seafordguy

I think you could narrow down the V vs Cat decision real quickly by calling any of the brokers here on the board and getting a quote for the Cat. I am not SURE but I bet most of them would NOT insure you at all.

He has already said he is fine with getting a new truck. Even if he doesn't do it before he buys a boat, the first time he hooks a 12-15k load up to that Escalade he will be browsing the Classifieds.

So, that being said - in MY OPINION the CIGS are an easy decision - decent speed in all water conditions with stock Merc power. There will always be some resale, and in a LOT of people's opinion the classic lines will always be popular.
The Cigs have a certain line to them that is indescribable, but beautiful, and their prowess in the rough has been proven.

My opinion is that 6's aren't for everybody. Even if I had the money for it I don't think there is anyone within 200 miles that service them if something ever did go wrong. The nice thing about Bravos (XR's) is that if you destroy one you can bolt another one on for a few thousand.

My $.02

kreed

iTrader: (2)

You CANNOT tow an 8000+ lb boat with an Escalade. I just got rid of mine. Last year I had a Cig Bullet that ruined the air ride compressor in my Escalade. Too much weight for the compressor to lift. And that was just dumping the boat in and out of the water!! Plus not enough stopping power......

Mastercraft240

I cant believe $150k and budget was even used in the same sentence for those specifications. Buddy, you have an awesome opportunity at some pretty awesome rigs. You're gonna have a ball shopping for it. Enjoy.

fireboatpilot

I might as well throw in my 2ct's worth. First off you do not have a truck, it's an SUV. You will absolutely need a real truck. Over 32' I would go as far as say at least a 1 ton and possibly a dually if you ever plan on any long tows. Going from a 21' single to a 30' twin is a learning curve in itself, bigger than that, the bigger the curve. Stay away from any engine packages that are not stock, the 525's are a great choice and suggestion. Last thing you want while learning how to handle a twin and your new speed and power is having to think about engines. Survey is a must and your new ins. carrier will most likely require it. While I'm on ins. might as well talk about a cat. Probly won't even find an ins. carrier that will take you on as new without spending $6K a season. Then there's that learning curve. Worlds difference to a "V" hull. I would suggest riding in a cat before you even consider one. You may not like it at all. I would suggest that you find something around 30-32" for your next boat, 525's will give you the speeds your looking for 80+. Learn to handle a twin, stay with a "V". You can bank half of your $150K and stick with your SUV for towing. Go into this gradually then step up again if it's still not enough for your needs. Like I said it's only my 2ct's.

302Sport

yeah you really have to narrow your search down if you want us to help you find something. right now you can go buy just about any type of boat for $150K, anywhere between a 160mph race boat or a 80mph boat with ac/gen, etc......

302Sport

these two boats do it all. AC, generator, 80mph, big cockpit.........no offense to you cig guys but the 37AT is just as fast as a TG, has a bigger cockpit, and a much more usable cabin. The new cabins on the cigs mind as well be a bare storage compartment.

http://www.boattrader.com/listing/20...7-AVH-97740338

http://www.boattrader.com/listing/20...xcess-96761881

wjb21ndtown

I agree 100%

FuelinAround

I never thought we wold want more when I bought my 31 sonic but now I realize I need a little more power to get speed on waves, and a generator and a/c to cool off someone who has sipped one to many. It's hard to go wrong with a fully loaded but IMO. I absolutely want a toilet in every boat I own (don't mind peeing in the water but ****tin and trying to swim away from it sucks) and the A/C and generator aren;t needed a ton but it's a TOY we aren't talking about needs were talking about wants. What I'm trying to boil down is make sure you buy something with everything you want. Cat's are great but virtually no cabin. I also don't like sitting down I like stand up bolsters. There are 1000 different equations you need to be thinking of.

302Sport

With a sit down boat you are also limited to the number of seats in the boat. With a stand up you can just keep packing them in. Ive had 10 in my Powerplay before.

LAriverratt

well I've had 9 in my dominator...toooooooo many foa shoa!!!