I have a 71 shovelnose, that i have had for two years, and was very intimidated by the hull until i actually got it into the water. They take chop very well and the turning is not all that bad, i would not ski behind it b/c of the lack of quick steering, but you can turn it you just have to have plenty of speed and kinda scoot and slide like a dirt tracker. (all this only applies if outboard steering) I have about 425 hp 454 and will run 91 mph and even has a hydrualic cam so that it is an almost maintence free cruiser. The lay up on mine is so thick that i dont think it would have any stress cracks, i havent ever seen any on mine. My wife drives mine alot, thats how lake friendly it is, and we have had out 2 year old son in it the last two years. (thats a 1 year old in a hydro !! ! ) Let me know if you need any more answers, i have kinda learn the in and out of this boat by talking to an guy that was a sanger dealer in the late 60's thru 80's. I can wait to get some more power in mine to push the 100 mark.
http://www2.***boat.com/image_center...524/744RAT.jpg