MX versus WX drifting characteristics

I heard a comment regarding differences in drifting characteristics of the MX1825 as compared to the WX series of boats. Comment was that the MX1825 would drift sideways to the wind, where the WX series would drift more with their motor / transom facing the wind. Any comments / real life experiences to corroborate this information?

I can’t say I can comment on that. I can say in the wind I’ve never had an issue with control. So if my WX wanted to drift with it’s stern into the wind I’ve never noticed it enough to be an issue. Sorry I can’t be more helpful.

Thanks Wade,
I know my current Triton 18DV will turn tail to the wind as soon as I stop controlling it with a drift sock or the trolling motor. In addition, my current boat, being a deep V has a pivot point just under the front casting deck when being pulled by a front mounted trolling motor. iPilot on my Minnkota has been a true lifesaver because of this! Definitely sounds like neither the MX or WX have a fish-tailing problem when using the TM.

I would tend to agree that my WX bow rides high and catches the wind pretty good and so the boat drifts with the stern facing the wind. I can put a drift sock off the bow to remedy it if needed, or I just put a small one off each stern cleat to really slow myself.

You could try tilting your outboard part way, or all of the way out of the water. The motor is acting as a “pivot point” on your boat, so that the bow swings when the wind catches it. With the motor up the boat may still swing and will probably drift faster, but it may not swing the bow as fast.

Worth a try anyway.

Good luck.

Dan

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I would tend to agree that my WX bow rides high and catches the wind pretty good and so the boat drifts with the stern facing the wind. I can put a drift sock off the bow to remedy it if needed, or I just put a small one off each stern cleat to really slow myself.

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What Crossin Eyes said: …With my WX exactly.
I don’t believe the bow of the MX sits out quite as high, but I may be wrong. For some people, this is a huge deal. Rangers VS bow rides lower too, but I would argue mine is dryer because of this. There are pro’s and con’s to every boat design, but that MX sure looks mighty fine to me.
Good luck with your choice.

You are exactly right Splitshot. I have 3 friends with Ranger 1850 or 1860s and all 3 of them take on water trolling into waves where I stay totally dry. The only downfall to the boat is the drift speed, but a couple of small drift socks makes a big difference.