In ocean with nice spaced rollers, or even closer together "chop" angle of attack is more controlable because it's more how you stear to hit that wave, sweet spot is consistant over washing machine that constantly changes your steering pattern and spot.

Nothing floats (in the air) and lands like a whaler. There is no other feeling like it in a boat. I absolutely love 'em. the 22 (Outrage if I'm not istaken) is the best boat in their line up. IMHO.

Now, in regards to sloppy water and swell. the problem with Channel Islands area is there is both. and when it gets to be both it's NASTY! Again, look at the first picture I posted on this thread. Confused water with 6' swells. I'll pass. It's the little side waves that slam directly on the flat spot of the V near the transom when you land that rattles your bones.

I agree to a certain extent. I would rather have a large swell in the ocean than confused water on a lake in my Baja. In the Cig it just punches through until it's small craft warning time....then I call no joy.

Where? I wanted to show it to a friend.

Here you go. I love the launch 48 seconds into it. Nice!

Apache Vid

now your talkin

An inexpensive way to learn the basics would be to buy the book Fast Powerboat Seamanship : The Complete Guide to Boat Handling, Navigation, and Safety You can get a used copy for about 6 bucks.

After you read it and want to learn more from a Pro, take Tres Martins course, you'll never regret it and have a great time doing it.

WOW!
Now I understand how you can stuff it!
Correct me if I'm wrong ..... but it seems that if you launch at an angle which allows the drive to return to the water first, it's impact, and resulting drag will virtually pull the nose down hard into the water.

It make sense that trimming down will make this type of launch less probable, but where is the balance point?
In average 2-4' seas, how much of the hull should be in the water to achieve a reasonable balance?

[QUOTE=StillHaulin@61It make sense that trimming down will make this type of launch less probable, but where is the balance point?[/QUOTE]

Every hull is different, so you have to find it. Mine is right before the hull really loosens up for top speed. It's hard to describe but you can kind of feel it slightly holding you back and keeping the boat more level. This obviously scrubs speed but it also makes the boat stay level. Like I said, it's about neutral trim and slightly negative tab.

Unfortunately the only way to find the "edge" is to go past it a few times. So get some passengers that don't scare easily!

Perfect, thank you.

I wonder how a 23' hull would react with a slightly negative tab, but a slightly positive trim. Which device would dominate, the trim tabs or the outdrive?

Seas permitting, I'll make a solo run on Saturday to try and find this elusive "edge". Obviously, I'll keep my speed down during this learning curve, but is there any kind of warning sign before going OVER this edge?