ZT28 on the Great Lakes
 

Can anyone tell me how the handling of a zt28 will do as far as ride and handling on Lake Erie big water. Is it good as compared to say a PQ 290 or a formula 303. I know that is a single motor and the others are twins. Just not sure about the ZT280. Love the boat looks.

Thanks

I will tell you this, the ZT280 is not a rough water boat. One of my best friends has one with 850-900HP and when I had my Scarab 26 with only 525-550HP we would run side by side in 2-3'. He was getting beat around bad and my scarab was cutting right through it. He can run 90-95MPH and when we hit heavy chop he couldn't get away from me. I have another friend with a PQ 290 twin 502 MAG's and it was the same way when we hit 2-3' I could actually put some distance between us and walk off from him. I love Checkmates but I am not that impressed with the ZT hull. You are far better off in the Formula for big water, they are built heavy and ride great!!

It's very hard to tame Western Lake Erie when it's kicking up. There is no pattern to the waves. I cross it often in my 22' Donzi and anything over 4' brings me down to idle speed because of the unpredictable holes and slop. This doesn't answer your question but is just an observation. I've crossed the lake when boats much bigger but with less deadrise stayed home!

I'm very up with Lake Erie on the kick ups. Had a 30' cabin cruiser just not sure on the go fast stuff. Thanks for the info. Will keep looking for a good match for me.

I used to run my ZT280 in 2-3's all the time at 70-75 gps speed with no issues.

Ive run mine in all kinds of water. Lake Michigan. PIB. Lake of the Ozarks for the shoot out ever year. You will get bounced around.
Just like any other 28 foot boat. I love my boat. I like the looks and size. Can tow with half ton.
I would go with the biggest boat you can. If your wanting a better ride.

I have a 283 and it works well for the great lakes (ontario and Erie) I also towed it with a half ton with its new trailer before i bought my new truck. The 283 is a true 28footer, they call it the 300 now. Mine is for sale a great deal @18.5K

I would think the 283 would be a better rough water boat than the zt 280. It is actually 2' longer in running surface.

Is a Convinsor 28 a ZT hull? Or handle bigger water better?

No, a convincor 283 or later called the 300 is larger than the zt 280. I haven't ridden in a zt so I cannot comment on its ride. Where do you plan on using the boat and how ?