I've been going through this debate as well. Most of my boating now will be on a couple local small lakes or Tahoe. I think a 25' cat with a pair of wackers or a single I/O would be a blast for that application. The problem is, those boats cost as much if not more than a big Cig or other deep vee's. Having so much experience with big off shore boats, it is hard to justify that kind of money on a much smaller boat.

I get what you’re saying Al. But I think you’re thinking of a few years ago regarding pricing. Super difficult to find a turn key needs nothing straight bottom cig for under 75k. Guarantee most straight bottoms out there under say 60k are gonna need SOMETHING sooner than later - Interior, motor(s), paint touch up, trailer gone through, drives gone through. Something if not everything. You buy a 45k cig and next thing you know your into it for an additional 40k. Ask me how I know.
I mean straight bottom cigs of the 90’s are 20-30 years old now. And even if someone just put new motors in, drives, paint, trailer, floor, stereo, etc and you pay near 100k for it in this crazy market the upkeep, storage, cost of use, truck to pull etc etc is way more.

you can get a turn key smaller cat for under 100 that will be good to go. It’s the oldest problem in the book - less money up front but more into it. Or more money up front and less into it.

and don’t even get me started on TS guns. Stuff is basically 1/3 up in price over 5 or so years ago. You know both Kevin and Tim sold their guns for way less than they were on the market for recently and had less hours, better parts and were in better shape. It’s just crazy.

but then again, nothing like owning a cigarette. Heritage, styling, sound of big blocks, ride...epic. And then there’s always, “Is that one of them cigarette boats?” Why yes, yes it is.

Or is that one of those cigar boats...

I actually get these top three questions almost every time I’m out.

1) what type of boat?

it’s a cigarette

yeah but who builds it

cigarette

isnt That just the style of boat?

no, it’s the make.

Ohhhhhhhhh.

(Followed by this one -)

2) how fast is it.

Never fast enough.

3) how much did it cost?


too much until you’re out there using it, then it’s all worth it

Or How much fuel does it use?? I bet that needs atLeast a Hundie !! I just say Exactly lol

LOL. Yes!

just saw a guy post this up on RDP that it’s for sale. 2018 Howard deck with 600SCI. Things nice.

I dont see it in the classified's.

It’s not. Dude just said he’d sell it though. Made me think of this thread. They’re hard to come by.

Very. Gene said he already has 21 deposits on this boat. I wonder what he’s asking