Which one or... just get pwcs?

Discussion in 'Stability' started by rsrguy3, Apr 27, 2025.

  1. rsrguy3
    Joined: Apr 2025
    Posts: 4
    Likes: 0, Points: 1
    Location: Utah

    rsrguy3 New Member

    My name is Guy, im a noob here. I live in Utah and there's no one locally that I've found to answer this question. I'm hoping to not impose or wast your time.
    I'm considering, (not committed yet) a build project. I have a bunch of grandkids, and was thinking it would be fun to build a small speedy boat for them to make quick morning blasts on the local lake.
    Whats the better way to go safety wise, a 3 point hydro or a tunnel?
    Im not talking about something I'm going to over power, my hope is something that can give the illusion of speed and a smooth ride.
    We're putting a family ski boat together currently, but i was hoping to get the kids more involved in boating from an operating perspective.
     
    rsrguy3, Apr 27, 2025
    #1
  2. gonzo
    Joined: Aug 2002
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    Location: Milwaukee, WI

    gonzo Senior Member

    How old are the kids? They need to be over 16 to operate a motorboat, unless there is an adult on the boat. Both 3 point hydros and tunnels are hard to control at high speeds and not adequate for inexperienced children. A skiff with a 4HP outboard would be safer, if they are older than 16.
     
    gonzo, Apr 27, 2025
    #2
  3. rsrguy3
    Joined: Apr 2025
    Posts: 4
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    Location: Utah

    rsrguy3 New Member

    Several are over 16. I'm leaning towards a 2 place. I'm talking about waveless mornings at the lake here. Like I mentioned, I have a ski boat but I'm looking for something to give them a taste of the speed bug.... again I'm not talking about high speeds or overpowering it.
    there's plenty of plans to choose from, and they've been around forever, I dont want to build a skiff or a runabout, so I'm left with tunnel or hydro. Which of the two is the most stable? I'm guessing the tunnel... but that's an uneducated guess.
     
    rsrguy3, Apr 27, 2025
    #3
  4. Will Gilmore
    Joined: Aug 2017
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    Location: Littleton, nh

    Will Gilmore Senior Member

    As you say, it's about the impression of speed.

    I've always liked the sleek fast lines of the Glen-L TNT.


    -Will
     
    Will Gilmore, Apr 28, 2025
    #4
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  5. kapnD
    Joined: Jan 2003
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    Location: hawaii, usa

    kapnD Senior Member

    Low horsepower is key to making it safe to use.
    When I was a kid I was given an old 3 point hydro. My outboard was only 7.5 hp, but it would get the boat up on plane in smooth water with some vigorous bouncing, and gave quite the impression of speed although it was probably pretty slow.
     
    kapnD, Apr 28, 2025
    #5
  6. rsrguy3
    Joined: Apr 2025
    Posts: 4
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    Location: Utah

    rsrguy3 New Member

    Exactly what I was Talking about. Thank you.
     
    rsrguy3, Apr 29, 2025
    #6

  8. rsrguy3
    Joined: Apr 2025
    Posts: 4
    Likes: 0, Points: 1
    Location: Utah

    rsrguy3 New Member

    Met a local guy that told me to find a mod vp.... lol
     
    rsrguy3, Apr 29, 2025
    #7
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