How do STV's handle chop

[wired247]

I'm looking at burning up my bonus on a STV next year. Only thing is we have pretty choppy water here most of the year. Winds pick up after noon and can blow 15 or more MPH with slight white caps. The 'mate doesnt mind them much although the prop does come out of the water sometimes. Are STV's smooth water beasts?

[albypine]

Depends on how much chop. Tight chop and some seat time could make it fun ;) have a friend who owns a Stv and keeps up with me in tight chop with no issues, bigger sloppy chop 2+ with waves far apart he is done .

[hydrochicken]

Get a heavy built I actually just took mine out on the gulf last monday it was blowing pretty good little bit of white caps went with and against the wind had no problems at all ran 85 mph with two others in the boat tight waves aren't a problem I have a procomp with a ski bottom

[baja200merk]

Theres a fine line that makes it too big for a tunnel. It either eats them up and runs 80+ or if its too rough stuffs through them. I've been in both many times and still have broken bottles in the sponsons from it :eek:

[ProComp]

Depends on how much chop. Tight chop and some seat time could make it fun ;) have a friend who owns a Stv and keeps up with me in tight chop with no issues, bigger sloppy chop 2+ with waves far apart he is done .

Agree.

[Tom Foley]

I won't sugar coat it , they hate chop . Running in anything near 1 ft or above will vibrate the heck out of the dash and beat up the boat and passengers. I've owned mine since 2004 and use it in fresh and salt water . Don't buy one thinking it's a Skater in miniature ...it's not . 2 ft ????? Good luck buddy !!

[HStream1]

:iagree: Thats about as straight forward and honest as you can get!!!:cheers:


I won't sugar coat it , they hate chop . Running in anything near 1 ft or above will vibrate the heck out of the dash and beat up the boat and passengers. I've owned mine since 2004 and use it in fresh and salt water . Don't buy one thinking it's a Skater in miniature ...it's not . 2 ft ????? Good luck buddy !!

[skipe]

I agree with the other comments. Under 1FT chop the boat runs at it's best. Anything larger is not fun. I have had a ProComp Ski since 94.

[hydrochicken]

Ok to clarify it was a tight chop with white caps but it wasnt over a foot tall now it did have a vibration too not a bad one but it was a uniformed chop too no surprises in it same h eighth waves for ten miles I rode or more big uneven waves would probably kill the boat im sure

[speedinstream]

Stv good for two things goning fast and looking good they are at the bottom of the list in any other comparison room
Ride quality dry ride getting in out of water to name a few eruo is a little more user freindly because of a little extra room

[CSD23]

The Quartershots are a little better because of the deeper tunnels, but chop still vibrates the heck out of them. If you know that you run in alot of chop it's probably better to look for something else.

[action17]

I won't sugar coat it , they hate chop . Running in anything near 1 ft or above will vibrate the heck out of the dash and beat up the boat and passengers. I've owned mine since 2004 and use it in fresh and salt water . Don't buy one thinking it's a Skater in miniature ...it's not . 2 ft ????? Good luck buddy !!

you forgot to mention that the driver in center steer River Rocket will get wet as HECK!!!!

[STV_Keith]

I won't sugar coat it , they hate chop . Running in anything near 1 ft or above will vibrate the heck out of the dash and beat up the boat and passengers. I've owned mine since 2004 and use it in fresh and salt water . Don't buy one thinking it's a Skater in miniature ...it's not . 2 ft ????? Good luck buddy !!

This is affected greatly by layup, configuration and setup. My buddy has a lightweight (1250# ready to hit the water) River Rocket with no carpet. It buzzes and vibrates in the smallest chop and gets worse the bigger the water gets. My 1850# PCS with carpet rides like a Cadillac by comparison with none of the buzziness and brutal bounces of the lightweight boat. I'm SURE I've been in worse water than most of you back East...the lakes out here get pretty big water. Here's a picture from years back...75mph in foot to foot and a half wind chop. Goes over it without a problem as long as it's fairly consistent. Boat wakes/rollers are a different story...sudden angle changes are what can hurt you.

299149

299148

Bad water...Lake Mohave (Lake Mo-Choppy):

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[TripleA]

Wow I think the landing on that third picture would destroy my 500lb River Rocket. As others have stated, the heavier the better from my experience. I would say my River Rocket doesn't like anything over a 6 inch chop, not saying it can't handle it just makes for a rough and hopping ride. I have the ski bottom and at higher speeds doesn't like the smooth as glass water either.

[PaulR]

If were talking about chop like whats pictured in STV-Keiths first two pics than my answer to the original question is...YES...STV's can handle chop! I fly my Rocket across that stuff for miles at 80+, the motor is only turning 6500rpm and it feels like your going 120! I have way more fun running 80 in chop like that than I do going 110 on a little ripple.

Now when you start getting into swells like in Keiths 3rd pic then its time to slow down, hop the waves and ride somewhat parallel with them. Their are very few small runabouts under 20ft that ride well in that stuff IMO.

[Tom Foley]

This is affected greatly by layup, configuration and setup. My buddy has a lightweight (1250# ready to hit the water) River Rocket with no carpet. It buzzes and vibrates in the smallest chop and gets worse the bigger the water gets. My 1850# PCS with carpet rides like a Cadillac by comparison with none of the buzziness and brutal bounces of the lightweight boat. I'm SURE I've been in worse water than most of you back East...the lakes out here get pretty big water. Here's a picture from years back...75mph in foot to foot and a half wind chop. Goes over it without a problem as long as it's fairly consistent. Boat wakes/rollers are a different story...sudden angle changes are what can hurt you.

299149

299148

Bad water...Lake Mohave (Lake Mo-Choppy):

299147

Good representations Keith of typically encountered small chop . The last photo with the whitecaps is a back breaker ! My heavy Euro with me (heavy ) and all my spares will still make you grit your teeth and wonder what is happening to the transom and bottom when it gets rough . BTW Lake Kissimmee and Lake George as well as Okeechobee will make you wonder if you have gone to hell when the squalls come up with 30 + mph winds !!

[2.5_stoker]

Find you a Stoker...great rough water boat and it'll still get yo into the 90's with a 260...

[vnemous]

We have a stoker for sale. Call the shop.

[wired247]

Thats going to have to wait until next years bonus. This years bought a house already. Wife doesnt let me within 500 foot of the savings.

[Schramer]

If were talking about chop like whats pictured in STV-Keiths first two pics than my answer to the original question is...YES...STV's can handle chop! I fly my Rocket across that stuff for miles at 80+, the motor is only turning 6500rpm and it feels like your going 120! I have way more fun running 80 in chop like that than I do going 110 on a little ripple.

Now when you start getting into swells like in Keiths 3rd pic then its time to slow down, hop the waves and ride somewhat parallel with them. Their are very few small runabouts under 20ft that ride well in that stuff IMO.

He ain't kidding!!! I ride in the back all the time when he does it and i would say he would prefer it that way! His boat (and mine) are in the 1500# range rigged wit fuel which doesn't make them lightweights but you put Paul in a car on the highway and tell him to go 66 instead of 65 and theres no chance lol....put him in a close to 1ft chop he will run WIDE open INTO the wind ALL DAY LONG! Chit he cruises around 80 thru that stuff and loves it! Riding in the back isnt the most comfortable pending on speed but the adrenaline makes one not even notice it.

There really isn't much water that ever comes up and gets you wet unless you drive 20-30mph.....otherwise you skip right across and on top of it. I don't do it cause I think its crazy but he hasn't broke anything yet in 20 yrs he has been doing it.

Also the ugly A$$ windscreen on mine helps enormously with wind and noise! I may have its performance/looks downfalls but TOTALLY worth in IMO!

I'd say a Euro with a small windscreen would be the perfect "all around" boat for what you are looking for....my .02

[Capt.Insane-o]

I've lol'd at some STV'rs getting showers with my HST when it got nasty. A 21 cougar shouldn't be hard to find in your neck of the woods, very nice boat and handles the nasties better than anything but a 21 skater tunnel wise.

[Li'l Toy]

Capt went where I was gong to go as I read this thread. Of course I am prejudiced, but for a chop I would go with a 21 Eliminator Daytona, Cougar or Liberator. Basically same hull, Liberators after a certain year (maybe 95?) have about 7" more freeboard which helps tremendously when off plane. Like said above, there comes a time to slow down, make the boat wallow and survive. But on Lake Kissimmee I reeled in a bunch of STV types when we came out from behind the island and the wind was blowing.

[Da Bull]

That little tunnel spit that an STV does can be annoying at around 30-40mph but on a real hot day it can be a blessing.
For the big nasty water i agree with other posters on a 21 Lib, Eliminator, Cougar, Stoker or HST.

DB

[mach351]

In my boat any chop over about two inches sucks. I agree with Tom. The "only good for two things, going fast and looking good" is the absolute best description for an STV I've ever heard lol!

[strongback]

This video of this bad azz race that goes on WITHOUT us is an example of what these little potato chips will take..... I was hooked when I can across this series of videos. Its the nuestro rios son navegable!!!!! And we thought we were cool? My 2 cents about STV's handling the chop is this....... If you don't mind how the boat feels the boat sure as hell doesn't mind it. All I get is chop in my area and personally I am going to be changing boats. There is no better ride than a STV in moderate conditions but watching the deck absorb all that shock from the rough stuff personally drives me nuts and I don't like abusing my boat. Buy one and use it for a while, see if ''you'' like it. The worst thing that can happen is you decide to sell it and they hold there value so no worries there..... Check out the VIDEO!!!! Any body want to partner up and go race this race? I got halfzies! Seabold did it in a champ boat:eek: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dy-u7O16a_w

[strongback]

Sorry about all the typos! Been tig welding all morning... Cant see chit!

[propmanjay]

I would step up to a 21' as said above. The three stated above Eliminator, Cougar or Liberator. 105 with a 300xs and gets over some nasty water.

[bigboy]

Sorry about all the typos! Been tig welding all morning... Cant see chit!

If you compare the hst and the stv in chop, is there much difference?

[Tom Foley]

Sorry about all the typos! Been tig welding all morning... Cant see chit!

You too huh !:D

[ProComp]

If you compare the hst and the stv in chop, is there much difference?

My buddy owns both and claims the HST does a fair bit better.

As mentioned, weight makes a huge difference. A Euro is way better then a Rocket in chop. I've owned both. It might be a little hard on the boat but you can drive the heck out of a Euro in consistent chop and its a blast. Apparently the Florida boys only know how to go fast and drive in calm water. wink wink

[Tom Foley]

My buddy owns both and claims the HST does a fair bit better.

As mentioned, weight makes a huge difference. A Euro is way better then a Rocket in chop. I've owned both. It might be a little hard on the boat but you can drive the heck out of a Euro in consistent chop and its a blast. Apparently the Florida boys only know how to go fast and drive in calm water. wink wink

Of course because it never gets rough on any of our many large Lakes , Rivers or the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean , always like a millpond as it is in Canada ! Oh and how are the montreal Canadiens doing ? Oh that's right the LA Kings and the NY Rangers start the Stanley Cup Finals tonight ...wink wink .:cheers:

[racerx]

Owned 2 new stv river rockets they would do ok in tight white caps at a hundred the problem is busting and cracking the center pod did it to both boats within a year of new...

[v8chargerdl]

the seebold eagle and seebold worrior perform great in the rough. I own a seebold eagle and love it. I don't take it out unless theres a good chop out on the water seems to perform the best .jmo.

[mikej]

I won't sugar coat it , they hate chop . Running in anything near 1 ft or above will vibrate the heck out of the dash and beat up the boat and passengers. I've owned mine since 2004 and use it in fresh and salt water . Don't buy one thinking it's a Skater in miniature ...it's not . 2 ft ????? Good luck buddy !!

X2 on that one.....

[F14]

What is your definition of chop? 3", 6", 1 foot? They like very smooth water and beat themselves and passengers to to death sooner or later in the chop.

In smooth conditions one of the fastest best handling boats ever built, and very easy to drive.

[baja200merk]

Apparently the Florida boys only know how to go fast and drive in calm water. wink wink

http://cutestuff.co/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/o-rly__ruserious.jpg




We run in the gulf, if the wind pics up it gets rough... So rough that you cannot stay on plane with out stuffing the tips of the sponsons through the waves. Faster you go the worse it stuffs. You cannot get on top of them before you sink. Your fairy ass would have probably called seatow ;)

My brother stuffed so bad one time and it broke 3 of the bulkheads holding the starboard sponson on right through the center. Yea your right flat calm :rolleyes: :nonod:

[Ted Stryker]

Ride is one thing, but can the hulls take it.. I don't mean if the motor will fall off but is it gonna spider crack in every stress point

[ProComp]

Too funny. I was joking around. Some of you guys need to take a heart pill before you keel over.

[Rayzor]

Ride is one thing, but can the hulls take it.. I don't mean if the motor will fall off but is it gonna spider crack in every stress point

Motors won't fall off, but if you continually drive them in water conditions they weren't built to run in, they will end up stress cracking and good odds you will end up stuffing it and either hurting the boat, yourself - or both! And depending on how bad you stuff it, the boat may sink - as they're not foamed and the hull/deck joint is not sealed. If you want to run the rough stuff, get a boat designed to do it.......

[strongback]

If you compare the hst and the stv in chop, is there much difference? bigboy, whats up! I think the HST faired little bit better but as you know the bow is lower and sometimes gives you the impression its going to eat it It never did and I put some time in riding the rough stuff. The STV is a little taller and gives the impression that its a more equipped for the job but its not.... It makes a chit load of noise inside the boat and I feel like Im abusing it....... It makes me feel dirty and I have to take a shower when I get home:eek:.....

[strongback]

Of course because it never gets rough on any of our many large Lakes , Rivers or the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean , always like a millpond as it is in Canada ! Oh and how are the montreal Canadiens doing ? Oh that's right the LA Kings and the NY Rangers start the Stanley Cup Finals tonight ...wink wink .:cheers: Did some one leave a door open? Its getting :DCOLD:D in here!!!! I love it!!!

[Euroski]

Depends how fast you want to go in the rough, my 22 Cougar/300xs can break 90mph with last years props. Maybe more this year after BBlades magic.

[BigMouthJG]

i went to keys this year and put it this way the only stv in the group trailered 30 miles to islandmorada and dropped in. You havent lived till you see 3-5's out the front of your mirage! LMAO but florida is always calm

[bahamatrama]

About time to side track this. How does a STV type boat compare to a v king? Its been years since I owned one. but I thought it did pretty well for what it was. I had a Vulture a couple of years ago and with the 10 foot pad I thought I could destroy it in an afternoon in the lake washing machine.

[ZiemerSTV]

Anything over 1 foot waves in my STV Pro Comp sucked. Also 30 mph and under you can get wet. I loved the boat and like everyone else said they look good and are very fast. Jeff,Jr's Allison Grand Sport much faster in 1-2 foot waves.

[motorheadbishop]

i went to keys this year and put it this way the only stv in the group trailered 30 miles to islandmorada and dropped in. You havent lived till you see 3-5's out the front of your mirage! LMAO but florida is always calm

Somebody had to do it...:p



I'll make sure I bring proper equipment next time...LMAO!!!
https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTBlf_53dk0kPpcK6uYz1JZ4YgatlZn0P7E7lpecbtfLYElRu3NOw

[Tom Foley]

Somebody had to do it...:p



I'll make sure I bring proper equipment next time...LMAO!!!
https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTBlf_53dk0kPpcK6uYz1JZ4YgatlZn0P7E7lpecbtfLYElRu3NOw

:cheers:

[mach351]

Somebody had to do it...:p



I'll make sure I bring proper equipment next time...LMAO!!!

Dont worry Mike I made that mistake once also. Put in in Key Largo ran with a 15 knot wind and beat the hell out of the boat, got to the sandbar in Islamorada and the wind picked up to 20....and I was going to have to go into it to get back. Swallowed my pride and paid $40 to pull out at the holiday isle ramp and had someone bring me my truck. Lesson learned lol.

[eli]

every boat has there limit what it will take for abuse time and time again ,rougher water needs bigger boat and some times boat aint big enough as paul said running across chop at 80 mph into the wind is freaking awsum the ride is steller and other smaller boats are going slow trying to get back where there going master craft style etc

[Cobranut1]

Speedinstream wrote: "Stv good for two things goning fast and looking good"

So what else is there??? :reddevil:

[Michael Dixon]

Anyone got any mod-vp videos to put up? That'll show what they're capable of. But just because they're capable of it doesn't mean you should do it!!! lol

[skydog]

I Say ALLY GS is your boat. Sorry did not read hole thread.... I had one and a little Cat too. My GS boat killed my small cat!!! Plus extra weight in my small cat killed the speed....