Penn Yan Tunnel Hulls

[RetNav]

I have been looking at a couple of Penn Yans, one dual engine tunnel, and one single engine tunnel. The dual is 26' and the single is 23'. What I am wondering is if anyone on here has any experience handling one of these boats? Seems the dual would be fairly easy to handle but would appreciate some direct knowledge.

 

[RetNav]

Re: Penn Yan Tunnel Hulls

It appears that either no one has any experience with the tunnel hulls or no one wants to give their opinion..

 

[BillP]

Re: Penn Yan Tunnel Hulls

I ran one of their original tunnel hulls for a couple days. It had a single V8 and was 23ish' long. At slow speeds it steered like a jet boat, not very positive. In later versions I believe they changed the rudder size to make slow speed steering better. Running a straight drive inboard in 2' of water was fun.

 

[Captn Dave]

Re: Penn Yan Tunnel Hulls

My father had a 23 and eventually gave it to my sister's boyfriend, who repowered it and still owns it.<br />At slow speeds it doesn't handle as well as a conventional inboard. Reverse isn't too great and takes some getting use to but is manageable.<br />Overall, I think that boat, the open 23, is a great boat.

 

[rschnack]

Re: Penn Yan Tunnel Hulls

I looked at one of these a few years ago and did a little research. If I understand correctly they were well built boats. The tunnel drive tended to be less efficient and used more fuel than a standard inboard. Their big advantage was that they could be used in shallower areas. Also, if I remember correctly the tunnel drive was made by Chrysler. You may want to check for availability of parts before you buy.<br />RCS

 

[RetNav]

Re: Penn Yan Tunnel Hulls

Thanks for the input, Now I have something more to start checking on....

 

[snapperbait]

Re: Penn Yan Tunnel Hulls

Agreed on the handling charicteristics of single screw tunnels mentioned above... <br /><br />The only gripe I have with mine (tigercraft), being that the prop is higher in an absolutely rediculously large tunnel, much-more-so than the Penn Yans I've seen; while cresting a wave, it's very easy to "blow the prop out" even while putt-putting along at 15knots or less.... <br /><br />If you sea-trial one, I'd definately put it to the test in a sea to see if you like it..<br />

 

[RetNav]

Re: Penn Yan Tunnel Hulls

snapperbait, Thanks for the info and the pics. I will definately try it out before plunking any cash on the boat. Right now the idea of a cabin (for the wife and baby)and the shallow draft seem real atractive. <br /><br />Even if it is a gas hog I don't believe it could possibly suck up as much as twin 200 90 model evinrudes on a 26' dusky. Man I can't stand all the gas I'm having to buy for that hog. Thats the main reason I am looking elsewhere.

 

[snapperbait]

Re: Penn Yan Tunnel Hulls

RetNav.. If it's a twin V8 in that 26'r, figure on about 2 mpg, at best cruise.. You might get 2.5 or 3 mpg or more if she's a fly weight girl..<br /><br />I base that info on a 28' Bertram with twin 350's that i've run... Granted a 28 Bertram's a heavy beast, it's a 1 to 1.5 mpg boat at best cruise... Cruise at 18-19 knots spinning the engines 2800-3000rpm, she drinks 12 to 13 GPH on the flo-scans...<br /><br />Mine's 2.5 mpg at best... My usual 35 mile trip takes about 15 gallons... Trolling, it sips gas.. The best part, it's quiet (i can actually hear the radio) and there's no stinky 2 stroke smoke...

 

[RetNav]

Re: Penn Yan Tunnel Hulls

Yeah, I know what you mean snapper, I can run out to Buckeye (about 22 Miles) and back and it takes at least 45 gals to refill my twin 200 evinrues. I don't run them wot either. At 2 mpg I would more than double my mileage... Bring it on

 

[snapperbait]

Re: Penn Yan Tunnel Hulls

E-GAD!..

 

[farginicehole]

Re: Penn Yan Tunnel Hulls

No kiddin'!! So should I be a little more concerned about the fuel consumption of this Evinrude 300XP that I'm considering buying?

 

[RetNav]

Re: Penn Yan Tunnel Hulls

farginicehole2 I don't know about the 300XP but the statement on the 200's made above are absolutely accurate. I've been thinking about trying to get a long hose and keep it attached to a pump when I go out..

 

[farginicehole]

Re: Penn Yan Tunnel Hulls

Maybe you should sell those hogs and re-power with some newer EFIs or 4-strokes! I'm not familiar with a Dusky, but I'm bettin' (maybe I should say "hopin'", for your sake!) it really performs with twin 200 outboards?

 

[RetNav]

Re: Penn Yan Tunnel Hulls

farginicehole2, I curently can get 52 mph on a gps with the twin 200's. At the same time I can see the floor being sucked down from the gas tanks being sucked empty.. <br /><br />Because of the above I don't run it at WOT very often, just every now and then to blow the cobwebs out.

 

[farginicehole]

Re: Penn Yan Tunnel Hulls

Cobwebs out of the motor, or out of your wallet? Just kiddin', doesn't sound like that rig allows any chance for that! 52 mph must be really nice for getting way out there to the fishing spot in a hurry though. I'm jealous, as I love saltwater fishing but only get to do it once or twice per year on average. Tight lines!