In short, "yes" they pull better because they don't "jump" and "skip" across waves and knock all the lines off. I can drag mine in 4-6' waves and not skip or jump enough to lose lines.

I have run mine off a mast with no problem. If you are using the light Amish Outfitter boards that are made of lightweight material you will probably always have them jump. The heavy wooden ones work well. Skipper 9's boards pull hard and stay in the water. Maybe some guys in here have good experience with other planer boards that stay in the water too.

-Matt