I was looking at a larger cat from another manufacturer a while back, and I got the insurance speech. "We can't insure you without cat experience. We like to see people start out with a smaller cat, like a 24' or 25' Eliminator."

Problem is, I'm not sure what I would do with it. I don't live near any lakes with speed limits over 35 mph. I do live near the Pacific in So. Cal. Anyone taken theirs out on smooth days, or am I going to end up with something being salvaged from the bottom of the ocean?

Also how are the the 25 Daytona's for stress cracks? They seem to be common with some cats, but not sure about this one.

Anything else to watch out for?

Thanks,

Michael

All boats have to be driven to the available conditions be it a 25 cat or a 150 foot patrol boat.I too boat in the pacific ocean and have a 27 Daytona.I race the thing - 85 mile long course,being 7 laps.Still a pleasure boat though,actually a bow rider.Check out www.aopc.com.au. Look in Media photos.As for cracks.I've had a few issues.The last race cracked the small section of bulkhead in front of the motor where the engine hatch ram is secured.Few stress cracks in the floor between the canopies in the walk thru section.Boat is a 06 with 40 hours.

I have personally been told they'd insure a CAT if I did the Tres school. (It was a 42 I was inquiring about at the time) No previous CAT experience.

You have to be careful. There have actually been policies written, and then rescinded after it went to the underwriter. Also, without cat experience, they will really gouge you on the rates. Length, horsepower, and calculated top speed (by the insurance company) are often deal breakers, as in my case. I also found out that to get the discounts, or even insurance at all, you have to attend the Tres Martin school and get certified "in a cat", which not every class does.

After jumping through all these hoops, it was either a small cat or nothing.

Michael

Didn't say it was cheap!

I'm surprised they approved it, because the one I was looking at was 10 feet shorter, and they were having a fit.



Michael

I believe it was through Elton Porter (David Barbee)

I had my 25 insured with State Farm, (quite reasonably i might say), and just traded on a new Formula, no issues with stress cracks at all, but it was run only on inland lakes. The ocean could be a whole different story.

State farm insures my 30 very resonable and same for a friends 25. I had a 25 for 3 yrs, ran it once at LOTO- more like pounded it and ran Grand quite a few times- never a crack, solid hull.