v-shaped tri-hull??????

[sikz3]

Looking into a 1980 wellcraft tri-hull that has the vee'd front (not boxed). What is you opinion on this hull? It will be used on a smaller lake. Thanks

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: v-shaped tri-hull??????

they can give a rough ride in choppy water, but still good boats.

 

[Rdraidr]

Re: v-shaped tri-hull??????

I owned a 70s Glastron, tri-hull. Now own a 90s V. The tri was stable, but extremely rough if the surface was even the least choppy. I've had the unfortunate experience with the V in a storm (the storm was the unfortunate issue), the V performed really well. Maybe just opinions, but I have to ask why the manufacturers are not making many if any tris? All that said, if you have a good deal, and a small lake, then it's a no-brainer.

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: v-shaped tri-hull??????

I think Wellcraft called theirs the Air Slot hull, which was more of a modified tri-hull than a true tri-hull. Performed well as I recall. Had some of the stability benefits of the tri-hull, with the ride characteristics of the V...
- Scott

 

[jm_bullard]

Re: v-shaped tri-hull??????

The Airslot design is supposed to give you the best of both worlds: smooth ride in choppy water and stability. There is even a web site devoted to the Airslots, so you can go check out the specs and performance.

http://www.hsmarine.com/WellcraftAirslots/


I bought a Airslot 185 for a project boat, but I'm selling it now. I found a great deal on a newer boat that didn't need any repairs. So if any needs a summer project, contact me. All of the hard (and expensive) work is done. And it has a 200 hp Johnson on it.

 

[Blazeracer]

Re: v-shaped tri-hull??????

I just picked up a 1975 Wellcraft Airslot today for $250!! Best of all, it has a 3.0 Mercruiser that runs like a champ and a perfectly working outdrive with power trim that is also working. The Airslot's are not really a true tri-hull like some of the other brands. I've read a ton about them and is what I was looking for. The lake here gets a lot of wind and is choppy all the time. It'll be a month or two till it's on the water, but can't wait to get it out there. There was a couple of ads for these boats in the late 70's where they advertised the smoothness. One commercial had a bunch of wine glasses and the other had a bunch of eggs in the bow seats. They ran the boat without spilling a drop of wine or without breaking a single egg. I guess we'll both get to find out!!

 

[MikDee]

Re: v-shaped tri-hull??????

I had 3 Wellcraft Airslots, 1-16' outboard with a 115hp evinrude, then a 135hp johnson. Then 2- 18.5' Airslot I/O's, 1 with a 165hp mercruiser straight six, and the other with a 302 Ford/188hp mercruiser. All were great boats, strong, & heavy, they rode high, dry, fast, and fairly smooth for a modified tri-hull. The only reason I sold them was to go bigger, & faster, and the trend was going toward sleeker looking Vee-hulls, so although they are practical boats, they are sled looking, and before people realized how good they were, they were hard to sell.