Goforchrome, you are on the right track with the compromise 12 degree V up front in the hull. When tapered toward a 3 to 5 dgree V at the back, preferably with the flat 3'X 12" 'shoe' at the back of the hull bottom, you will have a relatively smooth ride out in the bay yet be able to run the shallow rivers when used with a jetpump. The 2 most prominent examples of that are the superb Willie Preditor V sled, and the Alumiweld Super Vee Pro. They both come in windsheild and open models. Other good brands with this type of multi-purpose boat are Northriver, Wooldridge, Hewes, Motion Marine, Duckworth, and many others. They all have evolved into very good all around boats. ...

For river use, such as up the Skykomish or Cowlitz, I strongly recommend you not go deeper than a 12 degree front V. Such as a 16 degree will be more prone to over-steer going up river against currents. And they are more difficult to keep in line when backtrolling them. ...

You live in Redmond it says? In the Seattle metro area there should be a steady flow of late model used good sleds in the big papers, Boat Trader monthly mag at mini-market stands, and at used boat lots. In addition to checking for weld cracks in the hull (especially around the chine), be SURE to have a good independant mechanic do a compression test on all the cylinders of the large jet motor. Then do a test run out on the water where they can listen to the motor. A good mechanic can tell of possible probs just by listening to them - except the all important compression test. ... Good luck.

RT