Advice on boat purchase for use on the Colorado River and chop issues

[DirtyMaxin]

I go to Laughlin and Havasu every year, usually on a 20-22 foot I/O day cruiser, but this past August was my first time towing and launching my own boat, a borrowed Maxum 1800sr with a 4.3/Alpha combo. For the most part, it was an easy trip, but going up the river from Havasu back to Needles both days was very rough with the bigger boats passing us and leaving crappy wakes for us to hit. the ride was severe enough to launch an ice chest out of the boat on the last day. I am a novice, but I certainly know how to trim it out, but no matter how much I tried, every passing boat made it a rough ride, one that was not appreciated by anyone on the boat. Our friends boats are the 20-22 foot boats, and even when fully loaded down with people fuel and cargo they easily skipped the top of the chop and crosswake providing a comfortable ride for them (even for the 6 month-pregnant girl). I piloted an Eliminator 21 foot last year that handled the same conditions with ease compared to our ride. Well now is the time I've begun to consider a boat of my own, and I'm looking for a good length and setup that can handle the chop of the river and Lake Havasu/Mohave as well. I had considered an older 21 ft eliminator I found for a good price, though it was a jet, and then a Sleekcraft cabin, but I figured I would do some research first.

So lets hear some opinions guys :joyous:

 

[NYBo]

Re: Advice on boat purchase for use on the Colorado River and chop issues

Welcome to iboats!:welcome:

In addition to proper technique (angle of approach, speed, trim), more deadrise is your friend, as is more weight.

 

[crabby captain john]

Re: Advice on boat purchase for use on the Colorado River and chop issues

Do any of your friends have a jet? Worried about shallow rocks? Most jet boats are light and you want a heavy boat to sit IN not on the water for better control and ride.