ULTRA 23 SHADOW DECK OWNERS-rough water

[v6toy4x]

I am looking to get a new smaller deck boat, at the end of this season
I dont want to get into any manuf bashing I have read enough.

The 23 shadow checks the most boxes.
How is it in moderate rough water? we can get afternoon wind conditions that have 24" chop.
Coming from a "V" how does this hull turn under power?

Thanks
Duane and Lisa

 

[Tireman]

THIS IS MY FIRST SEASON IN THIS BOAT... its not as bad as you might think. rides well...be aware when the wakes get big though...took a big one over the bow last weekend....enough that coolers were floating.....not too bad, didnt sink!
as for turns...great nice and flat way differnt than my sunesta.

 

[Devious_Chris]

I am looking to get a new smaller deck boat, at the end of this season
I dont want to get into any manuf bashing I have read enough.

The 23 shadow checks the most boxes.
How is it in moderate rough water? we can get afternoon wind conditions that have 24" chop.
Coming from a "V" how does this hull turn under power?

Thanks
Duane and Lisa

What engine/drive setup are you looking to run? I would imagine there will be some different handling characteristics between the I/O and Outboard. @OldSchoolBoats should have some good info for you on the outboard.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[HB2Havasu]

2' Chop in a 23' Deckboat is going to be slow going.

 

[n2otoofast4u]

Are you looking to build new, or do you have a line on a nice used one?

 

[OldSchoolBoats]

I came from a Howard 22 Offshore and there is a huge difference in the ride. If it is choppy, the deck does OK, it is definitely not a V bottom. Most new ones come with tabs, which definitely help with the ride when rough. I was plenty surprised with how well the smaller deck rides, I think with the outboard it helps the hull work better at slower speeds.

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

 

[Bigbore500r]

When it gets rough you should plan on slowing down and floating the nose high, and trudge thru it. Not alot of freeboard and the front is basically a big water pickup

 

[NicPaus]

A member here had a surf boat pass him and his sunk from the waves. Where you at Bob?

 

[OldSchoolBoats]

A member here had a surf boat pass him and his sunk from the waves. Where you at Bob?

Almost rolled mine trying to come down a surf wake. I slowed down and tried to roll over it slow. Was so steep.

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

 

[MK1MOD0]

I am looking to get a new smaller deck boat, at the end of this season
I dont want to get into any manuf bashing I have read enough.

The 23 shadow checks the most boxes.
How is it in moderate rough water? we can get afternoon wind conditions that have 24" chop.
Coming from a "V" how does this hull turn under power?

Thanks
Duane and Lisa

I would think, 24” chop and that hull are not a good combo. The tunnels simply are not deep enough.

 

[Cole Trickle]

23 shadow is a great looking boat, From what i have been told it is going to ride worse than the placecraft,tahiti and shockwave 23' decks due to the tunnels being so shallow.

I almost think it was john west that told me it was better as a lower river bot vs. parker or havasu.

What about a 26 shadow deck....always loved the size of that boat be cool if a good shop ended up with the mold.

 

[MK1MOD0]

23 shadow is a great looking boat, From what i have been told it is going to ride worse than the placecraft,tahiti and shockwave 23' decks due to the tunnels being so shallow.

I almost think it was john west that told me it was better as a lower river bot vs. parker or havasu.

What about a 26 shadow deck....always loved the size of that boat be cool if a good shop ended up with the mold.

funny you say that. There are a LOT of the on the lower river. Perfect boat for down there.

 

[rivrrts429]

THIS IS MY FIRST SEASON IN THIS BOAT... its not as bad as you might think. rides well...be aware when the wakes get big though...took a big one over the bow last weekend....enough that coolers were floating.....not too bad, didnt sink!
as for turns...great nice and flat way differnt than my sunesta. View attachment 897566 View attachment 897567 View attachment 897568

Yours is a 21’ and a very nice one too.

I’ve driven both the 21’ and 23’. The 23’ feels quite a bit larger than the 21’ but I agree it wouldn’t be a ton of fun on a holiday weekend in Havasu.

 

[rivrrts429]

Almost rolled mine trying to come down a surf wake. I slowed down and tried to roll over it slow. Was so steep.

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

That’s the biggest pain in the ass with the surf wakes and trying to roll them with a tunnel. They’re so steep it’s easy to stuff a sponson. Fuck those wakes.

 

[aj923]

After doing my research we decided against a smaller deck. We boat on havasu 95% of the time and we decided we are going to go with either another v, a bigger deck boat, or bigger cat. We are still in the searching process right now. Not saying that they cant be used in rougher water. We just decided for now that there are better options for us.

 

[MK1MOD0]

Smart move. Much better options for Havasu.

 

[Singleton]

23 shadow is a great looking boat, From what i have been told it is going to ride worse than the placecraft,tahiti and shockwave 23' decks due to the tunnels being so shallow.

I almost think it was john west that told me it was better as a lower river bot vs. parker or havasu.

What about a 26 shadow deck....always loved the size of that boat be cool if a good shop ended up with the mold.

This.
When I ordered my 26 Shadow Deck, JW took a call and told the guy, if you boat Havasu and up, the 23 is not the boat for you. Great lower river boat, but not a Havasu boat.

The 26 is the deck for for Havasu!

 

[lbhsbz]

Need to make one with the hydraulic front deck like the new fire boat to raise it up when the water gets rough

 

[Tireman]

Yours is a 21’ and a very nice one too.

I’ve driven both the 21’ and 23’. The 23’ feels quite a bit larger than the 21’ but I agree it wouldn’t be a ton of fun on a holiday weekend in Havasu.

yes but it measures 23'....crazy huh. dont you dare try to undercut my SIZE

 

[sintax]

how do these 23's work in outboard form?

anyone ever rigged up a dual 300x setup on them?

 

[v6toy4x]

What engine/drive setup are you looking to run? I would imagine there will be some different handling characteristics between the I/O and Outboard. @OldSchoolBoats should have some good info for you on the outboard.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

From a gear head side I want the 520/xr and thru transom at the water line. I just love that sound
However if I can swallow the price the merc 450OB is a possibility, I havent seen a 23 with an OB yet

 

[DoughBallin14]

how do these 23's work in outboard form?

anyone ever rigged up a dual 300x setup on them?

Probably have to ask tahiti on that one pretty sire has an outboard or 2 out there with his 23deck boat

 

[v6toy4x]

Are you looking to build new, or do you have a line on a nice used one?

Probably new, I want the interior tweaked a bit and I don't really want the 496/bravo combo or jet drive.

 

[v6toy4x]

I came from a Howard 22 Offshore and there is a huge difference in the ride. If it is choppy, the deck does OK, it is definitely not a V bottom. Most new ones come with tabs, which definitely help with the ride when rough. I was plenty surprised with how well the smaller deck rides, I think with the outboard it helps the hull work better at slower speeds.

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

Tabs, I have seen most of the "placecraft" based 22&23s running tabs as well as the domn8er 22, but I have literally 100s of pics of the 23 shadow and I dont think I have seen a set of tabs yet kinda strange and was one of my questions to be asked?

 

[v6toy4x]

When it gets rough you should plan on slowing down and floating the nose high, and trudge thru it. Not alot of freeboard and the front is basically a big water pickup

That is exactlty the one thing that worries me, plowing the front. It is the single most box un checked that the domn8er 22 checks much better. I have seen one 23 that had a nose put on it which is a consideration if that mold is still around

 

[v6toy4x]

When it gets rough you should plan on slowing down and floating the nose high, and trudge thru it. Not alot of freeboard and the front is basically a big water pickup

That is exactlty the one thing that worries me, plowing the front. It is the single most box un checked that the domn8er 22 checks much better.

A member here had a surf boat pass him and his sunk from the waves. Where you at Bob?

I have seen one 23 that had a nose put on it which is a consideration if that mold is still around

 

[v6toy4x]

A member here had a surf boat pass him and his sunk from the waves. Where you at Bob?

I read that post, rear hatch open with 10 people in the boat, roll bar cruised by and filled it up!!
If the 23 had about 6- 8 more inches of freeboard I would feel a lot better

 

[v6toy4x]

Almost rolled mine trying to come down a surf wake. I slowed down and tried to roll over it slow. Was so steep.

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

Roll bars are meant for wheelers!!
Surf boards are meant for the ocean!

 

[v6toy4x]

I would think, 24” chop and that hull are not a good combo. The tunnels simply are not deep enough.

Thanks I am guessing this is going to be the concensus, I would like to get a hold of an actual owner, maybe antie up for a test ride when the corona runs out!

 

[OldSchoolBoats]

Just build a Shockwave if you are going to build new. At least you will know that it will be done before the 2022 season....

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

 

[v6toy4x]

23 shadow is a great looking boat, From what i have been told it is going to ride worse than the placecraft,tahiti and shockwave 23' decks due to the tunnels being so shallow. I think I would have to agree

I almost think it was john west that told me it was better as a lower river bot vs. parker or havasu.
He did I have seen that comment made many times

What about a 26 shadow deck....always loved the size of that boat be cool if a good shop ended up with the mold.
I really wanted some extra room between the front and rear seats for a walk off and a cooler location. he 23 has that with the back to back captians seats. the 26 does not.
On the 23 you put the walk off on the driver side and remove the jump seat and install a cooler. Easy access in the boat, right there for coming on or off the rear and with the boats lower profile you can reach right in from outside while beached up somewhere.

It just seems they are getting a lot more real estate inside length wise than the other 22s and 23s?

 

[v6toy4x]

Need to make one with the hydraulic front deck like the new fire boat to raise it up when the water gets rough

I saw that too, I actually sketched that very thing last night, what did they call it in Iraq-WMD?---wake midigation device!!

 

[v6toy4x]

how do these 23's work in outboard form?

anyone ever rigged up a dual 300x setup on them?

I asked about twins from a builder on here, he said it could be done but did not seem to excited.

 

[v6toy4x]

Just build a Shockwave if you are going to build new. At least you will know that it will be done before the 2022 season....


View attachment 897609

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

I looked at them at the LA show this year and the feeling was too narrow at 89"?? Not sure you can squeeze the hatch narrow enough to get a sudo rear walk out, that is a must from the misses. I could be wrong. I like the nose mod to their mold completly changes the front

 

[HBCraig]

Just build a Shockwave if you are going to build new. At least you will know that it will be done before the 2022 season....


View attachment 897609

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

I have seen you out there. Very sharp looking boat. What kind of numbers do you see?

 

[HBCraig]

23 shadow is a great looking boat, From what i have been told it is going to ride worse than the placecraft,tahiti and shockwave 23' decks due to the tunnels being so shallow.

I almost think it was john west that told me it was better as a lower river bot vs. parker or havasu.

What about a 26 shadow deck....always loved the size of that boat be cool if a good shop ended up with the mold.

Isnt the Tahiti the same hull as Ultra 23' ? Didnt they buy the molds?

 

[paradise]

Have you looked at the Domn8er 22? Has more freeboard and a walk off. Every boat has it's pros and cons, but we've been very happy with ours. We were the first ones to build an outboard 22 from Dory. They are not the fastest but they do handle well.

 

[v6toy4x]

Isnt the Tahiti the same hull as Ultra 23' ? Didnt they buy the molds?

No tahiti is the place craft 23 with integrated rear swim steps, I am not going to speculate on the whereabouts of the 23 mold I assume Ultra Havasu at least has access to it?? I don't think any other builder has it.

 

[OldSchoolBoats]

I have seen you out there. Very sharp looking boat. What kind of numbers do you see?

4 adults, coolers and full of fuel, we hit 74 before I let off. Had plenty more in it as I hadn't even started raising the jackplate and it was accelerating. I think I can get mid 80's +, but kind of don't have an interest in trying that right now.

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

 

[Singleton]

No tahiti is the place craft 23 with integrated rear swim steps, I am not going to speculate on the whereabouts of the 23 mold I assume Ultra Havasu at least has access to it?? I don't think any other builder has it.

Ultra Havasu has lease access to the 23 molds.

 

[v6toy4x]

Have you looked at the Domn8er 22? Has more freeboard and a walk off. Every boat has it's pros and cons, but we've been very happy with ours. We were the first ones to build an outboard 22 from Dory. They are not the fastest but they do handle well.

YES, Absolutly,
I think I PMd you a while back about your thoughts.
There are 3 things I am having a hard time getting to work with the domn8er.

First, If I stick with the 520/xr the transom exhaust is above the water line and momma aint having it, too loud!,
----I could do exhaust extensions similar to I think it is Nordic
----I reached out to an owner in Montana who swears by his muffler, which right now i cant remember which ones he has
----I am seriously considering it with the merc 450OB I think other than no "rumble" that would be a nice package.

Second is the whole cooler location,
----I want easy out of the way interior access,
----I want it convienient for coming and going off the rear
----I want to access it from outside the boat when beached,
the Ultra has the floor length behind the front seat to nicely do this

Third, I just love the look/stance of the Ultra. It looks like its hauling ass when it is sitting still.
I bought the current boat in 2004, I think it was the next year the ultra 23 came out, i went and looked at the LA show and told my wife we were trading in on it and she blew a cork. So I have had a hard on for this since '05

I have a spcific built dom 22 in blue and black that would be sick with the 450 pinned up on my office wall right next to an ultra, just cant make up my mind

 

[paradise]

YES, Absolutly,
I think I PMd you a while back about your thoughts.
There are 3 things I am having a hard time getting to work with the domn8er.

First, If I stick with the 520/xr the transom exhaust is above the water line and momma aint having it, too loud!,
----I could do exhaust extensions similar to I think it is Nordic
----I reached out to an owner in Montana who swears by his muffler, which right now i cant remember which ones he has
----I am seriously considering it with the merc 450OB I think other than no "rumble" that would be a nice package.

Second is the whole cooler location,
----I want easy out of the way interior access,
----I want it convienient for coming and going off the rear
----I want to access it from outside the boat when beached,
the Ultra has the floor length behind the front seat to nicely do this

Third, I just love the look/stance of the Ultra. It looks like its hauling ass when it is sitting still.
I bought the current boat in 2004, I think it was the next year the ultra 23 came out, i went and looked at the LA show and told my wife we were trading in on it and she blew a cork. So I have had a hard on for this since '05

I have a spcific built dom 22 in blue and black that would be sick with the 450 pinned up on my office wall right next to an ultra, just cant make up my mind

Does the XR not have the option for captains choice (or whatever it's called) to divert the exhaust through the drive when desired?

I think the 450 would be cool on the boat and it would be interesting to see how it runs. That said, over 60-70 in these boats starts to get really windy (any smaller deck) and I don't think you're going to have much fun running at that speed to be honest LOL (and this from a guy who likes going fast).

Cooler is tough, we put ours between the passenger seat and the back bench while running and it goes on the bow or on the beach once we get where we are going. Pros and Cons right : that deeper freeboard I like makes it hard to reach in to floor level unless you are completely on the sand.

 

[v6toy4x]

Ultra Havasu has lease access to the 23 molds.

I had heard that, and saw the maroon one they did, but that gets me into the whole Ultra havasu thing.
I don't want that convo unless i am sure in moving forward on it over the domn8er 22.
Plus it is probably a convo I would like to have in private with first hand accounts.

If I could just get someone to buy the mold and re tool it with about 6 more inches of free board. I would have already written the deposit.
I would like to come across someone with one and beg for a ride!! I will pick up all beer/food and gas plus dinner!!

 

[Rondog4405]

Go bigger...

 

[v6toy4x]

Does the XR not have the option for captains choice (or whatever it's called) to divert the exhaust through the drive when desired?

I think the 450 would be cool on the boat and it would be interesting to see how it runs. That said, over 60-70 in these boats starts to get really windy (any smaller deck) and I don't think you're going to have much fun running at that speed to be honest LOL (and this from a guy who likes going fast).

Cooler is tough, we put ours between the passenger seat and the back bench while running and it goes on the bow or on the beach once we get where we are going. Pros and Cons right : that deeper freeboard I like makes it hard to reach in to floor level unless you are completely on the sand.

I jear what you are saying on the 450 being overkill, I am not necessarily looking at high speed numbers, I do like wild acceleration but mostly I am looking for good lower tourque of a 8cyl OB as opposed to the 6cyl stuff. I have nieces/nephews and eventually grand kids that I am going to want to toss around on a tube or two. I had heard the 350R and 400R were lacking a bit down low??

I thought if I give up a rear seat, with the 3 person rear bench interior they do, and set the cooler parallel with the side of the boat right behind the pass seat and a lid that hinged on the end. You could get at it inside no problem while under way, and I am 6-2 so I was hoping I could reach over when beached shallow and be able to reach in.

If I were to go 450OB then I would have the cooler recessed into the hatch lid right along the rear stairs so as you go on and off you can help yourself!

If I cant round up an ultra owner to try and confirm its ride I will most likely be going domn8er 22

Compromise is the name of the game, I dont want to play the "I wish I would have" game, that one costs too much money!!

 

[paradise]

I jear what you are saying on the 450 being overkill, I am not necessarily looking at high speed numbers, I do like wild acceleration but mostly I am looking for good lower tourque of a 8cyl OB as opposed to the 6cyl stuff. I have nieces/nephews and eventually grand kids that I am going to want to toss around on a tube or two. I had heard the 350R and 400R were lacking a bit down low??

I thought if I give up a rear seat, with the 3 person rear bench interior they do, and set the cooler parallel with the side of the boat right behind the pass seat and a lid that hinged on the end. You could get at it inside no problem while under way, and I am 6-2 so I was hoping I could reach over when beached shallow and be able to reach in.

If I were to go 450OB then I would have the cooler recessed into the hatch lid right along the rear stairs so as you go on and off you can help yourself!

If I cant round up an ultra owner to try and confirm its ride I will most likely be going domn8er 22

Compromise is the name of the game, I dont want to play the "I wish I would have" game, that one costs too much money!!

Can never have too much power, however, so far no issues for us with the 350 getting anyone up (I would have gone 400 but they were still limited warranty when I bought). That said, if you plan to do slow speed stuff get tabs.

I'm 6'7" so I rarely have issues with the cooler location but my wife usually can't reach it lol.

If you do FB and don't mind going to the lower river ask on the Lower River Junkies page, someone might be willing to give you a ride down there (lots more 23's down there)

 

[chvynhra]

Have you looked at the Domn8er 22? Has more freeboard and a walk off. Every boat has it's pros and cons, but we've been very happy with ours. We were the first ones to build an outboard 22 from Dory. They are not the fastest but they do handle well.

Pics please

 

[v6toy4x]

Can never have too much power, however, so far no issues for us with the 350 getting anyone up (I would have gone 400 but they were still limited warranty when I bought). That said, if you plan to do slow speed stuff get tabs.
Tabs are a sure thing

I'm 6'7" so I rarely have issues with the cooler location but my wife usually can't reach it lol.
she must get mighty thirsty!

If you do FB and don't mind going to the lower river ask on the Lower River Junkies page, someone might be willing to give you a ride down there (lots more 23's down there)
I am headed to lower junkies now thanks for that

 

[paradise]

Pics please

Build Thread: https://www.riverdavesplace.com/forums/threads/22-domn8er-build.157798/

 

[Dan Lorenze]

I would do a Tahiti.. Todd did a great job on retooling the Placecraft. Very tasteful. And, he pumping them out..