Tunell Hull and Pods?

[River Rider]

I have a 16' Lowe Line Jon Boat. I am looking to get it to run a little shallower in the river. Much more I am trying to get my 30 horse evinrude up out of harms way. I was debating on pods for the rear to compensate my heavy motor as well as my hefty self, and then maybe looking to install a tunell hull. I have tried to do some research and I have found that Tunells loose top end speed yet I should gain about 3" of lift. Not to mention some people have said I will need a jack plate to adjust it higher once I get going. I am just trying to get shallow without buying a jet foot or a whole new rig. Any suggestions? Or places I might be able to research the tunells or pods? Thanks.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Tunell Hull and Pods?

You will be limited on how shallow you can run due to the water pump pick up and cavatation plate.

 

[River Rider]

Re: Tunell Hull and Pods?

I understand that much of it. I just want to know if it is a good idea to go with a tunell hull. I already planned on the pods for sure. Those will at least help me when I am running by myself. If the tunell hull is a good idea then I will look into the low water pick up. I know that there are some made by bob's machine shop that work well.

 

[TnDeepVee]

Re: Tunell Hull and Pods?

Hi River, surely adding a tunnel hull is do-able especially if you can weld allum or know someone! There is a web-site with a forum that is all about homemade boat engineering/building just can not recall the name. There is some really great info out there for just what you want to do, it just takes a while to find it. My dream boat is the 17' G3 Prop Tunnel w pods n 50hp Yammy+ center console. Oh, there are two tunnel sizes/types 1jet 2 prop. You'll need a cupped prop n whatever else. I'd like to build a river boat w inboard jet somehow. Check out "fshing jet boats" at YOUTUBE, theses guys with there lil inboard jets drive over rock-islands and drive em on shore, insane but they are unwreckable to a sensible fisherman. Good Luck, if yu do build somethin, make a project here, it's easy to do.

 

[River Rider]

Re: Tunell Hull and Pods?

Yeah I was hoping to find someone who has actually done the mods before to give some insite. I think I will just do the pods for now and maybe just save some money and buy the boat I want later. I have seen some pretty wicked boats on the river. Some guys have turned a jon and a jet ski into an absolute river machine. That is a little more intense then I want, but thanks for the help. I plan on putting up a project page once I get everything worked out I want. This is a 78 lowe and I got big plans to make it work for the catfishing I do. Thanks again.

 

[BLU LUNCH]

Re: Tunell Hull and Pods?

Check out the tunnel hull on this Wellcraft V-17
http://www.wellcraftv20.com/gallery/Cat_1974/scan0023_Medium