Top Guns
 

Cig experts,

I am looking into purchasing a Top Gun. What are the variables at play for purchasing a straight bottom Gun? Do these boats have any wood in the hull? Most of the boats do not have the stock power that they came with. How do you assess the drives and engines? Paint also seems a big question that dates the boat positively or negatively, do prices reflect this?

The boat will mostly be used at my cottage on Lake Simcoe, Georgian Bay and possibly a few trips to South Florida during the winters.

I currently have a Mastercraft x45. The Cig will be a new edition. I am hoping to find a good and cheap Top Gun if possible. What I really mean is a reliable boat.....the season is too short for dealing with break downs.

Thanks for your comments.

http://www.powerboatlistings.com/view/30898

problem solved

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/c...onna-move.html
This is what you need right here. It doesn't get any more reliable than this and I think it's the best deal out there for the money. Good luck with your search.

There's definitely some things you'll want to consider before you make your purchase. Prices on straight bottom guns are all over the map. Some thing to consider:
Guns began to be built in 87, they pretty much all has speed master drives or TRS's. Bravos came out in late 80's and started showing up on guns in 89/90. The thing about TRS, is they haven't been made in a loooooong time and parts are eventually going to get scarce. Thing about bravo drives is guns are heavy and tend to eat them. Also the guns CG was set up to have transmissions and since bravos don't have them it messed with the CG a little. Not a huge deal but it is what it is.

The guns cabin changed from the typical two beeches, an enclosed head and a bed to (in my opinion) the best cabin layout in the history of performance boats in 1990. They also changed the bolsters from the low back style to the style with a "head rest" and the grab handles/life lines from the round stainless style to the flat low profile style in the early 90's. This was the setup from the early 90's to 2000 when they changed the bottom to stepped and changed the interior to "half cabin" cover girl layout (crappy cabin my .02).

Cigarette does use balsa coring so there is wood in the transom, stringers, etc. You can test the transom prior to buying with a moisture reader to see if it's wet or should I say how wet it'll be ;)

Some common motors used on flat bottom guns were the 420, 454, 502 hawk 525 and the merc 525s /600's to name a few. Most straight guns have had the motors replaced or rebuilt because a) they're up to 25 years old b)high hours or c) owners wanted more power so they were built up.

A lot of guns have been re-done with new interior gauges, paint, drives motors etc. Like the boat jbraun posted.

When buying you get a leak down and survey to confirm the condition of the boat/motors but there's always a chance there's unseen issues when buying a used boat. It just is what it is.

I'm a pretty firm believer in the theory you get what you pay for when it comes to buying used boats. With that said, There's a couple deals out there right now on decent boats. I actually think my old gun Jason re-did is a great deal for how he basically re did every nut and bolt. It's more money than some but again, you're getting what you pay for.

http://www.offshoreonly.com/classifi...o58142-en.html

Anyway, hopefully that helps a little.

Good & cheap don't really go together especially when it comes to a speed boat

If you want Cheap----Find another Hobby!!

88bullet, love the paint
Jbraun, looks cheap and reliable to me
Tank, thanks, the info is very helpful
LS & Q see Jbraun

sent you a private message

Blue dog where on Simcoe is your cottage , I am in Jackson's Point . I keep my Flat Deck at Bonnie Boats . Simcoe is a Great Lake for a Cig .
Rick G.

http://www.offshoreonly.com/classifi...o57683-en.html

Boat has good power, fairly low hours & closed cooling for your Florida boating. Boat is in great shape.

Rick, I am on the North Side of Kempenfelt Bay. My family has had a cottage there since 81. If I buy a Top Gun, I am going boating in one of our storms.

Thanks 36, is closed cooling required for salt water use?

88bullett, what are the details of th engines and drives in the boat you have?

Thanks for everyone's comments so far.

572/750 naturals. 7 hours on motors. speedmaster #3 drives. huber trans. 240 hours original on hull. its a pretty neat boat with some cool history. and its about as clean as they get.

Man, that boat could really use a paint do over

Text slang Im missing?

initials

bluedog111 check out Jmackins boat if your in the market for a Top gun. Boats worth a look, he takes care of his stuff.

Dont forget mine, Very clean low 185 hour hull with no moisture issues, fresh water boat with new Blue power that run flawless, 500 EFI's, setting on a very nice Continental trailer, 6 wheel disc, this Memorial day was the first time this boat floated in 11 years, been in storage all that time, gell coat is almost perfect. It doesn't get more reliable than Merc.Power, very reliable turn key TG.

http://www.powerboatlistings.com/view/29986

Buy his OL ^^^ so he can keep TG!

No, not required, but nice to have.

You HAVE to flush EVERY boat, closed cooling or not after run in salt water.

However, closed cooling boats do not have a thermostat in the sea water side of the motor. (Thermostat is in antifreeze side.) Which means you just have to run it long enough to flush the salt out of the unrestricted side of the system.

On a boat without closed cooling, you have to run it long enough to open the thermostat, so fresh water on the hose (remember, it's usually cold water) opens the thermostat and flushes the block out as well as the rest of the system.

swim platform looks great Tim

88Bullet and Jbraun are both really nice boats. There are a lot of nice 38 Cigs out there and that is a great way to go. Make sure to take a look at both of them.

Thanks Kevlar,

Some of the late model straight bottoms I see listed are asking prices that are very close or exceed the asking price of early TS Top Guns. Is there any reason to chose a straight bottom over a twin step?

no

Here is one in Canada already, so less hassle and price is much cheaper (20k cheaper) than the other ones mentioned. This guy would be negotiable too. Catch is that its only a 1/4 cabin, but than can be re-done easily.


$48k Canadian with blower motors and bravo drives....

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-powerboat-mot...ationFlag=true

Wow that thing looks sweet, haven't seen that one before.

Look other tread here was discussed 2 weeks ago because of eBay listing not being perfect but it is a nice boat!

Canadian boat is listed in the beware and stolen section, FYI. Haven't followed post my self.

I heard about the orange boat. Purchased a few weeks ago and now is being flipped is the rumor? Does it have title issues, who knows?

yeah its a bravo eating trs converted half cabin boat. very clean but its a glass boat not kevlar, small power, and it has a hop when running. not comparing apples to apples

Yes....you get one with Arneson ASD7M surface drives. The upgrade with props, labor and parts came between $80,000 and $90,000 So....you get the boat, trailer and engines for a good price.
http://www.offshoreonly.com/classifi...o58044-en.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMWy16-pvp0

That Arneson conversion cost you $80k-$90k (turn key)?!?!?! :eek:


If you guys want something 36'+ and reasonably fast that's not going to be a drive-eater... save yourselves a lot of $ and headache, buy it with good drives already on it!!! ;)

Yep. It cost that much if it's done right. Engines lowered and move forward, new motor mounts, sea strainer, water pickups, new hoses, dual power steering, filter and all the hoses and fittings you need to make it work, helm has to be redone for helm haudrolic steering. Props...$10,000

Just curious, how much speed did you pick up with the conversion?

I gained 8mph at WOT; nevertheless, I am under pitched and I had to pull back on the throttles. I am sure 12-15+ mph is very possible. Finding the perfect prop get expensive at $10,000 a pair. I think I'll keep my props for now.

To some maybe...the boat in person looks great & paint is in good shape. Lots & lots of compliments on the paint while at the docks. To each their own I guess.

Where exactly is the price point maybe that can help you and everyone else. Also are you set on a top gun or would something else in the size and price range work? Maybe open up a bit to other choices. Just a thought

is that a "apache" sales pitch??

Not at all but A/T is a good choice just as an I.E. Plus if his budget is 65k and people are throwing 100k boats at him it does no good.

To the guys that say their looking for a Gun, take advantage of the late summer pricing, because come spring time they won't be priced were they are now, still time to have your new boat for labor day

I have just started looking and am in no rush to purchase. If I wait a year or two, I'll be looking at a twin step with sport masters and paint I like.

My price point, we'll I would like to be as low as possible. My enquires are due to the list prices being all over the place. Just starting to get a feel for it.

I am open to all boats but I have loved Cigs and Top Guns since the eighties. It's difficult to let it go. Formula 382 & 353 are also on my short. I also prefer the sound of na engines compared to blower motors. A 38 ts merc 525 boat is where I will like to end up. Fast and relatively cheap to maintain I hope.

Thanks for everyone's responses.