handling difference between a haines signature 550le and1550le

[anthony vanin]

I looking at buying a haines signature 550le or a cheaper 1550le.Would the 550le be a much better handling boat with a variable deadrise hull the the earlier model 1550le?,thanks Tony...ps this is my first message thanks.

[Rip it up]

Tony this is my opinions.
I own a 530f signature. 1993 model. Deep vee hull. 22 deg I believe. 115hp 2st.
Brother owns a 2001 630f signature. 175hp 2st. Variable hull.

Living in Gladstone we fish offshore a lot. 60-80kms out. No uncommon to do a 200km trip on a Saturday night. So we get a varied range of conditions. Mainly 10-15kns with 1.5-1.8 seas is the forecast when we travel.

The two boats are definately different in size but not ride quality. Both are light in construction compared to haines hunters and cruise crafts of the same era. This tends to only affect the at rest quality. Also a side hitting wave action. When traveling at speed you might get the occasional knock on the side that would roll the boat a little if you are not actively steering to conditions. This effect is a little more evident on the 530f.

But I would prefer to travel in the smaller boat every trip. It just seems to eat up the heavier landings better than the reverse chine on the variable hull. Loves being trimmed down and slices through the thinner wave chops on the top of swells. But does need at be actively steered when travelling offshore because it will wander offcourse by waves hitting the side.

Trim tabs are also fitted the the 630f to help with the effect of prop torque producing a lean to port side.

My choice would be an older boat setup up well with good electronics over a new hull with basic inclusions.

My 2c.

[burleygu]

bloody good feedback mate!

[Gon Fishun]

Was curious about deadrise differences and this link explained it a whole lot better.

http://www.tropicalboating.com/2010/...-deadrise-hull