Actual drafts

[TheTinMan]

Has anyone actually measured the draft of their V20 with the motor trimmed up?

I know the specs say 18" but there are many variables that could change that, like: size of motor, bracket, gear, fuel, people on board, etc...

The one thing that turns me off about the V20 is the draft, but a deep vee with 21* deadrise it's expected. I plan on doing a lot of site fishing the flats around the East End of LI and draft is a big concern.

I was thinking about getting a V 20 center console for the deeper, rougher water and keeping the tin boat for the skinny water because I was convinced there wasn't a boat that could do both well...Then I came across Panga's. Ugly as hell and a narrow beam. I've been doing much research on them and have a couple threads on fishing forums and everyone is VERY pleased with them.

A 22' Panga draws about 9", only needs a 90hp-115hp motor, gets 5-6mpg and suprisingly handles the rough stuff very well and priced well below a traditional style boat....sounds too good to be true! Can there actually be a boat that can do-it-all for me? I can get over the looks if it does, plus I could get rid of the tin boat.

Only downside is....will you guy's still let me hang out here if I don't get a V20? I'll change my name to
"ThePangaMan"

I still may get a V20 center and keep the Tin seeing that a nice V20 will cost less than half. Storing and maintaining 2 boats is a bit of concern though....decisions, decisions.

I'm pretty sure we will start seeing a lot more of these Panga style boats here in the North East.

See these sites for some Panga's:

www.panga.com

www.pangamarine.com

www.tortugaboats.com

Angler boats also is making a Panga boat, they have a 26' and are coming out with a 22' in March

No need to tell me they are ugly....I agree!

TIA,

The****Man

[reelapeelin]

Goin' into creek entrance couple of years ago, tide had gone out...shut down and raised motor, hopped out to walk it across shoal, bow still stuck...asked two adults, two kids to move to back of boat...raised the bow just enough to walk 'er through...dropped the motor and went on to dock...POINT?...draft can change depending on WHERE everyone is standing... ;)...

Personally, I don't think Pangas are ugly...Gitchu one!!...

[TheTinMan]

Originally Posted by reelapeelin

...draft can change depending on WHERE everyone is standing... .

reminds me of a couple years ago when I was living in FL fishin Mosquito Lagoon by myself in my 17' Whaler. I was into a school of Reds that was moving slowly with the direction of the wind. With the motor tilted up, standing near the stern, I would be lightly aground, take a few steps forward and I would be floating and drifting back into the school...great day!

[phester]

Not that ugly at all....true not the best lookin' boat, I like it

[TheTinMan]

Originally Posted by phester

Not that ugly at all....true not the best lookin' boat, I like it

You're just sayin that so you can go fishing on it :)

[scook]

A friend has an old one that he keeps in Cabo, Mexico - fishes a lot and seems to like the boat. That pangamarine one actually kinda looks like a Whaler.

[macojoe]

I don't see to much of a problem with the V20 in skinny water?
I have drifted with the motor up in like 10" or less of water. And that is with a 390 pound motor on the back.

I have poled it with my paddle lots of times. But I try not to make a habit out of it!

[bigshrimpin]

Tin - I think anyone of those boats would do well for you. Just be careful of all the hype. There is no one design that does everything well, b/c designs are all about trade offs.

I'm not familar with fishing flats on LI, but I have some experience fishing Monomy, Barnstable Harbor, and some other flats areas on cape cod. I've never seen Bass in less than 2ft of water. If you're fishing in less than 2ft on a regular basis . . . I would get a carolina skiff w/ a jackplate and a bigger boat for the ocean (doesn't have to be a v20).