I think Omerta hit it. The boat WAS NOT overpriced. I would think anyone spending $150K, newbie or not, has done his homework, looked at the market, then made a decision wisely, unless he has just won his states' lottery and doesn't care what the cost is.

The fact that it sold before newer twin steps also seems to answer the question of whether a Lip-Ship is worth more. His boats just have that extra little bling that comes from someone who cares about what he does.

Brad, it all comes down to opinion. But I can tell you this; johnny and phil are very good friends and have worked on projects together in the past. Hell, johnny started his racing career winning with phil in the 41 lip-ship apache! As for tres, phil respects him as his competition and considers tres' dad (ralph) to be one of his oldest and best friends. And yes, tres has been around cigarettes for a long time via his lineiage (his dad).

When you ask what makes a lip-ship boat better than others, people have responded with their answers. It may not be the answer you're looking for but don't take others opinions as gospel if you don't wish too. All you have to do is look at the facts. The only 3 cigs to ever win powerboat magazines prestegise offshore boat of the year were all lip-ship edition cigs. And by the way, johnny is an evaluator for pbm so it's obvious johnny respects phils work.

There is not another person in the custom cigarette arena that is more dedicated to cigarette than phil is. Phil has had to turn away very high profile/long term customers in the past who wanted him to rig cats for them. He is commited to cigarette, that alone means alot to many.

I think the 39' Cigarette with 1075's was from the IL dealer? Can't remember what it won at Powerboat mag but I think it was offshore boat of the year?

I was wrong, it won Powerboats "V" bottom boat of the year award!!!!!!!!

Ah, true. I did forget about the yellow 39. However that doesn't take away the fact that every boat phil brought has won showing the workmanship involved.

Tank don't you think that Cigarette deserves just a little of the praise!

I must say I didn’t mean any harm towards Tres and I respect his work and especially his work towards safe driving.

I love all Cigarettes!

Read my signature line....I give Cigarette much respect. In my opinion they are the best boats built, period! The crew at Lip-Ship improves on greatness and takes it to the next level, probably why they use his boats more often than not at the shows as well.

It only took 107 posts for all of to agree with this quote !!

Seriously!