[ScottM]

First off, the Maine commercial fisherman is extremely conservative and difficult to change. It took a long time for them to embrace fiberglass, but they stick with the Downeast design due to its advantages in the waters they fish. A deep V requiring greater power, therefore more fuel, would increase operating expense and decrease profit but wouldn't really gain them any efficiencies in hauling their catch.

Second, I'd suggest reading "Maine Lobster Boats: Builders and Lobsterman Speak of Their Craft" by Virginia L. Thorndike. It gives a great explanation of the Downeast design, which is different than a Novi design (Maine vs. Nova Scotia). These boats were born from sailboat hulls that were converted to power, hence their round chine, deep forefoot, and tumblehome. They are full displacement hulls, which means the full water line rides in the water, therefore little to no transom deadrise but lots of entry at the bow.