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I've gone out in the harbor, and through the islands launching from winthrop with a 14' aluminum starcraft and 30hp Etec many times and it really isn't that bad. A whaler is FAR more stable and comfortable!

As you all know the tin cans bob like corks, at least the smaller whalers still cut through waves. As long as your not going out in winds much above 15-17MPH, I don't see why you can't have a blast with a 13 footer. Just don't drive like a knucklehead when there's chop or wakes from those tour boats and you won't get soaked/knocked all over the place.

There's a lot to be said for slowing down to headway speed when you're in rough waters. Little bit of a roller coaster at times but no big deal. I don't get wet even in an aluminum by using common sense as a skipper.

Heck I've gone from Casco Bay to old orchard, around Manhatten, 90 miles round trip around Lake Champlain, all the way back and forth on Lake George with the same aluminum set up. The WORST is Lake Winnipasuakee with all the trust fund babies in their cigarette boats trying to impress their female passengers!