Future boat design

[Gary]

Was reading the threads on 4 stroke vs 2 stroke engines and noticed that a comment was made about motors getting heavier. Also there has been inquiries on "Wavewackers" and such. This led me to think that a change in boat design may be in the works. I honestly believe that on future boats one will see transoms much like the "SST" transom on the Crestliner "Eagle". Reasons for this are obvious, a 20" transom height with a monster 225 (and bigger are coming)weighing the back of the boat down lessening your transom height and then requiring the need for Wavewackers. As for hull design and interior layout not much can be improved upon, except for rearrangement of the furniture. Although a "SST" type transom might influence future layouts. The "traditional" look of the good ole fishing boat may be due for a change.

[KevinA]

The future is already here and has been for years...for some boat manufacturers. Look to boats with "euro transoms" and motor brackets (Armstrong brackets are very popular). While euro transoms keep the water where it should be, outside the boat, they will limit your interior room when the boat length remains constant. Some manufacturers added the euro transom in additon to the standard boat...meaning a 23 footer becomes a 25 footer with the euro transom while they still call the boat a 23 footer. Naturally some manufacturers do this and call the boat a 25 footer(with a 23 footer interior)..and charge you accordingly. Brackets are very nice and can improve your performance quite a bit(you can run the motor several inches higher = alot less drag). Some folks don't care for them as they stick out a ways from the boat's transom, but this is something you learn to fish around. Crestliner's Eagle model appears to have a combination of a setback-bracket & euro transom. There are lots of variations on this theme.

[eye_fly]

"As for hull design and interior layout not much can be improved upon, except for rearrangement of the furniture."

I must respectfully disagree on that one. I would love to see some "saltwater" thinking applied to more freshwater mass market V-bottom boats. For one, I am not a big fan of carpeting and plywood interiors and decks. I much prefer non-slip composite decks. Just get out the hose to clean them, and they wear better with age too. No wood to rot or carpet to get dirty.

I'd also like to see much better choices for center consoles in the freshwater V-bottom market. Large rear casting decks as well.

Just my opinion though. Everybody fishes a little different, which dictates different "needs" in boat design.