Tunnel hulls?

[CWCW]

I came across some tunnel hull type jon/bass boats that Alumacraft has to offer. Looking at the 1860 models with 90hp max rigging. The 1860 can come in the mod v style hull and the tunnel style hull. I know that the tunnel style hull will go in more shallow waters but what is the difference in speed and acceleration of these tunnel hulls compared to the mod v hull?

 

[ddaigle]

Re: Tunnel hulls?

The tunnel has less hull area in the rear and will require more power to plane and will pound you more in rough water, the mod v will probably be faster and ride a lot better, depending on the tunnel style. The faster you go in a tunnel boat the more the tunnell tends to induce drag slowing the boat down. Its hard to get over about 45 mph in a tunnel boat. The exception being racing tunnels which are a different animal. My experience with aluminum tunnels also is they are a weak point in the hull and I have seen cracks develop. The only benefit to a tunnel is shallow water access, which if you fish shallow flats is very nice to have.

 

[thurps]

Re: Tunnel hulls?

Once rode in a Glastron tunnel at 100+ mph on the Colorado river. Had to change my shorts.

 

[rernst]

Re: Tunnel hulls?

I went to the alumacraft website but couldn't find any info on a model 1860. What are you looking at?

 

[rockmike]

Re: Tunnel hulls?

I have an 1860 ALWELD tunnel with an 80HP jet. The boat is rated for 130 max HP. Tunnels are great for shallow water, but there are some trade-offs. Steering is not very sharp on plane, and very slow at low speeds and reverse. Have to be careful to not cavitate out of the hole---easy to overwind your engine. Otherwise they're great for their intended purpose.