28 Savage...realistic?
 

Hey guys, I've read a bunch of your threads and you really stoked my interest in Active Thunder. I'm looking to move up a few feet this spring and have been researching boats between 26-30' with a single engine. I live on the chesapeake and stopped by American Performance Marine today to check out the 28's. Of course they were closed because its winter and a saturday, but i just wanted a look in person since i was in the area. I absolutely loved the look of the savage. (I like the sonic prowler looks too, but i know entirely too many people who already have sonics and want to be a little different) Anyways the purpose of my thread is this....I really can't afford to spend any more than 50k on a boat this year. I had seen a few 1998-2000 savages on boattrader with an asking price ranging from 52k-70k. Do I have a chance of finding a good reliable one out there for under 50?

Thanks for any input. They're beautiful boats!

-Lance

Re: 28 Savage...realistic?
 

There's a farmer in Indiana that might come close to that number if we can find him a 32' at a reasonable price.

Re: 28 Savage...realistic?
 

I heard that the Sonic Prowler porpoises alot also that it has a really rough ride. How about 280 Velocity?

Re: 28 Savage...realistic?
 

Look on the post in this forum about a 32 AT forsale, it is my old boat and I know it has been taking care of. Might work out a deal for everyone. $78,000

Re: 28 Savage...realistic?
 

Actually I think you are talking about the old 28' sonic. I know a few people with 26's, 28's, a 35 and a 42. The only one I've ever noticed a slight porpoising problem was in the 28's. As far as ride goes, the prowler might be one of the best rough water 26' boat i've been in. The only reason i'm not looking at one for myself is that they are everywhere around where i boat. However, i'm not counting anything out. The right deal could get me in just about any boat in that size range. Right now though, the AT is my first preference.

Re: 28 Savage...realistic?
 

how bout a 98 29 scarab..under $50K

Re: 28 Savage...realistic?
 

Bern,

Thats a nice looking boat, but for right now i'm only really looking at single engine boats. I like driving dual engine boats a lot more (especially close quarter docking), but my wallet hates keeping TWO engines running ;)

Re: 28 Savage...realistic?
 

email or call him and see what you can do. He wants to move to a bigger boat.

http://www.erieoffshore.com/

Re: 28 Savage...realistic?
 

stock 350's are bullit proof

Re: 28 Savage...realistic?
 

I went from a 26' Sonic to a 37' Active Thunder. My Sonic took anything I threw it into and then some. It would porpoise a bit with full fuel at slow-cruise, however, if you know how to set your trims (most that complain of porpoise don't) the boat is solid, and smooth. Check out the Sonic forum for more details on how and why some Sonics porpoise. It has to do with the notched transom.

As for 28AT or 26 Sonic, you can't go wrong with either, but the 28AT is definately a little more rare in the Chessie Area. Frank sold a but-munga-load of 26' Sonics in the past 7-8 years.

Re: 28 Savage...realistic?
 

No joke.

The tiki bar down in solomons looks like a sonic dealership on saturdays.

Re: 28 Savage...realistic?
 

A 28 AT is a true 28' boat also. Isn't the 26 Sonic an integrated platform boat? That would make it 25 at best if so. There is a huge difference between a 25 foot boat and a 28 foot boat. My advice, for what it worth, spend just a couple dollars more than what you think you want to and you'll save the money in the long run when you don't have to pay through the butt to move up in another year or two. I'd think 55-60 will probably buy you one dang nice fresh water late model 28 AT. Good Luck in the search, it is a lot of fun. Don't settle and you will not be disappointed.

Re: 28 Savage...realistic?
 

The 28 AT is nothing like a 26 Sonic, the 25 AT is more compairable to it, both have about the same length and weight. So that would be a more fair compairison.

Re: 28 Savage...realistic?
 

Yeah, I'm not really looking at them as comparing apples to apples. Just looking for value and meeting my needs. Any one of those boats would probably make me very happy (at least for a couple of seasons), but I want to take my time with this to figure out all the tradeoffs.

I'm on travel a lot this upcoming month, so i'm gonna continue my research, get my money in hand (god bless HELOCs) and be ready to buy in march.

Thanks for all the input, keep it coming!

Are there any problems areas to look for on the 1998-2000 28's that i should know of?

Re: 28 Savage...realistic?
 

I believe I am the farmer that Pat is talking about and yes mine might be available. I would like to move up to a 32 or even a 37 but the all mighty dollar will dictate what I can do.
Here is a shot of my 28.

Re: 28 Savage...realistic?
 

Great paint job! Keep me posted. If you decide to sell this spring send me a PM and I'll let you know if i'm still in the market.

Re: 28 Savage...realistic?
 

Yep, you are doing the best thing, hunt for the perfect boat that will suit your needs. Not having to sell or trade puts you in the drivers seat, when you find the right boat ,you will be able to move on it. Good luck with your search.

Re: 28 Savage...realistic?
 

I've got a stinger to sell, but it's not conditional on me buying another boat. When i sell it I'll just put that money in a boat spending account to be spent on gas and drinks ;)

Re: 28 Savage...realistic?
 

??

Re: 28 Savage...realistic?
 

I'm with you century....................?

Re: 28 Savage...realistic?
 

My bad guys, wrong thread.. :D

Re: 28 Savage...realistic?
 

Here is a 25 that is very much for sale.
Make me an offer. If the ride of a 26 Sonic impressed you wait til you try this.

Re: 28 Savage...realistic?
 

Century29,

Tantrum's boat is awesome. Definetly consider this boat. It is the same size as the 26 Sonic and will outrun the 26 power for power. Tantrum has really taken care of this boat.

Re: 28 Savage...realistic?
 

Thank you for the compliment Derek.
This would also make a great boat for you :drink:

I would love to see it stay in the area. Im going to miss it.

Re: 28 Savage...realistic?
 

No problem Chris. I would love that boat but I am looking at twin's. Someone has to give Scott a run for his money:)

Re: 28 Savage...realistic?
 

If its speed your running for............I just raised the ante another 20mph :drink:

I will take any reasonable offer for the AT. Might even consider car or bike trades.....planes, pool tables whatever :p

Re: 28 Savage...realistic?
 

well i wasn't going to say anything but...yes tantrum's boat is nice,sounds nasty also,but like sydwayz say's if you know how to run it you won't porpoise,yes the prowler has a notched transom,mines alway's in the garage and takes up just about every bit of the 32' bay.if your going to campare apples,the 25' active thunder(24'6") has a 92" beam prowler 102", dry weight on thunder 3800 prowler 5000, fuel 102 gallons on sonic,thunder 60 gals,as far as power for power yes the thunder should be faster.when i bought my sonic at the time i could have had the thunder for the same money,but i had a boat with a 102" beam before and liked the ride better,so it all comes down to what you want,my boat i run the hell out of it and i don't see anything different from the day i bought it,still rock solid.just my fitty cents,dave

Re: 28 Savage...realistic?
 

boat freak28 is your boat still for sale?

Re: 28 Savage...realistic?
 

Whassup I just posted on the other thread and then came over here. I believe my boat is sold. I should know in a few days. I'll keep you posted.

Re: 28 Savage...realistic?
 

what about this one???

http://www.offshoreonly.com/esvon/page-4839.html