Which one????
 

I have made up my mind on buying a new (used) boat....Cigarette is the winner!!! Now I guess I need to figure out which Cigarette model to go with. I have about a $70k - $80k price range and I want something that is fast (75-85mph) as well as a good wave (4-5ft) handler. Any ideas on which would be a good choice model for the range I am in? I have been looking at Cafe Racers, Mistress, & a couple of Bullets. Thanks in advance.

Chuck

After MUCH research, the 1990+ Cafe was my choice - great cabin layout for me and the Fiance with an enclosed head, nice wrap-around couch & cocktail table, and very sleepable v-berth. You'll have to have more than stock power to get either the Cafe or Mistress into your speed range - I don't know about the bullett?!?!

Well, if you've been checking out the various forums, I think you have already seen/heard that you can't find a better wave crusher than a Cig. However, you also said waves to 5'. A bullet will be able to handle that, but at 60+, it may not be the best choice. I just did a poker run in 4 footers last week and it was a wild ride.

I would look at a TG. In your price range, it will be a non-step and will probably have engines to get to the 75mph range. To get more speed, you'll need more money, or plan to get a project boat that may need some work.

Just my opinion. BTW, same poker run had a Top Gun make the ocean run the fastest (beating out Fountains, Formulas, Donzi's and Cats). It was a newer stepped hull with serious power.

Thanks guys. I would rather spend more on a good hull now and repower next year to get up to the speed I am wanting. I wish I could get a TG but the cheapest I have seen on those is around 100K or right below it. I am not ready to buy just yet so I figured now would be a good time to pick one model and research the hell out of it......

Chuck

FYI - there are 5 TG's in Classifieds for less than 100k including 3 for less than 80k.

try and find on of the few 97-99 tg with 600s... that should be 90-95k... maybe by this winter

buying 70k boat repowering it for 30k u have 100k in a 80k boat... harder to finance sell etc....

What about a flat deck????

http://www.yachtworld.com/core/listi..._id=62530&url=

I guess I should have been more specific....
What I meant was all the ones that I like are 100k...:D
Thanks for looking out guys.

Chucky, look at Grimmy's 93 (?) Tg with brand new power (570hp) for I think 77,900. Spotless looking boat. It does have TRS drives but if that doesn't scare you off... Previous posts are correct, though. To get an older Cig in the 75-85 range you're gonna need more than stock power. Happy shopping!

http://www.offshoreonlyclassifieds.c...-o6742-en.html

Hell, make me the right offer and I'll deliver mine across Ponchartrain for ya!

Try to find a Carbon Fiber or Kevlar T.G. they go a few mph faster than a Fiberglass boat with the same power.
I had a 1991 Carbon T.G. Stock 525 S.C. Hawks 76 MPH
A fiberglass Gun runs 71-72 if your lucky.

this will meet your needs and price range if you want to spend a little on prop lapping and motor work. mild 540's w/50 hours now.

Steves boat is sick, I have seen it in person! Very tastefully restored!

Steve...all I can say is WOW!!! That boat looks awesome! Can you email me some more pics, specs, and your asking price? I will be ready to buy hopefully by December. A xmas gift to myself.:D

I did see that one Mark. I would have to change out the front bolsters as they are stand up only. Not crazy about the paint either...:cool-smiley-011:

How's the cc running?

the pics and specs are posted here on oso. do a search for my post and you should find them easily.

heres a few:

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/s...d.php?t=164327

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/s...d.php?t=160095

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/s...d.php?t=148181

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/s...d.php?t=153866

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/s...d.php?t=152577

I still think the extra 7 feet make a big difference in the large stuff and would prefer a TG. I would have no hesitation taking mine in 4-5 footers, but I don't feel comfortable running it at 70mph in those conditions either. There are several Cafes and a couple of Bullets on this site (One Bullet is 54K) in your price range. If Captchuck could swing it, there is a 2000 30' Cig Mystique for 92K that runs in the 80's. Also, these are all asking prices. Most are negotiable.

Bullets not a bad choice I just happen to have a couple of them for sale.:cool-smiley-011:

Captchuck, the Bullet that you said had only standup bolsters is probably incorrect. Those are stock Bullet seats. The owner may have removed the seat bases but should still have them. I wouldn't let that deter you.

Also, if you've done any research about the Bullets and seen any, they have an asymetrical deck with the stbd side about 3" higher than the center and port. They are also somewhat rare, with only 68 (I think) that were produced over 5 or 6 years. Mine's the only one I've seen in my area. They also have a unique and very useable cabin and an enclosed head.

BTW, If you want to see more pics of some Cigs in rough water, go to randynuzzo.com and click on the imgequix link to get to his pics, then click on the latest August event. You can zoom up the pics to full screen. There was a good turnout of Cigs. I have to apologize for some of my pics. I trimmed it up and lifted the tabs and was showing off (and having a great time) for the Helo.

I LOVE to show off!!

Thanks bro. I appreciate the info. I know it is going to take me a few months of just looking around and trying to pick the "Right" boat. I really like the Bullets because of the speed being faster than a Mistress. Right now Steve H's boat has my eye. I love the way he finished it out. The colors are perfect. I am going to continue my search and hope to get exactly what I want. I really want a boat that is turnkey when I buy it. I don't want to work on something right away. Upgrades next year? Of course. But for now just get in a throttle up. I am definitely going to keep my eye open for a TG but I am not optimistic about that dream.

Chuck

Just bustin ur ballz bro'!!!:D

I know why people go to Jamacia..... So you better bring back some of that sticky icky......:cool-smiley-011:

Do you have any pics on here???

IMHO, you can't go wrong with a Bullet.

I love mine! :D

I guess you do love yours Clay!!!! It's always filled with women!!!!:D
I think the bullet is going to be my choice unless I can find a TG that I like for a price I can afford. Thanks Clay.

Chuck

What you speak is the truth ma brutha!!! I think if I keep my purchase price aroud 70k-75k I will be able to manage it without being boat poor. Another factor is my job. I work alot, so in reality I won't have tons of time to run around in the boat enough to hurt my pocket. I figure I will get about 5 or 6 good days on the water when I am not at work.(on the boat) That really sux azz about your buddy having gone through that many drives that fast. I would say it's time to move on from that money pit...Just my .02.:D

I looked at the Bullets for a while and ended up with a Cafe and am so glad I did. The extra 4 feet makes a huge difference in space and ride. The cabin is huge compared to a Bullet if overnighting is in your future. Just my opinion and like everyone else on this board, I am a little biased.

I guess we can call it "TCO"???? Sounds good to me Mark:D
Who says white trash guys like us aren't smart????:cool-smiley-011:

I probably bought the lowest "beer budget" Cig on the market (it cost me 30-35K). I'll probably spend an easy 10-20K on it over the next few years to get it how I'd like it. I bought a good runnig project boat. That way, I can enjoy it, run the hell out of it, and fix it up as money permits.

It's a buyer's market for sure, so you should be able to find something when you're ready.

BTW. there's a 35' Mistress on OSO for a great price. The guy has 10's of thousands in receipts. Beautiful classic in great shape and I've run with him (He was at the poker run I mentioned above, so you can see some of his boat there). It's not slow with 540's. It may be faster than mine. And it fits a beer budget :)

Thats nice... good looking boat! :D

You kiddin me???? Maybe not a bad Bullet, but here's one for 10K less and a whole lot cooler with new style interior and lots of new stuff. With some motor work, you'd get the speeds you want.

http://www.offshoreonlyclassifieds.c...o17852-en.html

lakeluvr... can't believe its still for sale, and what a great $!

lakeluvr - you have a very clean and beautiful boat!

I would prefer a Texas flag, but it's still a great boat! :D

IMHO, if the boat did NOT have the flag graphics, it would have sold by now.

Just my two-cents...

LL I have had my eye on your boat from day one of my extensive research and I must say I really love what you have done with her. I am not going to purchase something until around the first of the year but trust me, your boat is in the top three. The only thing I am not crazy about is the flag paint. Thanks.

Well thanks. Sorry to hear about the paint. So many folks that see it here at LOTO just love it. If it were end of Sept, 2001, I bet I couldn't paint enough with flags on them. :)

Got a couple of guys that are showing some interest, but no $$ in my hand yet. Keeping my fingers crossed.

You will sell it its a very nice and clean boat. Market just hasn't been so hot lately. Thats why mine is not listed I want to sale it but just to move up thats it. When the market picks up a bit I will list mine.

i too will attest for Steve H's Bullet. i sawit at LOTO last weekend. what a beautiful boat. i wish it was mine. that thing sounds badass too. he didn't seem to have any problems with rough water. i don't think there is any rougher water than LOTO on a big wekend.

another great looking bullet. pic taken last weekend.

thankyou wheels61.

all of carter31's stuff is sweet. here s a pic of the motors and bilge. Cant go wrong with a bullet. Hopefully ill be in one someday.

Would the extra four feet on a boat really make a huge difference? I am talking about a Bullet versus a Mistress or Cafe Racer. Anyone know the difference in hull weight between the three? I am just trying to weigh out all my options.
Thanks guys.

Get on a Bullet then on a Cafe and decide for yourself. I think it is a huge difference in space and ride.

I think my Cafe' is like 9600 dry or something like that. I might be off on that number but it is jumping in my head for some reason.

The manual claims a bullet to weigh 8800 dry which is really heavy for a 31' boat but thats also why they ride so nice. There is more cockpit room for sure in a cafe as far as the ride goes it really depends on where you boat at. Everyone that was with me at the shootout was very impressed how well the boat ran in big water.