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Tunnel hulls
Posted on 12/22/16 at 6:56 pm
Posted on 12/22/16 at 6:56 pm
School me on these. Ive heard they have to be set up correctly or they're no better than a flat bottom. Would like a shallow water setup with going mud motor route.
5
Posted on 12/22/16 at 8:46 pm to jimbeam
The prop has to be setup right behind the tunnel so it can pull the water from it without cavitating the prop. If setup right, they'll run in 6" of water. I'd rather do that than get a surface drive or go devil anyday although they'll go thru straight mud.
Posted on 12/22/16 at 8:53 pm to jimbeam
Trust me, a properly set up tunnel 18' with a 42" bottom with a 25hp will go thru some shite. But if you put it through hell, change the water impeller yearly. I've run one for years, in really shallow stuff and have no issues. Now they won't run far in straight mud like a Pro-Drive, but they'll handle most things.
Posted on 12/23/16 at 7:53 am to jimbeam
What size/motor HP are you looking at? The tunnel makes the boats slower in general, but performance in the shallows is top notch.
To me, I run shallow enough(1') and float in about 9". As far as getting on plan in the shallows, I can always trolling motor or idle to deep water. But if you are serious about the shallow running, tunnel/ jackplate and large cavitation plate is the way to go.
You should get a SCB then invite me fishing.
To me, I run shallow enough(1') and float in about 9". As far as getting on plan in the shallows, I can always trolling motor or idle to deep water. But if you are serious about the shallow running, tunnel/ jackplate and large cavitation plate is the way to go.
You should get a SCB then invite me fishing.
Posted on 12/23/16 at 8:56 am to Elusiveporpi
Tunnel hulls are better than non tunnels for "running" shallow, but don't generally float as shallow while at rest. Reason being is obviously the tunnel removes surface area from the rear of the boat so it may squat a little more.
They often times require deeper water to get on plane additionally than a flat bottom.
They often times require deeper water to get on plane additionally than a flat bottom.
Posted on 12/23/16 at 8:59 am to jimbeam
They will run shallow enough to scare you.
Posted on 12/23/16 at 10:35 am to Elusiveporpi
No idea on motor size but I'm thinking I guess 16-20 foot aluminum hull type. Would be used for duck hunting and marsh fishing
Posted on 12/23/16 at 10:43 am to jimbeam
A buddy of mine just bought a Havoc, DBST 1650 non tunnel. He got a CMC PT35 with a 3 cylinder yama 40. They thing hauls arse and runs the skinny water very well.
Posted on 12/23/16 at 11:06 am to jimbeam
The perfect marsh boat to me is an 18x42 with a tunnel. You want at least a 40 hp up to a 60-70 with some good cup in the prop. Trim is a major plus but you want the motor mounted directly to your transom. I had a CMC trim at one time but the motor mounts on a plate that has 4" of setback and that gets the prop further back from the tunnel. With the CMC, It'll run skinny water but they'll usually have trouble getting up in it. 18 foot is long enough to carry 4 people no problem, anything shorter will be tough. I have an 18x42 with a 2003 Mercury 40 with 60 carbs and it's perfect for the marsh and that's where it stays 24/7.
This post was edited on 12/23/16 at 11:10 am
Posted on 12/23/16 at 12:00 pm to PolyPusher86
Commenting on this, because I'm soon to be in the market for a boat. 90% of the reason I want the boat is to hunt Venice and other coastal marshes. I know surface drives are a great option, the best option... However, I'm curious to hear from those who have hunted the shallow water marshes with tunnel hull outboards. Anyone hunting Venice specifically?
Posted on 12/23/16 at 5:14 pm to Athletix
You still going to need a pirogue.
Posted on 12/23/16 at 5:37 pm to baldona
quote:
They often times require deeper water to get on plane additionally than a flat bottom.
This is entirely false for true tunnel hulls. The tunnel design itself allows the prop to be at or slightly above the bottom of the boat. The column of water feeding the prop is clean water allowing bite and unbelievable ability to jump up in really shallow water.
Posted on 12/23/16 at 5:46 pm to jimbeam
Tunnels are fantastic for shallow south Louisiana, but horrible speed, fuel economy, and ride quality in open bays. Any chop approaching 1 foot can beat you the death. It's not a hull design you want as an all around boat for lakes, bays, or general family cruising. It is fantastic when set up right (with hydraulic jackplate) for marsh fishing and hunting. It is a must to have engine temp and/or water pressure data to monitor. Don't just rely on the alarm to tell you it's running hot.
Posted on 12/23/16 at 5:47 pm to Dock Holiday
Correct, it does take some getting used to when jumping up, coming out of a vhull you may want to hammer down on the throttle to jump it up but that's not what you want to do as you'll suck all the water out of the tunnel, blow it out the back and the hull will literally suck down to the bottom.......not good. Just get it moving forward and baby it up to you feel it lift and then you can increase the throttle, you can also shift your passengers and spin it up when ultra shallow once you learn the hulls capabilities.
Posted on 12/23/16 at 6:11 pm to TxWadingFool
quote:
TxWadingFool
That name tells me all need to know about your experience with tunnels... Tx is the king of the design.
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