[ocuyler]

Beau,

I had a similar problem with a 1989 23 open when I first bought it. It had a very wet ride and was disappointing in a head sea.

What I didn't know until later was that the hull had through hull fittings that were leaking. I estimate that upon removing the drain plug, that we had at least 100 gallons (about 800 pounds) of water sloshing around in the bilge while test in 4 to 5's with the occational 6' I was very conserned at the time and she seemed under powered with the 200 HP motor. That changed, however, when we refitted all new through hull hardware.

I also have a 20 open and have sunk it in 3 footers coming over the 20" transom. I would only anchor the 20 in 3 footers if I had 7 to 1 or even 10 to rode to depth. That same 20 has an older 85 HP Evinrude which, amazingly, is NOT underpowered. In fact, the hull seems very light to me.

We sense your disappointment. I agree that if you trial another 20, you'll find a difference. With some images and more details on your set up, we may be better able to offer more specific and constructive comments.

Instead of 3 footers, we in New York are battling the 3 feet of snow we got in the last 48 hours, the same storm that produced tornados in New Orleans. At least you're in the water...

Best of luck.