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Started By
Message
Shallow Running Aluminum Boats- Tunnel Hull / OB Jet Advice/Opinions
Posted on 9/6/24 at 8:29 am
Posted on 9/6/24 at 8:29 am
Need some education.
I primarily fish a river that transitions from mud to sand, light gravel to rocky. The river is freaking shallow in some spots. I've fished it for 17 years in my same stick steer 14' jon boat w/ a 25 hp outboard. It's been ok, but I'll routinely hit sand, have to trim up, get out and push.
Last Monday, had the Mrs fishing with me and there was a G3 1860 with a 90 hp jet on the river too, having no issues running shallow. She said, "just buy one." So I'm looking.
Things to consider-
The ramp sucks. Routinely, I'm pushing my boat off the trailer with just a tiny bit of the bunks wet, same on the take out. Cranking the winch to get the boat on the trailer. Makes me want to keep the new boat smaller and lighter. Boats with boxes and carpet etc, seem to be wasted weight for what I need. I'd like stripped down. Also, I dig the stick steer. Helps to see the issues in the river early.
I'd be cool with a tunnel w/ pods and a prop with a jack plate or a jet outboard. A tunnel jet seems like it would be capable too.
Just trying to learn what I can to find the best solution.
ETA- not interested in a surface drive. In GA.
I primarily fish a river that transitions from mud to sand, light gravel to rocky. The river is freaking shallow in some spots. I've fished it for 17 years in my same stick steer 14' jon boat w/ a 25 hp outboard. It's been ok, but I'll routinely hit sand, have to trim up, get out and push.
Last Monday, had the Mrs fishing with me and there was a G3 1860 with a 90 hp jet on the river too, having no issues running shallow. She said, "just buy one." So I'm looking.
Things to consider-
The ramp sucks. Routinely, I'm pushing my boat off the trailer with just a tiny bit of the bunks wet, same on the take out. Cranking the winch to get the boat on the trailer. Makes me want to keep the new boat smaller and lighter. Boats with boxes and carpet etc, seem to be wasted weight for what I need. I'd like stripped down. Also, I dig the stick steer. Helps to see the issues in the river early.
I'd be cool with a tunnel w/ pods and a prop with a jack plate or a jet outboard. A tunnel jet seems like it would be capable too.
Just trying to learn what I can to find the best solution.
ETA- not interested in a surface drive. In GA.
This post was edited on 9/6/24 at 8:48 am
2
Posted on 9/6/24 at 9:33 am to slacker130
I've been on a jet tunnel on upper amite...all sand and aggregate. Ankle deep in lots of spots. It's amazing. They are super smooth going over stumps or trees or shallow rocks. I was impressed.
Only downside I saw is that you need a little bit deeper water to take off. I think impellers get replaced pretty frequently.
Only downside I saw is that you need a little bit deeper water to take off. I think impellers get replaced pretty frequently.
Posted on 9/6/24 at 12:20 pm to DownSouthDave
The Cons to the tunnel- is you lose some speed, and you actually draft a little deeper.
The pros is that you don't hit props as often and can skip across those shallow sandbars and rocks.
A jet drive with pods will run shallow, and draft shallow- but then you lose more speed, and you have jet handling characteristics.
Just up to you.
Also I'd recommend going to a center console- sit you up higher, have all your gauges, etc mounted at finger tips.
I run a 1760 Mod V in Central TX and Big lake primarily, and with a 6" jack plate and outboard I rarely ever hit anything. I can get up on step in about a foot of water(as long as bottom isn't rocks) and I can trim up and float through ankle deep spots.
The pros is that you don't hit props as often and can skip across those shallow sandbars and rocks.
A jet drive with pods will run shallow, and draft shallow- but then you lose more speed, and you have jet handling characteristics.
Just up to you.
Also I'd recommend going to a center console- sit you up higher, have all your gauges, etc mounted at finger tips.
I run a 1760 Mod V in Central TX and Big lake primarily, and with a 6" jack plate and outboard I rarely ever hit anything. I can get up on step in about a foot of water(as long as bottom isn't rocks) and I can trim up and float through ankle deep spots.
Posted on 9/6/24 at 1:11 pm to slacker130
1548 pods with a 60/40 tohatsu on a jack plate will get you going
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