Just picked up a 21 ft eliminator Daytona. I've wanted one since I was a kid and I finally fell into one in my price range. I'm super excited to get this thing going, needs some work but its gunna be sweet. I am just curious to see if anyone has any tips or warnings as far as being new to driving a tunnel hull, I've been driving my 17 ft semi v for about 20 years now but I hear these handle a lil different. Any input would be appreciated.

Tip.....you won't want to drive a v again

Just picked up a 21 ft eliminator Daytona. I've wanted one since I was a kid and I finally fell into one in my price range. I'm super excited to get this thing going, needs some work but its gunna be sweet. I am just curious to see if anyone has any tips or warnings as far as being new to driving a tunnel hull, I've been driving my 17 ft semi v for about 20 years now but I hear these handle a lil different. Any input would be appreciated.

They are designed to go fast!.........Straight!!
And do not like to turn any where near as sharp as a V-bottom.

i like it

Yup got it from Ron

Sorry I snagged it buddy lol. It just kind of fell in my lap. Ron is a cool dude. I'll post pics of the progress. Any cool paint ideas are welcome too guys.

Congrats on the new float.  I'm amazed that people still insist you cannot make them turn. Did you know that a Formula 1 Tunnel boat pulls the most lateral G's in motor sport?  A close freind of mine and myself both had 19 Daytonas that turned fine.  We moved the motor forward and add a turn fin.  His had plates my not. Raced Comp Jet and Ski Jet.  As far as driving a tunnel note that it turns flat unlike a semi-v that will "Bank" in the turns.  This creates add strain on the passengers trying to stay in the boat.  Practice turns alone to get the fell of it.  From a high speed run throttle back and get the sponsons in the water turn the wheel and start pressing the go peddle.  The problem with the Eliminator was the outside sponson design can catch a chine.  I learned the hard way tossed me out once but that was due to the driver trying something outside the envelope and if you drive outside the envelope your gona end up wet no matter what hull you have.  I think people think they won't turn because they won't loose lift as quickly as a semi-v, that's true and you have to anticipate your turns sooner but you can still get through turns just as fast if not faster in a well organized tunnel.

Don't want a pickel fork? what I say? Our racing history included numerous spins, one rollover, one pich-pole, driver and co rider in the water numerous times, that's all in semi-v's.  My little screw up was the only one in a tunnel and remember I'm talking racing history so we were all driving hard.  For a river boat I wouldn't think twice about the hull as the best choice.  My warnings are only to inform. I'm not saying that every time you turn the boat you have to go back and pick up your riders. What I'm saying is lateral G's are like in a car not a motorcycle. Any boat has it's limits I want everyone to drive within them I think those limits are better in a tunnel.

I can't wait to get this thing in the water!!!. Finally caught up on bills so I can start working on it. I'll post pics of the progress, thanks for the feedback guys.

Lol thanks I loved seeing these fly down the river as a kid. I've been looking for a long time and got lucky with this one. Gotta decide on colors now!

 So what happened to the up dates on this  ?   

its in the fibreglass shop right now. New dash installed, new gunnel supports, filled  the old gas fill holes and a bunch of random holes where things are being relocated. Also new stringers and dam. I haven't seen it yet, but when I pick it up ill post some pics. Going with American flag themed paint job too!

  Cant wait to see it, sounds cool !!!   Tell them to hurry up, I need motivation. 

Ya Proppy, I was gonna ask how yours was coming along