Crestliner VT18/VT19

[RedRiver]

I am looking at purchasing either a VT18 or VT19. One of the options I am looking at is the addition of a hydraulic jackplate. I know the possible warranty issue by doing this. My question is will this possibly cause porpoising? I was told that adding a jackplate to a Crestliner boat had this affect but really want the advantages of a hydraulic plate due to where I fish and how i like to fish. Can anyone with experience with these two help me out?

As a side question, are the advantages of the foot longer boat and bigger motor enough on these two models to offset the additional cost?

[3dees]

get the PT 18 or PT20 and you won't have a warranty problem. I didn't want a jp on my PT18 but I do have a Talon. I had a 2011 VT19 with a 115 and it was a great boat. the PT's are just better built with thicker aluminum although they are not for speed demons.

[RedRiver]

I agree with you 100% and the PT18 is one of the boats I priced. My dealer is giving me a good deal on the VT19 and VT18 Is what peaked my interest in them. Few thousand less than the PT18.

[Grahamb]

I own a VT 18. No jack plate. I do get some porpoising on the boat above 42. Can top out around 48 but it’s bouncing pretty good at that point.

I’d think a jack plate would allow you to tweak the motor height to try to combat the porpoising, but this is my first boat.