Pros & Cons ------ Tunnel hull vs V bottom hull.

**flattracker60** · 07-25-2016, 09:31 PM

I am in the market for a speed boat, and want to make sure I end up with the most practical boat for what I want to do.

Can I hear some pros and cons when choosing between a tunnel hull and V hull?

I keep leaning towards a tunnel, but wondering what "pros" if any there are with a V?

So, what are the pros and cons with the 2 different hulls?

Looking for a Liberator 18', or preferably a 21', or an STV Euro.

In a V, a Checkmate or Allison.

**JPEROG** · 07-25-2016, 10:22 PM

It really depends on the water that you intend to run. If its not crazy rough and you are what your screen name indicates then get an STV. Gotta love the guys who wear a steel shoe-

Joe

**flattracker60** · 07-25-2016, 10:50 PM

Mainly the WI River, which can be glass for 15 miles, or 1 to 1.5' chop from boat waves when busy.

If its THAT rough out 2 to 3' waves, I'm staying home anyways lol.

**JPEROG** · 07-25-2016, 11:11 PM

It depends on your budget as well but you will not beat a wicked LCB for ride, rough water capability and speed with a single engine. Todd D. here on the board owns the company and is a super nice guy to deal with. They have the same interior room as the euro but are a much different animal. I am very fortunate to have one of each right now. You won't do this with an STV and be comfortable.

http://youtu.be/oGxEomud4_A

Joe

**2Fast2Pass** · 07-26-2016, 05:39 AM

"V" at least the Allison, has lots of dry storage, very comfortable ride!, more fun to drive IMO, and handles the rough as good as a small boat can. But if big speed 110+ is your goal, tunnel is the easiest way to get there. Good Luck and be careful, both will hurt you!

**JCSmile** · 07-26-2016, 08:07 AM

V is going to take more time to learn how to drive it. A well set up STV and you could probably close your eyes at 100, which probably will never be the case for a V. STV's will do quite well in 1 foot chop. If you get in the 1.5-2+ foot range an Allison cuts very well. More storage and seating capacity (wider back seats) in an Allison. Checkmates are not nearly as fast, but provide options like cuddy cabins/open bow that can make the boat a good mix between performance and runabout. WILDMAN ran still ran in the 90's with a Checkmate 2100 and a 300xs.

**JerseyChris** · 07-26-2016, 08:16 AM

What is your experience with performance boats? Do you have a speed goal in mind? Do you boat solo or with family?

**flattracker60** · 07-26-2016, 12:56 PM

Originally Posted by JerseyChris

What is your experience with performance boats? Do you have a speed goal in mind? Do you boat solo or with family?

I have very little experience with 100 plus mph boats. Fastest boat was my 2014 skeeter/250sho that did 75-6 gps.

Will mostly be used at a river ripper/sand bar boat for me and wife, would be nice to be able to pull a tube for kids, but they are getting older and hanging with friends a lot (the reason I sold my 2016 rxt-x 300 and spark).

I was looking last night (2am) at Allison bass boats....4 seater version, ski bar, 90 mph.....got me thinking as I do musky fish some.

Priorities....

1) fast 2) cool looking 3) safe feeling for wife (was in 70mph checkmate, hit waves and she got firm) 4) tube puller 5) casting deck

If there was a 21' Liberator or STV (4 seaters) locally, I'd probably buy it and buy a Tuffy Esox to fish out of.

**JerseyChris** · 07-26-2016, 02:14 PM

Originally Posted by flattracker60

I have very little experience with 100 plus mph boats. Fastest boat was my 2014 skeeter/250sho that did 75-6 gps.

Will mostly be used at a river ripper/sand bar boat for me and wife, would be nice to be able to pull a tube for kids, but they are getting older and hanging with friends a lot (the reason I sold my 2016 rxt-x 300 and spark).

I was looking last night (2am) at Allison bass boats....4 seater version, ski bar, 90 mph.....got me thinking as I do musky fish some.

Priorities....

1) fast 2) cool looking 3) safe feeling for wife (was in 70mph checkmate, hit waves and she got firm) 4) tube puller 5) casting deck

If there was a 21' Liberator or STV (4 seaters) locally, I'd probably buy it and buy a Tuffy Esox to fish out of.

For what you're describing I would say an STV Euroski... you can keep it simple with a Promax 225 and still run 100 easy. They are pretty forgiving to drive as well and you can certainly pull a tube quite easy..

**gulton** · 07-26-2016, 03:13 PM

Tunnels run flater and are easier to drive, pad hulls take alot more seat time............

**2Fast2Pass** · 07-26-2016, 03:21 PM

The Allison XB-21 ProSport is the best boat hands down in Every category you are looking for!! Only down side is $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$. I have fished, skied, tubed, wake boarded, raced and hauled the family and friends up and down every river and lake in FL in the past 21 yrs with my 2003 and that is probably the only boat I would trade it for. Kinda the do it all boat. Ok, I'm done promoting Allisons

Oh...they aren't that hard to drive!

**vnemous** · 07-26-2016, 03:33 PM

Originally Posted by 2Fast2Pass

raced and hauled the family and friends up and down every river and lake in FL in the past 21 yrs with my 2003

Ah that would make your boat a 1995, just sayin

Since there are no superboats down there I like the Grandsport.

**noli** · 07-26-2016, 03:44 PM

.

There's a thread here about someone having trouble finding insurance for his tunnel boat.

Proly would be worth calling a couple of insurance companies on a rate for your favorite tunnel boat

.

**Karsten** · 07-26-2016, 06:01 PM

What about a Mod VP style hull? How would they compare to a Tunnel or Deep Vee.

Karsten

**pkstv** · 07-26-2016, 06:39 PM

I've had a tunnel then a mod v p hull and ended up with an Allison Grandsport . The tunnel was fast but dangerous , the summerford mod v p was faster but too lite for the river chop so it cracked up the deck and the Grandsport is perfect . Harder to drive but more fun to drive and with all the storage and seats 5 it's great for intertaining and the easiest for me to swim off of without damage to the boat . Plus the best mpg for those long 75mph cruise trips in the evening slick water !