Any regrets with your Willie's Raptor

[wstr8]

Does it cut chop well as advertised with the 24 degree bow? How much compromise in shallow water with the 10 degree rear end compared to the 6 degree? Any major (or minor) problems. Anything you would do differently?
Thanks Wayne

[Flatfish]

It rides much better in big water than our last 10 degree sled. Given that it backtrolls better than anything I have run(10-14 degrees)....I am more than happy.

If you want the ultimate shallow water boat, the tunnel hulls do well.

[fop]

My guide buddy and I fished 2 days with Chris V. on Tillamook Bay and his boat has to be the best boat I have even been in for that type of fishing.

So nice, that my guide buddy ordered one and I am picking it up for him from Willie Boats the 10th of March and bringing it up North for him here in Washington.

I have a Willie Predator and it does not ride like that Raptor.

fop

[wstr8]

It rides much better in big water than our last 10 degree sled. Given that it backtrolls better than anything I have run(10-14 degrees)....I am more than happy.

If you want the ultimate shallow water boat, the tunnel hulls do well.

That sounds like a good design concept but I've heard the tunnel hulls cavitate alot. I didn't see it offered as an option on the Raptor but could maybe be ordered. How long have you had yours? Anything you'ld change?
Wayne

[Flatfish]

The tunnel hull thing sounds like it's a Predator only deal. Sorry for the confusion. I still stand strong that it's a great idea to not hit the jet on the bottom.

Had the boat about 1.5 years. Very happy with it.

Here is the real problem with Willie.....They will do pretty much anything you want.

If you want one rodlocker 11' long, and the other 9', but 3" deeper to accomodate big reels......they will do that for ya.

Now if ya deal with many other big name production line folks ya don't get to spec every last detail. If ya want rod lockers, you get what they give ya. Period.

Now, since a Willie is custom in pretty much every way(They wouldn't make it 6" wider. The only thing they refused. Which makes sense, given that it would be over legal on many roadways without a permit.), so no matter what, there will be a detail you see after the fact that makes ya think 'If I had to do it over, I would do this or that different'

Now let your imigination run wild, and you can come up with some funky stuff. The worst part of it is, had I asked, these details would have been changed. That's the curse.

[Hagar]

I have been in some pretty ugly stuff at the Columbia River mouth and I though the boat handled great. We have been in something much more than chop :pray:. I think you give up a little with the 10 degree in terms of running skinny water but it has been the all-around boat we were looking for.

We are very pleased with how we set the boat up and wouldn't change much of anything.

From my experience, don't count too heavily on a fixed delivery date. Mine was more than 2 months overdue. Riggers and shop folks are outstanding at setting things up and custom touches.

Like all boats the fuel gauge is pretty worthless. Fuel flow meter would be better if fuel capacity and use is a concern. My wife convinced me to do the rod lockers and we have never regretted it.

[duckunter]

That sounds like a good design concept but I've heard the tunnel hulls cavitate alot. I didn't see it offered as an option on the Raptor but could maybe be ordered. How long have you had yours? Anything you'ld change?
Wayne


Wayne, I had the first tunnel hull made at Willie Boats. I can tell you they don't cavitate anymore than a 5 degree or flat bottom. I live near the Clackamas, if you ever want to go for a ride let me know! These things ROCK and man do they go in some shallow water....I'm selling my second one now and having my third one built! I'll never own a boat without a tunnel again!

Sorry for the highjack!

[Backlash2]

Smoothest riding aluminum river boat I've ridden in (that doesn't weigh 3500+ lbs.).

[SeanD]

Wayne, I had the first tunnel hull made at Willie Boats. I can tell you they don't cavitate anymore than a 5 degree or flat bottom. I live near the Clackamas, if you ever want to go for a ride let me know! These things ROCK and man do they go in some shallow water....I'm selling my second one now and having my third one built! I'll never own a boat without a tunnel again!

Sorry for the highjack!

Duckunter, when did you get your boat? Curious when they started making tunnels, I asked them in 2005 and they said they wouldnt make one because they had cavitation issues that could not be resolved?