Question for owners of 10 degree V boats...

[steelhead_fishn]

I'm currently looking for a boat thats 18-20 feet with a windshield(and top). I'm hoping that I can find a boat that will allow me to do things like the Lewis(summer run steelies), cowlitz, sky, as well as B10, Tillamook Bay, and the Straight. Is all this possible in one boat?

Does anyone with a 10 degree alumaweld Intruder or equiv boondog rivers like the lewis in the summer? Is this possible? My primary water is going to be shallower water, with week or weekend trips to big water occasionaly for crabbing and fishing. I'm hoping that I can find a boat to accomodate.

How well does the 10 degree V do in choppy water?

Thanks,

Jeff

[NETONE]

Luthian....As for the Lewis Summer Run Fishery, the 10 deg will allow you to move the river under full plane conditions, HOWEVER, subject to the draft of your boat on the free float is more where I would be concerned. Not much good trying to side drift and free float with a boat that drafts 18-24" and then couple that with the aft pull down to power up sucking in gravel....

I know that did not directly answer your question, but most any boat will get you up /down the river...its the free float thats a killer on that river..

[Pete]

I had a 10º Intruder and now own a 14º Intruder. The 10 would jump on plane faster, turn more agilely and certainly was a better small river boat and sat more stably at anchor. The 10 pounded rough water hard and cavitated like crazy. My kidneys and fillings are still in recovery. The 14º is a MUCH better big water boat. I can travel nearly 3 times as fast in rough water. For B-10, for TBay, for the ocean ... the 14 wins hands down. E-mail me if you want to know more.

[ 01-19-2004, 09:27 PM: Message edited by: Pete ]

[Flatfish]

I have a 10 degree hull. The Lewis at summertime levels should be fine under power. Freedrifting may be another story.

Mark and the dog.

[Small Fry]

I have a 18 foot FV with a 10 degree bottom. I run a prop not a pump. All I can say is anything over one foot chop on the water is brutal over 15 MPH.

[jimh]

As you know, I don't have a 10, but I'm giving you my 2 cents any way!

You should be considering the weight of the boat along with the angle of the v if you plan on running shallow skinny water. That means go for a light boat and that probably means sportjet with trim tabs or an outboard. You need a light boat to lower the planing speed. A lighter boat is easier to get off gravel bars. If you can go slower, you have more room for error. The trim can smooth the ride in rougher water as long as you have a v in the front. I see 12 as a minimum and only if you have some means to trim the boat. Otherwise, I'm suggesting 14.

As you know, my v-8 inboard 12 degree hull runs in very shallow water as long as you are on plane, but do you really want to be running down river at 30 to 35 mph bank speed in skinny water right by the bankies? In other words, as I say just because you can doesn't mean you should.

Finally, do test rides on PS and the Sky and see what you think. I can suggest a local dealer who can fix you up with the rides.

[Silver Hilton]

Anything more than a 10 degree is going to give you trouble in the rivers. Anything less than 14 or 16 degree is going to be rough in the chop.

I fish the exact set of rivers you listed, except the Lewis, and hit Puget SOund and Buoy 10. I use a North river with a 10 degree. I have to slow down when the going gets rough, but it works.

[Dr Strangelove]

I have a 12 degree bottom NR and the entire summer Lewis is runable to the dam on plane if you know the river well enough; don't even think about drifting between deep holes or starting up the main too late. Anchoring and wading is the best bet next to using a float cat.

[raider6]

I have a 21 alexis classic with a 12 degree.....runs well in the shallows but in the sound,strait, and into the wind on the columbia...ouch. I have to slow down or quarter the chop. either way slow going only cause it HURTS.

[glowball]

I have a 19' stryker with a 10 degree hull and running the river in the summer is no problem. When side drifting you have to do a lot more motor work then the super vees but its doable. Once you get the hang of it. It is a ruff ride in the chop, but then again you aren't in a boat made for it. YOu can either get a boat that is perfect for one or the other or you can get a 10 degree and be able to do both.

On a sidenote i have the sj and that also helps in getting around in shallow water. I have been out to bouy 10 with it as well and had no problems, but you don't need to go all the way down there anyways so who cares right?