We have a Four Winns 214 funship bow rider. We have to travel out to the broads side of Rattlesnake. In the last 6 years, we have only turned back once as it was "too much". We keep the front cover on as suggested earlier to avoid the bow crashing wave that could get you into trouble quick. We use the motor trim to keep the front of the boat up. If it is very rough we keep it way up to keep from getting wet. Also, I won't let people sit out front when it is too rough as you have to go to fast to keep the front up. Plus it is awful hard on peoples backs if you hit the next wave hard. I won't let people sit backwards anymore after a few riders were surprised by the hard hit of a wake.
The hull design can be a bit hard hitting. About 6 days a year, I wish I had a V hull. About 15 days a year, I am really glad to have all that space up front for carrying stuff and visitors. The kids and the girlfriends seem to be drawn to the front seats while riding. My folks and In-laws do a lot better getting on in/out the front vs the swim platform depending on the water height at the dock.
We spend a lot of time with the door and windshield closed while traveling in the spring and fall to keep RG from freezing to death.
If I had 8 people on board, I would not enjoy traveling past Governors at the Weirs on a Saturday afternoon. (Can't keep the front up at a low speed with 2-3 out front) Folks are going to get wet.
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