Hi Guys, those of you with 28 knowledge.....how does the cockpit size compare to other boats in similar length departments? I know its probably the deepest cockpit, and I like that....but what about room to manuver around while anchored? I hate to use this as a comparison, but to a 29 fountain? These boats are all I can manage to fit in our boat slips. Maybe, a 31 sonic. Thx, Scott

Cockpit area square footage in the 29 Fountain would be comparable, but you are spot on with the freeboard. The max you are gong to put in any of them is 4-5 adults for a long/safe ride. The Sonic cockpits are definitely narrower due to the wider walk rail and wide bolsters.

If you want the speed of the smaller Fountain, go for it. If you want a big ass solid boat around you, go for the AT.

I agree with Brian
 

What brian said is all true, it is a matter of what you want. If you compare two boats that are totally different a fountain and the AT then is no way to have an answer. It is all personal preference, if you are going to boat in a rough busy area then an AT is for you. I got tired of being beat up with smaller boats. I have owned 2 superboats 21 +24, laser 18, rapid craft 21, a checkmate, my brother has a 24 pantera and a 30 spectre cat. The only boat that comes close is the spectre cat and that is 200k....

Anyone know the scoop on this one? Seen it? Know any history?
http://www.offshoreonlyclassifieds.c...o16601-en.html

Ok, so the space between the rear seat and the bolsters is about the same? Brian, as you know doubt can see from the flurry of my questions pertaining to the 28, I am very interested in building one. I currently have a fountain, so trading up with my local dealer will be easier than selling, but I really think the AT will satisfy my gripes better than an 29 fever. I know it will handle better and satisfy my occupants(read, wife) safety concerns, but we do spend a lot of time tied up and I like the freedom to move around the cockpit. I think comparing the two is very reasonable.

Scott, no worries man! We can get down to brass tacks and such when you are ready. I would not want you to build a 28AT without taking a hard look at one in the first place. We can make it happen when it needs to happen.

I don't think you will see a big difference in feel from the 27 Fountain to the 29 Fountain. They are laid out so similar that they are hard to tell apart sitting side by side sometimes. I had a 26' Sonic, and spend some time rafted with a few 27' Fountains. runnin gun here on OSO used to have a 29' Fountain, and I have been on his a bit too. The 28AT just 'feels like a bigger boat' over all of them.

You and the wife will definitely be comfortable in at 28AT. There is plenty of room to move around, and lots of cockpit (and cabin) storage. Since your wife will be involved in the purchase, she will definitely like her ability to basically pick and chose the colors and materials you both (yeah right :D ) want in the boat from a plethora of endless options. And the paint, well, you can chose from completely white, all the way to totally radical. You won't be disappointed.

tblrklakemo, Brian is right about the floor space. I just sold my 28 after 7 yrs and I did a lot of rafting and partying on that boat. The 28s have great floor space and with plenty of room to move about even with 4 people and a cooler. I would definitely take the time to get on one a see for yourself and I think you will agree with us when we say it is the biggest 28 you will find.

Wonderful, thanks guys. Besides being a little bit of a rough ride, our 27's only minus is the storage and cockpit space. I know the 29 has another foot of room in front of the rear seat and a foot in the cabin....but the cabin is too short for me to really do anything in anyway. I have very little storage space either fountain I go with. It does run fast though...even with a 525. I am trying to find out how much the Konrad 800sci package goes for. 27k for the drive and trans, but not sure about the motor. You know what Im thinking now.

It would be interesting to see what a 28AT will do with a 700hp single engine....mid 80's...my guess.
If I keep New Moon I will probably build 425hp small blocks....and then add sc....that should do the trick!

Kinda what im thinking. Not interested in merc power at their price...even with the warrenty. Definately not interested in merc outdrives. I think I can build a new engine and drive, add them to a nice, custom boat like an AT, and spend less than a merc boat of similar stats. Right?

That would make for an incredible 28- exactly what we wanted to do with ours had we been able to keep it. I've built some 355's and 383's that made pretty good power on the dyno- just make sure to put some good parts in the bottom end if you plan on compressing your intake.
Jim

You will be amazed at the ride quality of the 28 in moderate water at 70-80mph. Its hard to explain. As for room, we travel with 4-8 people 99% of the time. A couple in the cuddy or behind the front seats and 6 seated. We looked and rode in Fountain, Velocity and Sunsation and they all had highs and lows. Active fit the bill all around. You will not be disapointed.

Jim

I will be sitting in that exact spot under the bridge on sat.

My kids have been swimming under the bridge from the age of 3. We go to the island for ice cream and the bridge and arch rock to swim.

mine too, the little one who is five now is a little more timid but I think it is cool that they will jump off the boat anywhere and swim. i could never do that as a kid i was always too afraid.
it has been great up here all week.

I've heard the 800sci Konrad deal is gonna be around 90k for the package.

kinda where I expected it to be.

Any ideas on building 400+ hp small blocks; who to call and what to expect for speed & $price$?

Your boat runs so good, I dont know why you want to mess with it. Leave it alone and have fun.

I'd talk to Tyler Crockett. He works well with the MPI stuff. I'd say aluminum heads and new intakes, maybe a cam change would get you there. Them you'd have to get the computer work done. Tyler can handle the complete package.

OK, lets trade boats for the next run and see how you like running WOT @69 with a full load!! I realize most of the time its 50-60, but a burst of 80mph is SOOOOO needed!!

Your right, it does run Good.....I don't want to lose that. That is why I am researching before I touch anything! Maybe over the winter if I keep her. BTW, It looks like I am going to survive the RE deal; just a major ajustment w/ the biz.

Best news I've heard all day.

Thanks Man, good to know people care. These days a good friend is rare.
I really have met some cool folks through oso & AT

BTW, It looks like I am going to survive the RE deal; just a major ajustment w/ the biz.[/QUOTE]

So glad to hear this. I know whats its like to have to lose a boat, it sucks.:angry-smiley-055: Hope it all works out for ya, and by the way, leave it alone, stock will always get you there and back:D

Good to hear Chris.

careful Brian is watching:violent-smiley-045:

If its not an AT, I dont want it.

Glad to see your thinking clearly.....I see your currently a beak owner...you will really love the ride of your AT, when you make that move.

Im only a beak owner as long as I have to be. I like the boat....dont love it, but Im not sorry I purchased it. A 28 AT looks the be the perfect fit for all my needs. Wish I had the funds available to build one right now. The guy who posted the classified for some no-name boat just struck me as odd.

Sorry, I didn't catch it before Brian zapped it! What was it?

Well, I would post a link to his other three posts that were all the same......but the mods removed all of them. Some boat called a prototype for sale.

Chris-
It depends on what you want- normally aspirated burning low-octane fuel or supercharged (you'll be looking for premium everywhere you go). Pfaff or Lingenfelter have the SBC down as well or better than anyone when it comes to longetivity, power, and efficiency, but it's going to cost you big bucks for either.
It's tough (and expensive) to build the SBC past 1.25 to 1.3hp/cid normally aspirated, and your'e still going to be lacking the torque of a BBC no matter what you do until you get into the 400+cid small blocks. Those usually suffer in the longetivity department. Been there, done that.
I'd strongly consider Whipple's package for the 350MagMPI. It's what I would have done with our 28 Savage had we been able to keep it. Dustin has this system perfected, including all the re-programming. You should still have a reliable package with power similar to the 500HP, and speed in the 80+ range. From what I remember, there were no clearance or install issues doing Whipples with the way Pat built the boat.

I hope you got my PM after I sent it again.
Jim

Sure did, thanks. That's what I've been hearing...sbc is not gonna give enough torque. If I do anything it will be the superchargers, but more than likely I will keep it stock & enjoy the reliability!

Spilman what is next
 

I took my 28 off the market then put it back on, still not sure I want to sell, hate to see it go. What are you thinking of getting? I am Still debating over a 33 AT or I just looked at a couple of performance boats with open bows. Still up in the air..Good luck with the sale. vic

Good Question! I was selling to prepare for a business disaster...but it seems that may have been avoided. I have found a satisfactory solution; usually we don't get everything we should, but it will work and I can keep the boat. So, simply put I was selling & thought I would be boatless for a while, but now I am probably not selling...or if things go well, selling late this year and moving up to 32, 33 or 37 next season. Does that answer your question? Chris

Vic, we will GLADLY take your 28 in on trade for the Demo 33:
http://www.activethunderboats.com/33v02.htm

Or build you a new one. Let's have a chat about it.

Brian Tillett
ActiveThunderAVH(a)aol.com

Is this your boat?

http://www.yachtworld.com/boats/1736762/0

That is my boat
 

Gave it to a broker- I do not have time to sell myself.....Brian I will let you know. I have not used the boat in a month just been busy. I have only used the boat 10 times in the 2 years I have had it. I have a full cover that is for winter and summer that gets the most use, vic

Did it come with a 496 then you put a 525 in it? What happend to the trailer? Looks like the bow is tied down with a rope.

I pulled the 496 HO
 

Dropped in a 525Efi, the 496 was not enough for me I always wanted the blue motor, I got a good deal on the boat so I used the 496 last season and put the 525 in this year. Nothing wrong with trailer it is a triple alum. myco, the rope is a useless safety measure, just use to having smaller boats when putting a rope on the bow served a purpose while trailering. vic