18ft tom-mac welded aluminium

[mjd]

eh gang

just wondering if anyone has any info/experience on 18ft tom-mac welded boats? they look pretty clean but there is almost no info on them. I heard that they have a water ballast system. . .not sure how it works but if it is as simple as channels running through the hull then do you have to worry about fouling?

I live in Tofino and am looking for something that can handle the conditions out here--within reason for a 18ft.

thanks
matt

 

[Sculpin]

The only thing I have heard about Tom Mack built alloy boats is that they are tanks (i.e. bomb proof, heavily built) which is a good thing IMO.

Water ballast systems are used quite a bit in Australia and New Zealand. There are a few builders from those regions on the Aluminum Alloy Boat forum. You could join up and ask one of them about it.

Hope this helps.

Cheers,
John

 

[Scottdogg]

The ballast doesn't go through to the front.When trolling it provides unequalled stability and drains out when on the plane. Ive fished many times on this boat its a beast! the pictures don't do it justice really must be seen. Not so sure about the 18ft.

http://www.usedvictoria.com/classified-ad/Welded-Aluminum_10401240

 

[Mike_R]

The ballast doesn't go through to the front.When trolling it provides unequalled stability and drains out when on the plane. Ive fished many times on this boat its a beast! the pictures don't do it justice really must be seen. Not so sure about the 18ft.

http://www.usedvictoria.com/classified-ad/Welded-Aluminum_10401240

Looks like someone has added bulwarks to increase the freeboard. Do you know if this was a wet boat prior to the modifications?

 

[mjd]

thanks guys, I guess what I have read is true. I am still wondering if the boat stays in a slip, are the ballast channels a possible fouling problem? If they are I would imagine that it effects the way its supposed to function.

 

[mikep]

they can foul for sure, only way to avoid that would be anti fouling paint or short periods in the water only. I have heard about this problem with these hulls from a lodge marine mechanic.