ride quality in proline 399

[mickomarlin]

hi all, time for upgrade and looking at a proline 399 with 15hp with an upgrade in hp in the future!
what is the ride quality with these? it will be used in lake macquarie.
i allready have the 15hp so im just getting the hull atm. and fitting it out while saving for 30hp?
has anyone taken a proline offshore?
any info will be appreciated

[codly]

the ride offshore would be like sliding down a bumpy hill in a bath tub.

Great estury boats terrible offshore boats

[Dango]

it's a 4m tinnie, I would not be taking it offshore in a hurry

[mickomarlin]

im not planning on going offshore but just wanted to see if anyone has taken one out, im mainly after some info as i dont know anyone with one of these hulls, would my 15hp merc have enough grunt?

[Dango]

hey, a 15 hp would be perfect for trolling etc, a 30 hp though would get the boat hummin'. Depends if you don't mind crusing or going flat out to your fishing spots

[forsterfisho]

I havent had any experiance with this hull; but i do own a 385 explorer. I think a 15hp motor might be ok, but if you load your boat up with livewell, decks/hatches and 2 solid blokes it will struggle to get up on the plane. I have trouble with my motor at times with all the gear in mine to get it up on the plane.

[crabcrusher]

I had a 399 with 15hP on it. The boat went well with one person, but with 2, it was a tad slow on getting up on plane

Mind you i did load it up with plenty of Flooring and accessories. Ther hulls are rated to 25 HP, so id go with that if i was to purchase another..

Cheers Nick

[Ozzy1]

I have a Proline 399 2007 hull , the new hulls have a differnt shape at the V. Mine had cast decks , floor , 2 batteries and all my fishing gear. I weigh near on 115 kilo and my son in law weighs 90 kilo I also take my daughter with us she is 10. My boat has a 15hp Merc and with us all in the boat flat out it runs at 17 knots on my gps , mind you thats on flat water , it averages in chop at roughly 14 knots. I do have an SE foil fitted to the motor though which helps to get it onto the plane and keep it there. In the lake you would be fine with a 15 but offshore you'd want to pick your days and have a bit more horsepower.

Ozzy

[Joker]

I have the 4.29 proline angler, which is a fair bit heavier, they are great smooth water boats, and will handle a bit of chop (I've had mine in about 4ft swell after getting caught out on a tide change) but it does require some common sense on the part of the driver, I wouldn't recommend attempting it if you are new to boating. They are designed as a semi-smooth water hull, and taking them offshore is nothing short of stupid except on the calmest of days, and even then, it is a bit dubious as to how they would handle a big blow up.
As for powering, mine is rec. at 30hp, but I have the max at 40, and it gets along quite well at 45km/h by the gps,
From what I have seen and from talking to other proline owners, going for a motor towards the max rated seems to be the way to go, the min will get it going, but having the extra thump makes it a lot easier once you load the boat up witha few guys and all their gear.
Hope that Helps
JOker

[Jack Mauger]

ive got one and with a 30 mercury four stroke and it handles great in lakes and stuff but if its a bit choppy you ill get very wet but they sit really well when up on the plane.

[sammy]

hey bud,
I have a 3.99 stacer with a 25 merc and i have had my boat out to the blinker in some big swell, well bigger swell but i love it for chasing tuna

[Mandurah Marine]

30hp 2 stroke Tohatsu with empty livewell, side console, Minn Kota on bow, 2 up with gear, full decking = 24 knots in calm water and instant on the plane.

Your 15hp will struggle and use probably just as much fuel as a larger motor. Price up the difference if you sell your 15hp and buy a second hand 25 or preferably 30hp.