[InfamousJ]

I have a 23 shoalwater and it's super smooth for being able to get up in 8".

you must smoke some good chit

 

[InfamousJ]

Based on my current cat and experiences in the flat bottom tunnel boats like Shallowsport and others, and what others say of their cats.. here is the bottom line IMO.

• A cat should run smoother and keep you dryer over open bay heavy chop conditions than a flats style boat. Mine does.
• A cat should run faster than a flats style boat. Mine does.
• A cat should draft, at rest, more than a flat style boat.. shallower cats with shallower tunnels will be close, about 1" or little more. Larger tunneled cats will draft more, 2" or more. Does 1-2", or even 3", floating, really matter that much? Mine is close to a real true 10" draft compared to 7" in most flats style boats of same class size.
• A cat should run as shallow as a flat style boat. If you consider running 4-6" the standard for a flats boat, a cat can do it. Mine can pretty much follow any prop boat out there, except railbirds. LOL

 

[InfamousJ]

There's more cats out there than Shoalwater... if it's a wet boat in rough seas, then look at other cats. But I agree, go with a 21+ length boat.