33 Lightning - Owners thoughts? - Page 3

techman · 11-19-2009, 07:55 AM

Not sure I would be buying anything new in this market especially a first year model that apparently hasn't stirred a lot of interest...the 33. You can easily pick up a new-ish 35 for a similar $$ amount than those dealer orphan 33's. Probably with blue motors to boot.

Unless you absolutely love the 33 after driving it (don't buy un-tested) I would start taking advantage of the deals out there on distressed inventory. The difference between the 33's and 35's isn't radical so might as well go with the model that has been out there, tried and tested, and has major appeal...the 35. When this market recovers, I would rather have a 35 in my slip than a 33. Oh wait...I do. :-)

Wildman_grafix · 11-19-2009, 11:02 AM

Is yours a staggered or side by side? What motors/speed are you seeing?

techman · 11-19-2009, 12:33 PM

Mine is a 2006 twin step side by side with 496 HO's and XR's. Top speed is 80 mph. Turn key, low maintenance, easy on the wallet to run/insure.

GatorDave · 11-19-2009, 12:35 PM

[quote=techman;2992895]Not sure I would be buying anything new in this market especially a first year model that apparently hasn't stirred a lot of interest...the 33. You can easily pick up a new-ish 35 for a similar $$ amount than those dealer orphan 33's. Probably with blue motors to boot.

My marina can handle a 32-33' boat but not a 35 unfortunately. Living in Florida I really want to stick with the 496 Ho's versus 525's due to the cost of insurance. I had the same thought around the lack of interest in the 33. That's why I asked the questions if we had any owners on the board. Doesn't like we do

techman · 11-19-2009, 01:11 PM

Will your marina turn you away over 2 feet? Seems like time to change marina's if they are forcing you into a smaller boat decision. Around here most marina's would bend over backwards to accomodate any paying customer....within reason of course.

You might want to have a chat with them....then go 35 bargain hunting.

Cheers.

TCBoss302 · 11-19-2009, 01:17 PM

My marina can handle a 32-33' boat but not a 35 unfortunately. Living in Florida I really want to stick with the 496 Ho's versus 525's due to the cost of insurance. I had the same thought around the lack of interest in the 33. That's why I asked the questions if we had any owners on the board. Doesn't like we do

[/quote]

Is the limit based on wieght or length? I'm sure your marina could fit a 35' Fountain in the same spot that would normally only accomodate a 33' boat in another brand.....just a suggestion.

Wildman_grafix · 11-19-2009, 02:26 PM

[quote=GatorDave;2993021]

Quote:

Originally Posted by techman

Not sure I would be buying anything new in this market especially a first year model that apparently hasn't stirred a lot of interest...the 33. You can easily pick up a new-ish 35 for a similar $$ amount than those dealer orphan 33's. Probably with blue motors to boot.

My marina can handle a 32-33' boat but not a 35 unfortunately. Living in Florida I really want to stick with the 496 Ho's versus 525's due to the cost of insurance. I had the same thought around the lack of interest in the 33. That's why I asked the questions if we had any owners on the board. Doesn't like we do

How much cost difference? I assume you rack store, how much do you pay?

Sorry for the off topic questions, the wife wants to move to FL in the next year or so.

GatorDave · 11-20-2009, 08:22 AM

[quote=Wildman_grafix;2993059]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GatorDave

How much cost difference? I assume you rack store, how much do you pay?

Sorry for the off topic questions, the wife wants to move to FL in the next year or so.

To store a 32-33' boat is roughly $300/month. Only $20/month more than I pay for a 25' boat now.

For the type of river boating I primarily do I don't need a larger boat and then marina is 5 minutes from my house. No desire to move locations. That's why the questions around the 33'. Since I can't find anyone who has actually owns one I'll probably be focusing more on the Sunsation.

Wildman_grafix · 11-20-2009, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blownincome

Drove one Like Ragged said well layed out and balanced boat a little quicker to plane than the new 35s ,Wheels are not as big as a 525 35. handled every bit as good as my 35 great boat !! our local dealer has a few they acquired from other dealers floor plans so several to choose from. also you wont hear "hey your boat is sinking" as 32 owners hear all the time

I missed this, looks like at least ONE person drove/rode in one.