On 9 Feb 2005 15:35:15 -0800, "louis" wrote:

~~ snippage ~~

Has anyone had any experience in the 16' or 19' in 2,3,4,5,6+ waves???

BBAAWWWAAAHHHHHAAAAAA!!!!!!!

Oh wait - your serious.

Any feedback would be GREATLY appreciated it. If you have a suggestion
for a different make/model please let me know.

These are flat bottomed boats. Like most dory style boats, they are a
bit skittish in heavy water - in particular when dealing with wind and
waves at the same time. I have used powered dorys when I was much
younger and they can be a handful.

The big advantage to these type of boats is that they have little or
no bow lift and plane at much lower speeds - they can be very
efficient. The disadvantages are that they don't track very well and
docking one in a wind can be problematic along with the effects of a
cross wind at speed. Another disadvantage is that in moderate seas
you have little to no trim to keep the bow up to maintain some kind of
speed. Last, in turns it will skip somewhat and I've experienced what
can only be called a spin out in one.

You may want to look around for something with some V and dead rise.
Older Makos, Aqua Sports, Hydra Sports, etc would be much better
suited hull styles for heavier weather.

Last, go up in size - at least 18/19'. You will be much happier.

Later,

Tom