Newbie ? about mini speed boat

Ziggy4

Seaman
Joined
Sep 19, 2009
Messages
60
I just purchased a 10' 6" 1984 Innovator tunnel hull boat. Engine is an 1987 johnson 20 hp. vessel I.D. incase it helps is INN00114D10. Im looking for any information about this boat. I purchased it for a run around. If anyone knows of this boat or has any comments on this type of boat I would really appreciate it. Any pics? Thanks...
 

kmk_7110

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
May 10, 2007
Messages
259
Re: Newbie ? about mini speed boat

The boat was manufactured by INNOVATION MARINE INC 145 ROBT E LEE BLVD NEW ORLEANS LA

The manufacturer only was in business under that name ove innovation for 3 years according to the Nadaguides and made the boat u have the only model for the 3 years.

So far that is all i have found doing some research.
 

Chinewalker

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Aug 19, 2001
Messages
8,902
Re: Newbie ? about mini speed boat

Not familiar with your particular boat, but in my experience most of the mini-boat types look better than they perform. There were a few of the Cougar Cat types around here a number of years ago and guys tried big motors on them, only to find they really couldn't handle the extra power. Neat little Sunday cruisers, but not real practical...
 

Ziggy4

Seaman
Joined
Sep 19, 2009
Messages
60
Re: Newbie ? about mini speed boat

Thanks alot guys. KMK: I also heard of an INNOVATION MARINE in Sarasota Fl. know if they are the same? Im also trying to find out the weight capacity the boat can take and the largest engine I can put on there and still be good for crusing around. I was thinking no larger than 25hp and 4 stroke. :)
 

Frank Acampora

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jan 19, 2007
Messages
12,004
Re: Newbie ? about mini speed boat

I have a Cougar Cub, 10 foot tunnel hull. That's it at speed in the avatar. With 50 horsepower it goes 42 MPH but a scary 42! If yours performs similar, it is not for the novice or young boater. Any error in judgement you make WILL come back and bite you in the A**. These boats were made for class racing but never succeeded and tend to be unstable. They are not Sunday cruisers and will not tolerate more than one person in them--no matter what the plate says. However, you will get a LOT of admiring looks and comments at the ramp. Most people are used to seeing only Jet-Skis in this size hull.

You will most likely need to lean over the steering wheel to get it to drop onto plane. At the transition, It may be unstable in that it may scoot to the right so be prepared to correct. High pitched 2 blade props exaggerate the reaction.

These small hulls are very stern heavy. Again, if yours performs like the Cougar tunnel, a big wake WILL cause it to flip at anything over 20 MPH.

My Cougar is VERY unforgiving. I have already flipped it three times. Now, when the bigger boats come out, I go in.

I have a blast just ripping up the river with my 10 footer so: Enjoy it but be very cautious.

Want to know more? log on to Hydroracer.com. They should be able to tell you everything you want to know.
 

Chinewalker

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Aug 19, 2001
Messages
8,902
Re: Newbie ? about mini speed boat

Frank - I probably should have said Sunday morning cruiser - before the big boys get out and muck things up... ;-)
- Scott
 
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