35 flame..how do they handle
 

How does a 35 flame handle/ride? Any issues?

Very well. Handles Grand Lake water without any issues. Low 80's with stock 496's. Well mannered around the docks as well. Only issue is that the engine compartment is very small and hard to work on stuff.
Good luck with your search.

Sounds expensive...

The only experience I have with a Flame was the info from BobL regarding his old Flame. He said the only downside was that it cruised too fast. It liked to have a bit more speed for cruising and he entertained family and such, and it was too much for his likes. They are beautiful boats though, wouldnt mind having one myself.

Mine handles great. Cruise speed is about 50 which is a little high but the stepped hull needs that speed to air out enough. With Tabs, the thing jumps on plane in under 4 seconds. I've heard some people have chine walk in the high 80's or low 90's but with more power you can push through it and it calms back down. Now I have to just take their word for it because mine has only seen 80 on the freeway.

Complaints... Engine Compartment is CRAMMED, Not enough head room in the cabin to stand up, Hinges on rear bench seat cushion will kill someone (mine are removed), Medallion Computer & Gauges - these were the "Next Big Thing" prior to Smartcraft.... I have had nothing but trouble with it and sometimes wish that I just had simple mechanical gauges.

If I could find a nice 35 mid-cabin at a reasonable price, and with decent graphics, I'd seriously consider one.

I am a fan of these graphics - and the mid cabin is awesome. It is my fathers boat and the grand kids love the front. It cruises around 50 at 3200 or so rpms. I also absolutely agree about the hinges on the back seat. It would be a good way to blow out a knee.
http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/a...0/60620421.jpg

thanks for the info guys. Im going to look at one tonight to make sure that i like the boats and look at the things you guys brought up, then go from there...pry a road trip

Our's just departed our ownership. You will be very happy with the Flame as we were. It's a good mid-sized lake boat and when set up properly with the right tabs and props, will run on rails to just over 100mph.
It's now at Nordic getting a new hole cut in the deck for the new owner :eek: (converting to an open bow) Glad I don't have to watch :)

Dave