I need information on 21ft aluminum tunnels

[Hipshot]

Hello all. I am new to the boards but have been lurking for a few days.
I was recently traveling through Arkansas when I saw a wicked looking new 21ft aluminum tunnel hull jet setting outside a paint shop. I have been looking for a bigger more family friendly jet that won't be a total dog and it looked like it might be the ticket. The problem is that I can't remember what the manufacturers name was. Does anyone know who builds them? Do any of you have any experience with one of them in lake trim and are they a lot different to set up than a fiberglass boat. You couldn't even tell this thing was aluminum until you walked up to it. I have a 572 twin turbo motor in the works that will be going in whatever I buy. If anyone has info on this deal it would help out a bunch.

[BigBlockBaja]

These Guys mayby? (http://www.outlaweagle.com/)
http://www.outlaweagle.com/21tunnelf.jpg

[Hipshot]

That's it! Thank you so much. I will give them a ring.

[canuck1]

Not to rain on your parade but a family friendly 21' tunnel?........Ummm OK.
The tunnel is a great race/play boat but I would think that the 21' sport would be a better kick for an all round Family ride and with the power you want and will still run hard. Once you run an alum hull you will never go back to glass, the hulls are just that much better

[Hipshot]

By family friendly I mean more than two bucket seats and room for a cooler. I just talked with Terry at OutlawEagle and he said he has built several for lake use. Why do you not like the tunnel for big power? I have never heard anyone say that big power is better in a V-bottom boat than a tunnel. I have a lot to learn about aluminum boats.

[canuck1]

By family friendly I mean more than two bucket seats and room for a cooler. I just talked with Terry at OutlawEagle and he said he has built several for lake use. Why do you not like the tunnel for big power? I have never heard anyone say that big power is better in a V-bottom boat than a tunnel. I have a lot to learn about aluminum boats.
You said family friendly and with all the shit that a family brings the sport hull is a better hull IMO. As a play boat the tunnel is unmatched especially with big power but adding weight to it takes away some of the abilities of the hull. and in lake trim it will still run over any glass hull out there. Will the tunnel work for lake use.....yes, but it works best running naked on the edge :rollside: Check out some of Gator Boats vidios of the tunnel in lake trim.

[Rampager]

Haha where to begin!
Should I jump on him now CAnuck and make sure he gets one with the Qt package>? ;)
I ressurected a race tunnel for lake use and would be happy to answer any q's you have about this hull. Mine is a '99 and I simply cannot say enough about it. Now bear in mind I've also been beating the crap out of it running rivers and skinny water but you may wanna do a little of that yourself hehe
The boats are wicked strong, very well built and a blast.
Would you do this to any other kind of 21 tunnel??
Let me know if I can help
Cheers
http://www.nzjetboating.com/yabbse/index.php?PHPSESSID=d456862752d950ba4d7db3c41bdfdf ec;action=dlattach;topic=5454.0;attach=10638;image
http://www.nzjetboating.com/yabbse/index.php?PHPSESSID=d456862752d950ba4d7db3c41bdfdf ec;action=dlattach;topic=5454.0;attach=10637;image

[bottom feeder]

Rampager,
Your pics are not working.
Hipshot,
If you are looking for a nice lake boat with a modest interior with big power for ruff lake use look no further. You cannot buy a better boat than an aluminum one.
Just my .02
Bottom feeder

[Squirtin Thunder]

I hope this helps;
Why for?
Here is a list I swiped from River jet magazine (yes they too have a magazine)
Aliboats
Private Bag 62
Maun, Botswana,
Phone: 267-686-0201
Fax: 267-686-0714
Almar Boats
2301 East Dock St.
Tacoma, WA 98402-2915
Phone: 253-572-2877
Fax: 253-572-0065
Alumacraft
315 West St. Julien St.
St. Peter, MN 56082
Phone: 507-931-1050
Fax: 507-931-9056
Alumaweld Boats, Inc.
2000 Rogue River Dr.
Eagle Point, OR 97524
Phone: 541-826-7171
Fax: 541-826-6701
Apache Sea Master
PO Box 238
Hoskins, NE 68740
Phone: 402-371-1400
Fax: 402-565-4845
Armstrong Marine
255566 Highway 101
Port Angeles, WA 98362
Phone: 360-457-5752
Fax: 360-457-5753
Aztec Fabrications, Inc.
1495 Sycamore St.
Clarkston, WA 99403
Phone: 509-751-1073
Bentz Boats
613 Bryden Avenue, #C
PMB 394 Lewiston, ID 83501
Phone: 208-746-7035
Fax: 208-750-0037
Blazer Jet Boats
Rtl Box 230 M1
Ellington, MO 63638
Phone: 573-663-3266
Fax: 573-663-2244
Bloodworth Boats
307 George Creek Rd.
Asotin, WA 99402
Phone: 509-243-1131
Boulton Power Boats
6241 Crater Lake Highway
Central Point, OR 97524
Phone: 541-826-7330
Fax: 541-826-7340
Broadwater Industries, Ltd.
247 1st Avenue, East
Prince Rupert, BC V8J-1A
Phone: 250-624-5158
Fax: 250-624-5668
Coastal Craft
Welded Aluminum Boats Ltd.
PO Box 860 Gibsons, BC V0N-1V0
Phone: 604-886-3004
Fax: 604-886-4537
Custom Weld Boats
PO Box 309
Lewiston, ID 83501
Phone: 208-750-1313
Fax: 208-746-8445
Double Barrel Racing Team
7352 Old Bruneau Highway
Marsing, ID 83639
Phone: 208-573-2730
Fax: 208-896-4927
Fish-Rite, Inc.
1419 Justice Road
Central Point, OR 97502
Phone: 800-575-2243
Gaterboats Jet
4554 Highway H.
Sullivan, MO 63080
Phone: 573-627-4287
Fax: 573-627-2051
Harbercraft Jetcraft
67 Highway 97A
Vernon, BC V1B-3S1
Phone: 888-545-9171
Fax: 250-545-4433
Hewes Marine Company
213 Highway 395 North
Colville, WA 99114
Phone: 800-326-6594
Fax: 509-684-4663
Klamath River Jet Boats
PO Box 2093
Vallejo, CA 94592
Phone: 707-643-0447
Koffler Boats
90017 Greenhill Road
Eugene, OR 97402
Phone: 541-688-6093
Fax: 541-688-79858
Legend Boats
Regional Road 55
Whitfish, Sudbury, ON P0M-3E0
Phone: 705-866-2821
Fax: 705-866-2616
Legend Craft
2844 Cow Patty Trail
Alexander, AZ 72002
Phone: 501- 316-4409
Fax: 501- 316-4802
LifeTimer Boats
#1-2905 Allenby Road
Duncan, BC V9L-6W2
Phone: 250-748-2187
Fax: 250-745-7431
Marathon Marine Manufacturing, Ltd.
7719-44 A St.
Edmonton, AB T6B-2R5
Phone: 866-440-6800
Fax: 780-469-8079
Maxweld Boats
PO Box 326
Hebo, OR 97122
Phone: 503-392-3911
Fax: 503-392-3969
Motion Marine
22768 S. Johnson Road
West Linn, OR 97068
Phone: 888-290-1802
Fax: 503-557-1732
North River Jet Boats, Inc.
PO Box 340
Roseburg, OR 97470
Phone: 888-442-1330
Fax: 503-557-1732
Northwest Jet Boats, Inc.
22112 Commercial Avenue
Pasco, WA 99301
Phone: 509-545-5586
Fax: 509-545-6813
Norvelle Boats
23405 Miami Foley Road
Nehalem, OR 97131
Phone: 503-322-0014
Fax: www.norvelleboats.com
Oquawka Boats and Fabrication, Ltd.
R.R. #1 Box 105J
Oquawka, IL 61469-0091
Phone: 309-867-2213
Outlaw Eagle Manufacturing LTD
6732 65th Ave.
Red Deer, AB T4P-1A5
Phone: 403-347-4565
Fax: 403-343-7932
Precision Weld Custom Boats Inc.
2422 N.E. 172Ave.
Vancouver, WA 98684
Phone: 360-607-3546
Rapid Craft Aluminum Boats
102 N. 740 W.
Blackfoot, ID 83221
Phone: 208-785-5393
Renaissance Group/Duckworth/Weldcraft
PO Box 580
Clarkston, WA 99403
Phone: 509-758-9831
Fax: 509-758-8809
Riddle Marine
607 Snake River Avenue
Lewiston, ID 83501
Phone: 208-743-2660
River Wild Custom Aluminum Boats
1450 SE M Street
Grants Pass, OR
Phone: (541) 955-1970
Rogue Jet Boatworks
1116 East Vilas Road
Medford, OR 97502
Phone: 541-944-2155
Fax: 541-245-6119
Schafer's Boat Inc.
R.R. #2 Box 909
L'Anse, MI 49946
Phone: 906-524-5136
Scully's Aluminum and Fabrication
1015 Stephensville Road
Morgan City, LA 70381
Phone: 985-385-1323
Fax: 985-384-5146
Shoal Runner Boats, Ltd.
553 Doolittle Outer Road
Rolla, MO 65401
Phone: 888-762-3777
Fax: 573-762-3090
Silver Streak Boats, Ltd.
6804 West Coast Road
Sooke, BC V0S-1N0
Phone: 877-659-4143
Fax: 250-642-6390
Sprint Marine
PO Box 520069
Big Lake, AK 99652
Phone: 907-892-6692
Fax: 907-892-6329
Thunder Jet River Boats
PO Box 460
Clarkston, WA 99403
Phone: 509-769-2142
Fax: 509-769-2146
Tuff Boat
PO Box 492
Preston, WA 98050
Phone: 877-583-8833
Turner Marine (River Pro)
PO Box 77
Hillsboro, MO 63050
Phone: 314-378-2685 (cell)
William Munson Company
18130 Sunset Way
Edmonds, WA 98026
Phone: 360-424-3055
Fax: 425-774-2408
Willie Boats
1440 Justice Road
Central Point, OR 97502
Phone: 541-779-4141
Fax: 541-779-9346
Winninghoff Boats, Inc.
55 Warehouse Lane
Rowley, MA 01969
Phone: 978-948-2314
Fax: 978-948-2315
Wolf Boats
2541 Coleman Road
Courtenay, BC V9J-1T8
Phone: 250-334-0027
Fax: 250-334-0067
Wooldridge Boats
9224 Martin Luther King Jr. Way South
Seattle, WA 98118
Phone: 206-722-8998
Jim,
for the performance hulls.
River Wild boats
http://www.jetboatracing.com/timewrong.jpg
Outlaw Eagle
Tunnel
http://www.jetboatracing.com/277_2004%20RACE%20SEASON%20003.jpg
Mack Craft Sprinter
http://www.sprintboat.com/gallery/albums/20040522/res64864.jpg
Outlaw sprint
http://www.jetboatracing.com/hippler.jpg
Shot gun Sprinter
http://www.sprintboat.com/gallery/albums/20040605/res1851.jpg
Sprint
http://www.sprintboat.com/gallery/albums/20040619/res59507.jpg
Jetco
http://www.sprintboat.com/gallery/albums/20040619/res59570.jpg
RMR
http://www.sprintboat.com/gallery/albums/20040619/res59592.jpg
A small Jet boat
http://www.nzjetboating.com/yabbse/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=5141.0;attach=1388 ;image
Here is a link to their Bios. Just click the Company and it will take you to the bio
http://www.riverjetmagazine.com/index.cfm?fuse=bio

[Hipshot]

I guess I just don't understand why a V-bottom could possibly be better with big power than a tunnel. I realize that I don't jack about aluminum boats but I can guarantee you that there isn't a 21ft V-bottom fiberglass hull in the world that I would want to drive balls out with 1200+ horsepower. When I go to the lake it is usually a total of four people that will be in the boat along with a big cooler and small tool box, anchor, ropes and sun block. I don't do over night camping trips or anything like that.
Thanks for all of the replys gents, it is helpful.
Rampager, how much power are you running in your boat and what kind of performance are you getting?

[canuck1]

I guess I just don't understand why a V-bottom could possibly be better with big power than a tunnel. I realize that I don't jack about aluminum boats but I can guarantee you that there isn't a 21ft V-bottom fiberglass hull in the world that I would want to drive balls out with 1200+ horsepower. When I go to the lake it is usually a total of four people that will be in the boat along with a big cooler and small tool box, anchor, ropes and sun block. I don't do over night camping trips or anything like that.
Thanks for all of the replys gents, it is helpful.
Rampager, how much power are you running in your boat and what kind of performance are you getting?
I didn't say the sport would be better than the tunnel with big power, I said the sport would be a better family ride that will work with big power.

[Rampager]

Haha My pics aren't working on ***boat...... again! whats new! lol
Check out the forums at OutlawEagle and Nzjetboating.com. Im "Xerophobic" on those forums. Do a search for my threads , especially on the NZ forum and you will see lots of info/pics of the buildup of my hull.(as well as our adventures)
I admit my boat is a major compromise in alot of ways. I have 4 buckets in it, yet no other interior at all so you can take 4 people but they better not want carpet, bare feet would be a bad idea in my boat.
I ran a good part of the summer with my backup engine and it was a very stock 460 (78 Van motor) Best i saw was 70.3 mph running alone and with minimal oil in the motor(no it wasn't intentional) I finally got my ~500HP 460 in the boat but by then had done a fair bit of damage to the impellor and so never really have gotten any decent GPS #'s from it. It cavitates and will need a rebuild this winter. I am putting the boat back together for a few more runs this year(hopefully) and we'll see what i can do. I think the motor is broken in enough to beat on a bit now. If my pump is up to it I think the boat could see 80-85(?) with a stock berk nozzle. Im told BBFX classs boats are seeing mid 90's in race trim with race nozzles (502/514 crate motors)That may be meaningless to you tho as thats a pretty specialized setup.
Definatly hit the OutlawEagle forum and ask over there, alot more knowledgeable guys there than me.
I'd be shocked if you had any twin turbo motor that could not push a tunnel to near 100, now thats assuming its not weighed down with interior/stereo etc etc
I will say I bought my tunnel cause I wanted a fast durable hull and love aluminum boats(even more now). It is my first aluminum boat. I did not expect to use the boat to explore smaller rivers but thats whats ended up happening. It is a TOTAL blast. You simply cannot explain what its like till you actually do it. I am now more or less oblivious to hitting the bottom at speed. I know it will not hurt the boat and hardly even makes me flinch. The odd ding and dent don't bother me, all the price of having a blast. Of course my boat has the optional steel skid plates and forward sponson protection and I am glad it does. Might be again unnecessary for your use but I didn't think I'd use them either!
PM me or email me if you have more questions, glad to convert another over to the dark side! You will not regret it.
Cheers

[Hipshot]

I got ya now canuck1, sorry for the misunderstanding. I am going to try and get a ride in both boats somehow before I order one to see what I think will work best for me. I know me though, so that probably means tunnel hull. Thanks again guys.

[canuck1]

Daves 565 horse small block in race trim ran right on 100 so 1200 horse would be well over that

[JamesS]

I've got a 502 c.i. Chevrolet powered 1999 Eagle 21ft. Tunnel with a Berkley 12JG jet drive, droop snoot and race nozzle. So far from my limited experience in the boat (I've only been out 2 times in it) I've come to the conclusion that this hull design is meant to do one thing and one thing only go fast (the boat doesn't start handling until about 50mph), so yeah like Canuck1 has already alluded to it's not a family type of boat!.
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid195/p696069f6628142b3fdaea1614ad048c3/f15be8a8.jpg
Edit: Not only are aluminum boats good for running over gravel bars, the also make great ice breakers :cool: .

[Kev-o]

We have two brand spankin new 21` Tunnels in the shop as we speak gettin set up for pleasure use! I will try to find out horsepower numbers, I am pretty sure one will get an all aluminum smallblock 434 ci. fairly potent, but not sure of this other one. I will try to get some pics of them for you ASAP!

[Hipshot]

Thanks Kev-o. I however am not looking for a boat with engine. I would like to find one either new and bare or used without power. I am in the process of building a twin turbo big inch motor for this deal.

[canuck1]

We have two brand spankin new 21` Tunnels in the shop as we speak gettin set up for pleasure use! I will try to find out horsepower numbers, I am pretty sure one will get an all aluminum smallblock 434 ci. fairly potent, but not sure of this other one. I will try to get some pics of them for you ASAP!
Where are the pics Kevo???????????

[Jungle Boy]

After all these years of me preaching about the tin boat advantages, it looks like there is starting to be a small following. NOTHING compares to ripping up a skinny little river and seeing a big gravel bar comming at you with no way out other than going over it; then keeping on boating. Hey Kev, who's building the boats, local guys or for US buyers.

[Hipshot]

Well guys, after getting to take a ride in a couple of different 21's I have decided that the aluminum deal isn't for me. Actually it doesn't have anything to do with the boat being constructed with aluminum although they are noisey as hell, but more to do with the fact that I really want a tunnel and I just didn't like the set up and lay out of the tunnel and it did not handle like other tunnels I have had or ridden in and driven. Both of the 21 tunnels I rode in seemed to really like a lot of up nozzel and a ton of wedge, and at 60 plus felt pretty good and very easy to drive. At less than 60 however I didn't like it at all. I am in no way knocking the aluminum boats though, they are awesome when used for what they were built for.
I am off to look for a 21' Daytona I guess. Thanks everyone who replied with information.

[Kev-o]

Canuck 1, I willl post pics tomorrow. having some comp glitches. Dave one is for our friend who likes orange boats and has a spare alloy small bock, the other im not sure. Hipshot sorry to hear that its not what your after good luck with your search though!

[Rampager]

Yea I too am sorry you are not willing to take the chance Hip'
I really can't see it being a mistake but you know what you want.
Can you give us details of what packages/power/pump setup you got a ride in?
Cheers

[Aluminum Squirt]

Hey Hipshot, what did you ride in? I agree with all here, an AL race tunnel would probably make a poor family/lake boat, especially if you are looking at or test driving a white water/race version. The guys at Gator seem to be setting them up lake style and if that is more than a nozzle change, it may make a big difference, make sure to contact them and set up a test drive of one of theirs. Nothing rides like an Eagle tunnel at speed and they are very capable of 100+ with moderate HP, but low speed may be an issue. Maybe Gator is setting the intake differently, making a few bottom tweaks, a nozzle change, and they are riding completely different??? who knows. If it doesn't work out, thanx at least for looking. Aluminum boats are a rediculous amount of fun, but it helps to have some skinny water close. My set up in a V hull and it works great, even race it occassionally in FX class when I can keep it together.........but it is my 2nd boat and is in no way shape or form meant to carry passengers and a cooler. An AL V hull would work great as a family/lake set up, but I don't think I would want to slap 1200HP in it. Just my $.02, good luck-Aluminum Squirt

[Hipshot]

One of the tunnels I rode in was set up as a lake boat by Gator with a 572 GM crate motor and it really was a great boat, I just didin't like it under 50mph at all. I was told that if it was set up to where it didn't porpoise and handle badly at 50mph or less that it would be a dog and not safe on the top end. Again, these are very impressive boats, and I still may own one some day. It just isn't what I am looking for right now.
I also got to ride in a 15 ft sprint boat with a ZZ4 in it and WOW that was the most fun I have had with my clothes on in a long time! I may have to find me one of those little boats and dig me a ditch out back to run it in.