Hull dilemma

[PuckHog]

I'm wracked with indecision regarding hull choice. I have a '69 Glastron 15' open bow tri-hull with an 80hp Merc o/b. I have the opportunity to get a '78 Glastron 16' closed bow v-hull (I'll use the same motor).<br /> Some of the lakes we boat on can get really choppy (as can the bay), so I like the idea of the v-hull to help keep my fillings in my teeth, but I really love the smooth ride of the tri-hull on calm water (and the open bow). What other trade-offs am I missing? Speed? Efficiency? Is there an obvious choice? Thanks for any input.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Hull dilemma

I think in the long run you will wish you had the V hull.In my opinion it will handle better and ride better.Not too many companies building tri hulls anymore.I think if you check there is a very high percentage of companies building V and modified V hulls.There is a reason for that.<br /> Why not hold out for that open bow you like in a V hull.

 

[PuckHog]

Re: Hull dilemma

I think you're right the v-hull with the open bow would be best, but I'm size constrained by lack of storage room. I can only fit a beam of ~76" or less in my driveway which (from what I've seen) restricts me to 16' or less in length. I won't even get into the budget constraints...

 

[KCook]

Re: Hull dilemma

The main advantage for the tri-hull would be if/when you overloaded the boat. So long as the boat is carrying just a single family I would expect the V-hull to be Ok.<br /><br />Kelly Cook

 

[Twidget]

Re: Hull dilemma

One thing to think about is trailering the boat. If you bring the boat to the trailer and get out to winch it in, its a lot harder to stay dry with the closed bow. That is if you do it alone.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Hull dilemma

On the V vs tri hull, V hands down; lotta reasons; BTDT would not go back to the tri.<br /><br />On closed vs open bow, as stated, it is less convenient launching/loading but ramps around the side of your trailer will fix that and I have seen trailers built with them. That way you can walk around the side of the boat and climb in.<br /><br />In rough water, the closed bow offers some security and on emergency shutdowns or trying to anchor or tie off in a storm, you will not take a wave on the closed bow like an open one. BTDT and neighbor lost his boat because of that.<br /><br />My 2c<br /><br />Mark

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Hull dilemma

on the open bow, when expecting to go to rougher waters, have a bow cover made, mount a couple of removable bow from port to starboard. and a snap on cover. back in the later 60's and 70's a lot of bow riders came equipped this way. it was one of the selling points of the bow rider, open or closed bow.

 

[PuckHog]

Re: Hull dilemma

Thanks for all of the feedback. I've secured a short term spot to keep the tri-hull while I try the v-hull, so I get to extend my indecision for approximately 30 days. The feeling I get is it will come down to the trade off between convenience of an open bow, vs. the superior ride of v-hull. I can already tell my wife won't care about me getting wet loading the trailer if the ride is more comfortable!!