Ron, you seem to have quit a bit of experience with the various types of boats etc. I have been around large boats since I was 20. Lets say longer than I have not been. I am very familiar with various hull types, dead-rise angels, cats, hydros etc. in the full size boats. My current boat has a 502 w/SC and runs about 80. I have been in lighter boats at close to 100. I am familiar with chine walk, porpoising and other evil handling traits while actually in the boat. Cats are very stable in rough water to a point, once the amount of lift cannot keep up with the waves the cats can stuff whereas a V will just go nose high if the bow is high enough rather than stuff. Without steps on a V hull it is very hard to spin one out as they lean into the turns and a cat remains flat. I have experienced this in boats from 3,000 to 8,000 pounds.

What I am curious about is if the model boats behave about the same. Since trim and tab angles are not adjustable on the fly some handling traits are going to be determined by hull speed. I suppose what I am asking is if the RC cats will spin out or if you have some sort of indication you are turning too hard. Will the hull dance a bit and skip or does it just flip and your boat is soaked inside and out? The ShockWave says it will turn in a 12 ft area at speed. At 30 plus that seems pretty tight. Any guess on how a cat would turn. The pictures posted indicate that minor ripples will not be a problem. My kids are intending on running this from their ski boat. They have organized the storage areas in their boat to accommodate tools and supplies and have a storage area large enough for either the MM18 or ShockWave.

From looking at the posted pictures a little rough water won't bother the cat. I am leaning toward the MM18 in hopes that the quality and ease of use will be better. What can you tell me about the starting system you mentioned? One of the problems I foresee is getting the inside wet after dunking. It seems flotation could be added to prevent them from going down, the coves they will run this in are often 60 ft. deep. so sinking is out of the question.

Where can I get on the list for purchasing the MM18 and is one shop preferred over the other to deal with? I like to support any business that works with he customer.