Hull Design Basics

There are two major hull designs on the market today...the deep-v and the modified-v.

The deep-v is also known as a constant dead rise hull. Simply put, this means that the degree of the v is the same from the bow all the way to the stern. On a deep-v, this is usually sharp, typically going from 21 degrees all the way up, on some models, to 28 degrees or more. This equals a smooth ride, while underway. When you stop to drift or begin idling to fight a fish, you had better strap yourself to the gunwale! The reason, deep-v's rock and roll a lot. So, if you plan on doing any amount of drift fishing or fishing at anchor, the modified-v is the way to go. One advantage of the deep-v is the fact that it will go straight as an arrow when you are running. This is great when you actually want to go straight. When you want to turn though, you had better hope you have power steering! When turning a deep-v boat, helmsman experience a phenomenon known as chine walking. A flat surface will plane more easily than a v. For this reason, deep-v's have a tendency to lay over and run on the flat surface of the v instead of the apex of the hull. So, when you turn, the boat flips back and forth from side to side. In order to reduce this, manufacturer's frequently add chines to break up the flat surface of the v and add lift to the boat.

The modified-v is, in my opinion, the best hull design. The modified-v is also known as the variable deadrise hull. The deadrise at the entry of the bow back to about the midpoint of the hull is equivalent to a deep-v, about 26 degrees or so. But as you get further aft, the deadrise gets shallower, down to about 14 degrees to 18 degrees. By doing this, boats retain the cutting action of the deep-v forward but when you are drifting or at anchor, you don't have near the rocking motion of the deep-v. The modified-v also gets up on plane easier, has crisper turning, and in most cases, faster acceleration and top end speed(depending on power). When running through rough stuff in a modified-v, just trim the engine(s) down and hit the throttle. The bow then comes down and the sharp entry cuts the water. Although you can't go quite as fast as the deep-v in a rough sea, you have the other added advantages over it.

I hope this helps you in deciding which type of hull design is right for you. If you have any other questions, just shoot me an e-mail.
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