Appreciate the feedback. The only reason I thought it would be possible is because I had an older couple move along side me in one last spring at Sanchris Lake---25 hp max. I have an 1860 jon with a 25 for that lake that moves 18-20 mph depending upon the load. That old couple was keeping up with me just fine. Go figure. When I asked them later, they said because of the extra width the boat was able to get up on plane just fine. Saw it myself. I suppose I could try it, if it didn't work, go to plan B. It would be nice to have that extra space thought, regardless of speed. I agree about the river or large lake fishing, 60-90 hp minimum. But for these couple of small lakes up in my neck of the woods, I use my trolling motor most of the time anyway. By the way, it's an '08. This might be the last year a fellow could by a 20 foot roughneck. I heard they were doing away with it next year to be replaced with a 1970 instead of the 1966 model. Decisions, decisions--