That's the kind of info I'm looking for. The Kingfisher in the picture is what I was hoping for in the soft top version but apparently with a 225 suzuki the platform sits well under water. Now fill the transom livewell, a full tank of gas, a couple 200 lb+ guys, a four stroke kicker, 2 downriggers, 2 extra batteries for the trolling motor and gear I think it would be well underwater. I fish about half my time on Lake Superior trolling and large inland lakes for walleye. I just like the power for getting on plane, mostly run about 30 mph but a few tournaments a year where most others use crestliners, lunds and starcraft in the 18-20 foot range, their speed is low 50s.
I really like the platform as it prevents large waves from coming in the back, makes way more fishing room and also allow for a camper top, so a Hewes, Kingfisher, Thunderjet type of boat has all these. I can't go too big as the boat gets trailered every time. My Crestliner Phantom 180 is fine but a rough ride in anything above 1 foot waves, can't drive on plane in anything much bigger without destroying stuff. I have a 175 Merc Black max and a 15 Merc kicker both 1991, boat is an 89. It will run 50 to 52, once or twice a year in the tournament starts to get out of the way and stay out of others wakes.
