Bow Rider vs. Closed Bow

[VitaBene]

Originally Posted by Woody38

Many good comments here. Really a personal preference. Had a Boston Whaler Revenge on Cape Cod. Everyone loved the cuddy as when it was too hot on the beach, cuddy was the place to go. Great boat, unable to sink the bow in high seas, soft riding and good handling. I found that trimming the engine worked well with lowering or rising the bow as needed. Trim tabs were not necessary.
A friend took me out in their bow rider. Scared me silly sitting in the bow in seas and looking up to see the water was many feet above me. Not for me.

Trim tabs are underrated both for levelling and running rough seas in stern drive or outboard boats. I will always have tabs on a boat!

[XCR-700]

Originally Posted by VitaBene

Trim tabs are underrated both for levelling and running rough seas in stern drive or outboard boats. I will always have tabs on a boat!

I have to agree, but only on boats over a certain size, not sure they are worth the cost on say an 18' boat used on a pond.

But for any 23' or larger boat and on somewhere like Winnipesaukee, they are a great asset.