For those of you that have switched from an Offshore to...
 

Just wondering, how many of ya'll have switched from an Offshore style stern drive boat to a Offshore center console style boat with outboards?

What are your comments, likes, dislikes?

How do you like the outboards vs stern drives?

It seems like some of the Offshore style center consoles (like Marlago, Intrepid, Donzi etc..) offer alot more deck space for friends and family yet still offer a decent forward cabin (in some of the models) to get out of the sun or rain (or whatever). I'm sure it would be hard to get these Centers to run with some of the stern drives speed wise (unless you can afford triples or quads! :cool: ).

Thanks

Re: For those of you that have switched from an Offshore to...
 

Ive had the thought go through my head before.

Re: For those of you that have switched from an Offshore to...
 

I have a friend that is going thru this right now. He is selling his 100mph 388 Hustler in favor of a 36 Concept with outboards. He lives on the gulf and depending on the tide, water depth in the channel out to the deep water can be two feet. He has plenty of water in the canal behind his house; its getting out to the gulf that is the problem area; and not well suited for 3' draft or better sterndrives. I can't blame him. I like the go-fast center console arrangement too, and if I had a place on the water where the boat was lift kept over saltwater; I would have to have a platform lift so I could safely and easily wash the boat. With a center console and floor drains; and all gelcoat, a mild pressure washer would do the task of the salt water ridance aside from flushing the motors.

Re: For those of you that have switched from an Offshore to...
 

If someone built a 32-34' center console with a small cuddy up front, 3 formed seats at the stern with handles, 2 formed seats in front of the center console, and 2 bolsters behind the wheel that topped out in the mid 80's I would buy it. sterndrive or OB.

Re: For those of you that have switched from an Offshore to...
 

Concept and Midnight Express could both handle that task; albeit might need to be a 36-38 footer.

Re: For those of you that have switched from an Offshore to...
 

If you've been around here for a while (and I think YOU have), you've seen an increasing interest in center console boats; all the way from the little, less expensive, mass-production stuff with one or two O/B's to large, custom built Midnights with quad Verados.

The reasons you mention are frequent; space, usability, reliability, party-friendliness, etc, as well as the rapidly decreasing public image of so-called Offshore boats. (So-called because so many of them never see salt water, and the way many of their drivers perform so punkishly when they finally live out their little dream and actually get to an offshore rally or poker run.)

There is very definitely a maturing process occurring, with some, as always, being ahead of the masses. And that process leads one to understand that boating is about being on the water with good friends just for the sake of being on the water. Ego, top speed, and the flashiest colors have nothing to do with being a seaman, and once one "gets it", offshore boats with limited space, limited usability, very limited reliability (what small percentage of the members here would jump in their boat on a moment's notice and take their family 100 miles offshore?), fall way down on the list of boating options.

The fact that so many folks on here continually display attitudes of selfishness (such as "who do those other boaters on "our lake", or "our ocean" for that matter, think they are to get in the way of "our" poker run?), phoney exclusivity (such as "if you're not part of "our OSO family" how dare you comment on the sheer stupidity of running 120+mph boats on a crowded inland lake on a holiday weekend?), and downright arrogance (such as "we pride ourselves on how loud and disturbing our boats are, how much we drink, and how little we give a **** about what the rest of you think") is leading many former owners of big league offshores to step away from the crowd.

You're correct; there are a lot of boating options, and the vast majority of them don't include being despised by the rest of the water-borne community.

As someone on here recently observed, the .01% of boaters who are offshore folks need to clean up their act before the 99.99% of the rest of the boaters do it for them.

Now, friends, let's see your intellects....and try real hard to spell correctly.

Re: For those of you that have switched from an Offshore to...
 

Since I have been in SW Florida, I have seen some really sweet Center Consoles! Doubles, triples and Quads! I never really saw too many of these in N. Va/DC area. But, like Sydwayz said, for year 'round boating and ease of maintenence, it sort of seems like a no brainer even if you are not really a fisherman (but you have the option of going out and catching a shark or two! :rolleyes: )!

The really weird thing is...my wife has always liked the Center Console style boat, of course, I never did...until now... :rolleyes:

Re: For those of you that have switched from an Offshore to...
 

Are any of the larger CC's self bailing? I know I have looked at many of these boats but cannot remember seeing a self bailing one. Two many bong hits in high school. :drink: :drink:

Re: For those of you that have switched from an Offshore to...
 

You're right. I guess I should have added in my other caveat though. No more than two engines.

Re: For those of you that have switched from an Offshore to...
 

Well,
The way we approached it was, to keep the Nordic 35 and get one of these for creek/river exploring/tubing/watersking, and water taxi! :drink:
It's not a CC, but it fits our needs alot better. Plus, we still have the Nordic for offshore running. Kinda the best of both worlds, as much as we could afford it! :cool:
Dean

Re: For those of you that have switched from an Offshore to...
 

im thinking about buying a 31 decathalon cig with eggbeater so stecz can keep up with me :D actually im thinking of taking a 31 to costa rica and leaving the mich boat here.

Re: For those of you that have switched from an Offshore to...
 

Dean,
That was my other option...just keep the Formula and buy a 17-20' CC for skiing, tubing and occassional fishing. But, then, I still have the space issue on the Formula, especially when my wife likes to invite another family with their kids for an outing to Cayo Costa or Marco! It just seems like a 55-60 MPH Center Console with lots of cockpit space could be the answer. Although, the Formula's just look way better! :drink:

Re: For those of you that have switched from an Offshore to...
 

Here's the planet's meanest CC! :D I would definitely give up the Nordic for this. :D :drink:
Dean

Re: For those of you that have switched from an Offshore to...
 

It just ain't the same. I have had the same 18 cc I bought new in 1988, I watched them build it. Granted, it's not a 30+something footer, but it's just so versatile, I'll never sell it. I thought I was going to a few months ago, and had some offers, but it's the only boat that I KNOW will start up and run every single time. In 18 years, I've never been towed in with it. I repowered in 2001, not because there was anything wrong with the original engine, it was because I was a dumbass, and ordered it with a 120, thinking about economy. What a mistake. It had to work twice as hard to get on a plane. I had a buddy with a very similar boat with a 150, he was faster, and got better econonmy. I learned then to get the biggest motor it's rated for. I've been 45 miles out in the gulf fishing, one battery, no radio and didn't worry. I've also pulled skiers, kneeboards, and fished the flats with it. Also, when going somewhere to swim or whatever, it's a whole lot easier to get in and out of, plus just hose it out.

That being said, I still enjoy riding in a real offshore type boat better.

Re: For those of you that have switched from an Offshore to...
 

Concepts Boats are coming to a dealer in Chicago for the first time.
I am sure this particular dealer will make the announcement very soon.
Get Ready for a Midwest Invasion of Concept Boats Performance Center Consoles.

Re: For those of you that have switched from an Offshore to...
 

38zf donzi is the way to go.. trip 250s and gene/air/tv/dvd and a range that can get to most of the island that we and the family want to go to

Re: For those of you that have switched from an Offshore to...
 

I just started to look at what Donzi and Fountain have to offer. They seem to be priced alot more realistic than some of the others mentioned earlier!

Re: For those of you that have switched from an Offshore to...
 

Have you gone through a Concept yet? If not , you need to.

Re: For those of you that have switched from an Offshore to...
 

I might have been the 1st on OSO to switch to a CC from a go fast. I 1st bought a 33/36 Concept in October of 2003 and then switched over to a 38TE Fountain with triple 275 Verado's in September on 2006.
The Fountain is self bailing and the Concept is not. The Concept ate a lot of batteries and a few bildge pumps pumping out rain and the water from the on board shower. In a CC I would NOT get a boat that is NOT self bailing. However I think Concept will build a self bailing boat...not sure though. Some CC can be a wet ride however my 38 TE Fountain is super dry. There are a lot of sporty CC builder out there right now so be careful of what you buy as they all look really good but have hiden faults...in other words do your homework!
The cons of a performance CC is much much much and I can;t say much enough less maintanance with the over all boat and the engines. Also shallow water is no problem even in my 38TE Fountain I can get through 2 feet of water at idle no problem. Also my gas mileage with the new modern outboards is better too. I have a 425 gallon gas tank and can cruise at 50mph for many many miles.
Just ask some of those on the last OPBA Sarasota Poker Run how well the 38TE Fountain ran when the water kicked up in the bay! :D

Re: For those of you that have switched from an Offshore to...
 

:evilb: :D :evilb: :D

http://www.offshoreonly.com/esvon/page-10826.html

Re: For those of you that have switched from an Offshore to...
 

warbird - I agree with a lot of what you said. But not everything.

But, a CC just isn't for me - or maybe some other's.
I understand your points about having to be the fastest, and have the wildest paint job, and party harder than anyone...
I also understand what you're saying about the usability and entertaining space on a CC. As well as seamanship vs. buying a big fast boat.
The way I like to boat, I want only me and my wife, and maybe another couple with us. I also like to overnight occaisionaly (just me and the wife). And there is something about the "lines" on an Offshore that you just can't match in a CC.
As far as paint goes, I like it old school plain - maybe a small accent stripe, or a little checker.

And I'll revamp the time argued subject here - The Great Lakes aren't salt water, but they ARE offshore! But only for 6-8 month's a year, and not all the corosion and hassles of Saltwater.

I sure hope I passed the spelling test

:D

Re: For those of you that have switched from an Offshore to...
 

I have both also, 38 Top Gun formerly the Zero Cavity, with 850's and a 26' Island Runner center console with twin 200's and a stand up console with a head in it for the wife and kids, runs 65- 70. Love my Top Gun, but sure is nice to get on the Island Runner and run to the beach for $50 bucks,and hose it off on the lift. Several of my friends also have smaller center console's. We run the our loud fast boats one week them our center consoles the other weeks, the wife loves the ride of the Gun but looks the other way at the fuel bill, I like both for what they have to offer.Key West in 1.5 hrs, in the Gun,in 2-3' pretty fun. Go fishing in the Island Runner of shore no bad either. To the beach in both. I like both! And a plain rapper on both, but I like to go fast where i can in both,and if my boat is loud sorry but I like it, get ahead of me, you won't hear it, if you can.To each their own! Just be Safe!

Re: For those of you that have switched from an Offshore to...
 

Thanks, and I really mean it! Not much makes me laugh mirthfully any more, and you did. Points taken, well. :D


and thank goodness for spel-check,

and, after review of the tape, I recant. There's some water in there that'd be a challenge for anybody!

Re: For those of you that have switched from an Offshore to...
 

That particular Cigarette is spectacular. Glad to see it is in a well cherished home.

Re: For those of you that have switched from an Offshore to...
 

I often wondered where that boat ended up. Nice to see it's doing well!

Re: For those of you that have switched from an Offshore to...
 

I just did the switch this year from a go fast to a CC. I am also currently building another go fast, and am thinking of unloading it to buy another CC. Yes 2 CCs, if that gives you any idea how much I enjoy my CC. If you forgot how cool boating really is cause of go fast maintanece and costs, get a CC and it comes back real quick. Out of the 9 boats I've owned, by far the best.

Re: For those of you that have switched from an Offshore to...
 

To CC or not to CC? That is the question. I have been on that kick for a couple of years now. I try to sell the idea to the wife and she questions "that thing in the middle", the helm. She likes a sitdown style boat with room. We presently do not have "the room" she desires. You don't get that in a 27' Activator. But she doesn't want to give up the ride quality.
I've seen variations of the CC that is called the Split Console.
Rabco made a 30' that had a terrific layout. Similar to a Cigarette 28 Fisherman or an Apache 33 that just traded hands recently. Our boats of choice are in the 24'-26' range with a large single outboard. Well, there goes the performance factor, but here comes versatility and ease of maintenance, with cockpit room. It's a toss up.
We are not a two boat family but that would be the answer.
Other than Concept, who else makes a nice 24-26' Sport CC with a single 300 HP OB? Superboat needs to reintroduce thier now defunct CC 24' with the sitdown setup of the 21' Milllenium.

Re: For those of you that have switched from an Offshore to...
 

Glencove at LOTO has a Sunseeker that is very similar to what you ask for. They added a seat at the stern on a special order basis. I believe it has 3, 300hp outboards on it.

Re: For those of you that have switched from an Offshore to...
 

My buddy Johno has been real happy with the Renegade he bought.

Re: For those of you that have switched from an Offshore to...
 

Does anyone know if the Marlargo is self bailing? If your looking for the ideal CC, take a look at Warbirds,that has got to be one of the best with the double set of McLeod bolsters and the full hard top. It looked great in Powerboat.

Re: For those of you that have switched from an Offshore to...
 

Puts the FUN back in boating , as was stated earlier ... I love my Concept !

Saber will be offering their line in CC versions ..... The first one , a 41 triple should hit Lake Erie next year .... Stay tuned !

Re: For those of you that have switched from an Offshore to...
 

Virtually every newer CC design will be self bailing, as the manufactures are finding easier to get the more sophisticated tooling to mold proper inner-liners, deck hatches and drip rails. It also makes for easier and faster construction when it's done right.
The performance levels of CC style boats are improving every model year. It's absolutely realistic to expect your 35'-38' modern outboard CC to have equal or even better cruising speeds compared to alot of boats that we see in poker runs.

Re: For those of you that have switched from an Offshore to...
 

Call Mike at www.adrenalinepowerboats.com .....he builds a super strong 38 with triples and an awesome 31 with twins. Been on the 38 many times and has all of the amenities that any offshoresman would need. :drink:

Re: For those of you that have switched from an Offshore to...
 

What did "FeverMike" mean by this? I think he meant to say that the maintenence is much less on a outboard powered CC.

Do the Concepts have a forward cuddy?

Re: For those of you that have switched from an Offshore to...
 

That's because you're a crazy man! :D :D :D :drink: :drink:

Re: For those of you that have switched from an Offshore to...
 

The larger ones do. The 23' & 27' do not.

Re: For those of you that have switched from an Offshore to...
 

Check out the Spectre 24, it's got a great layout and runs really good from what I here.

Re: For those of you that have switched from an Offshore to...
 

I don't see a 38 open on the website. Is it a boat that he has not built yet?

Re: For those of you that have switched from an Offshore to...
 

I like that word..."offshoresman"... :cool: :drink:

Re: For those of you that have switched from an Offshore to...
 

This thread got me poking through the classifieds to see whats out there. I bet an unrigged 33 powerplay sportfish would make an awesome boat. put a pair of 300x's or 300hp yamaha hpdi's, and have an offshore shop build some secure passenger seating into it. I wonder what it would run with 300's?