Pros and Cons (Bullet vs Cafe)
 

So in this long span of buying our first power boat we have it nailed down to these two.

They fit our budgets, needs, ideas, and love for Cigarettes as well. Granted we are not buying this day, month, or maybe even year sadly (house hunting currently so that is first on the table). I was just wanting to pick some more knowledgable peoples brain.

Me I really want a 31 Bullet

GF she wants bigger is better with the 35 Cafe Racer.

What do you guys say?.....pros and cons of each.

We live Clearwater and Boat in the Gulf. I currently tow our small CC with my AWD Escalade EXT, I would really not like to sell it to be honest. With the Cafe I feel I would have no choice but too or to buy a vehicle just to tow the boat. Again I rather not if not needed. Just seems like dead money sitting out back only used when I use the boat. Also just got her a new car, already have 3 cars total, and a Motorcycle currently. So insurance is already a tad high and we still have to add the boat in lol.

Anyway..... what's some OSO thoughts?

Remember too....this is our first power boat. Been on the water for years but always on a jet boat or a single outboard CC.

Get rid of the Escalade and buy a truck (probably save money there)
Get rid of the bike you will be boating anyway

Get the cigarette of chioce Payment will most be likely less than the esclade and when the bike is gone the insurance on the boat will most likely be cheaper than the bike anyway

looks like you may save money by boating and having more fun while doing it

Both boats are equally cool and will make you happy ( I would go for the 35)

I have motorcycles also if I put on 100 miles per year that would be a stretch (mostly from riding to and from the boats) if they wern't paid for then i would have sold them off lol

You will need a tow vehicle. Your current vehicle won't cut it. There's not that much difference in weight between the 2 boats. Speed with the same power will not be that different. Cockpit sizes are close (although the Cafe is a tad bigger), both cabins are VERY good and more comfortable when compared to the newer half cabins you see these days. Both have a full enclosed head. Both can take one hell of a pounding and give a good ride in rough seas. Tally the score between the two, about equal.

I would take either one. It would depend on the paint and the best deal to me. However, I don't think you can go wrong with either. Get a survey since it's an older boat.

Good luck!

Ya my bike is also paid in full and some is the Escalade. The only payment we carry is a small one on the girls new BMW but ahe takes care if that note.

I can never ditch the bike as it was my moms who passed away riding it and we are rebuilding it with a tribute/memory.

The Escalade I would have a tough time letting go of. I love that truck and having it paid off is nice. I guess if anything I can sell my 3rd vehicle which is a small older ranger and look for a beat up full size truck.

Looks like I have aome more searching to do. What the rought loaded weight of both boats?

I had no idea they were that equal. That makes it a bit tougher in a way lol.

Ya a survey will be 100%, will not cut cost there, like buying a home without inspection.

I have a a great friend who does wrap and will cut me a HUGE deal so paint can be ugly. I would like to see a clean or updated interior but I can cross that road when the day geta closer.

With standard power what's common speeds? High 60's?

I didn`t wanna sell my Supercharged F 150 either but it wasn`t going to cut it for a 33' boat when we upgraded so we suffer but I don`t miss it at all.

You`re going to have to upgrade trucks for either boat and if thats the case you might as well go 35'

That's going to be an issue. I really might have to look at an old beater 2500 diesel or something. I just got my truck about a year ago and it is the first "nice" vehicle I have owned. Also don't like the idea of Daily Driving a 2500 series as there is nothing in that group of truck I truely like or would enjoy driving around in all the time.

Only thing I think I would give my current truck up for is a new 4x4 F150 but don't think that will cut the cake either.

Choices :angry-smiley-038:

As much as you "could" tow either with your escalade, I wouldn't. The escalade only has a 4l60 trans that just isn't going to hold up. Unless you tow a very short flat distance. Have you seen the 2500hd Denali?

I do only tow a short distance....prob about 12/15 miles and I know those trans are not the great when under heavy load. I know however at times we will travel with the boat for runs in and around states near by.

I have not seen the 2500 Denali series just the standard with options so far. I like the f-250 but have drove them and they are just to big to me to drive everyday.

Back onto the boats......

Are these two pretty much two in the same as far as speed and ride go? I am by no means looking to be the fastest boat on the water....low - Mid 70's would be very ideal for me. Are speeds like that typical with out Blower motors? I would ideally like to be N/A to start with.....Had blower motors in some cars for years and while they are a BLAST they are also a headache.

Really want as close to a turn key every Sunday boat and am willing to give up quite a bit of speed to enjoy that idea.