Bill,
One factor there - the Osprey has a plumb stern and steep cutwater - so it has a waterline as long as most 17' boats, and longer than many. So it can top out faster than quite a few.

Jim,
Sound like you've a fair impression of the boat. It moves and will take a load - particularly for a boat of it's length. It doesn't have the 'play' of a lot of boats. Love to hear what you think of the Tasman when you get it built up.

Have you had a chance to check out Homestead Hardwoods in Vickery? Bit of a drive, but I think I remember you mentioning it. Still the nearest source I've found for Okoume, so I'll probably be headed that way in December.

The state seems to have a Darwinian view of props and lower units. However, they have been more agressive over the last 5 years in pulling stumps in the popular areas. They've left enough to give glee to the locals at the expense of the flatlanders.

The big boys don't bother me too much - but I want to mount an RPG to the deck to thin the PWC herd. Was on a ride in a friend's power boat, and a wake-jumper managed to bump into our transom. Then started to yell at us because he somehow imagined it our fault. Have had others harass us in the yaks.