the big lake with.