Even though I don't really like 8+ boards.. I've seen a few 8.00's that kinda interest me... so ... how are 8" decks with 14" wb? Basically the same? THink these are mostly 8x31.5 with 14"wb. My assumption is that it would feel the same, minus the extra width
I would say yes, similar feel to 7.75 / 7.81 boards only a touch wider, as per when I went to 8" they felt a bit wider but I found I had more room for my feet.
Then I went 8.1 as the shapes were better, and then up again, but that is just me.
The 8" deck with 139s (or similar) trucks and 50 to 52 mm wheels was pretty much the go to for a long time and still is I guess for a lot of people, even though now I think the average is more like 8.25 with 144s (or similar) trucks.