Dry Ride - Bass Boat

[BobL]

I know, I know. Dry ride and bass boat are mutually exclusive terms. I'm still trying though.

I am looking for a dry ride that can handle some chop without dropping to displacement speeds. My Baker Tunnel actually does pretty well, but it sits so deep in the water at displacement speeds that it makes me nervous if I have to drop off the pad in heavy waves or chop.

I want a boat that can handle light chop upto a couple feet and keep the riders fairly dry, but also cuts the waves well at displacement speeds if it gets rougher.

As I am sure a few of you know I have the Baker Tunnel up for sale, (now that I have everything working right LOL) and I am looking for a new 20+ to replace it. I have looked at a number of boats, and I am curious what boat will give the best rough water ride. I am looking at fishing more pro and pro/am tournaments on Mead, Havasu, Powell, and Mohave in the next year, and I want a boat that can handle the conditions that are frequent on those bodies of water. I know its not possible to stay dry in a bass boat when those 4-6 footers start rolling across Wahweap Bay on Lake Powell, but I'ld like to be able to handle lighter weather as safely as possible.

I know that the obvious answer is not to buy a bass boat. Go with an enclosed front cabin Searay, but I want a bass boat. I suppose I should also consider a walleye boat wth its slightly higher freeboard, but a lot of manufacturers seem to be building a bass boat making a few minor adjustments and calling it a walleye boat.

I have my choices narrowed down based on price, overall safety, and higher rough water handling speeds. I am curious what you guys think on the subject.


Bob La Londe www.YumaBassMan.com