Looking at the Hull designs of both?
I can see why the Higgins was a faster but wetter ride.
And why the Elco was a bit more manuverable.
Several Boat Companies were around Bucyrus for years.
Baja and CheckMate.
I know alot of people that worked at them both and they did manage to sink a few facts into my head why each was the better designs.
Looking at the design of the Elco Hull?
You see more of a Deep-Vee all the way back.
Great for cutting through the water I'm told.
The Higgins goes nearly flat just past mid-ship or so.
Great for rideing OVER the water, which reduces drag in all areas the Elco would be subject to.
But means you'd get a rougher and more water drenched ride at speed.
I often would go watch Baja and Checkmate test thier boats on the local waters and noticed when a new hull was being tested just by the spray off of the boats.