[BigLew]

Pprussel,

Give it a chance. I have the 23' with an I/O 260 and am looking to go to 300+. It needs new power. I love it!

A little different in an following sea. Don't try to overwhelm it. Start by riding the back side of the wave in front. Then begin to spool it up to where you are just comfortably riding up/pushing through and moving down the front. Use the weight to your advantage. It will keep your butt in the water and that is good. Don't be afraid to try a few different things. Moving your movable weight around and playing with your tabs. Start with them a bit more down. Take a friend along and tell him it is a reconniscence trip - not fishing. Then he knows what to expect.

The boat's abilities don't change, the Skipper's' understanding of the boat does. Let it teach you what it likes. Should take an afternoon in a good blow. You'll have a few stories to tell - good and well...?

There is a guy on here from Western Massachussetts that boats the Great Lakes. He didn't believe how he could balance it out and make everyone come up to him at the dock and ask what the hell hull he was in. He couldn't believe what it would do in a following sea and chop!

Good luck and ask questions when you get back.