Quality of Boat Brands
 

I'm looking for an entry level sport boat to trade up to from a 27' center console. Still looking to stay single screw, so I figure 30' is the max size. I'm not familiar with the quality of each boat manufacturers. After shopping around I foind the largest single screw boats were the 29 Fountain Fever, the 27 Baja Outlaw, the 28 Donzi ZX, and the 27 Formula Fastech.

Out of these boats which would be overall the best in build quality? Performance wise, the fountain seems to be the fastest. Pricewise, the baja seems to be the cheapest.


Thanks

The Fountain has what many commonly refer to as a 'beak'. This means that 29' is probably closer to 27-28'.

One thing to note is that each manufacturer has its strengths and weaknesses. It would help us assist you better if you outlined where you boat and what your goals are (top speed, cabin/cockpit space, ability to handle rough water, etc).

If you are after sheer speed, quality and unprecedented customer service, I would take a 28 Sunsation over any of these boats any day of the week. Another boat you should look at in a similar price range is the 28' Nordic Heat.

I'd have to say though, the 27 ZR is the best bang for the buck, and is an awesome 27ft boat.

do you die your hair, wear lots of gold and black leather?????:D

1- 27 Formula FasTech Best overall 2-27 Fountain Fever Fastest 3-Baja 28 Outlaw- A good, solid boat 4-28 Donzi can't offer an opinion, never saw one. Look at them all.....each one will have it's strong points.Take a test ride, check fit and finish...........................Then buy the Formula:evilb: Eric

Also to add a note....Check out the 28 Active Thunder. www.activethunderboats.com It will be a little larger than all the boats mentioned above, as well as have the most freeboard. Good luck. Jeff

Well if your just looking for the biggest single screw boat you can buy I would have to mention 28 pantera. Its more like a 30ft boat and as far as rough water capability the consensus on this site is that the pantera is by far the best.

Per company website. 28 active thunder is only 27' 10".

Really need to look at previous threads on this subject, it has been gone over extensively. In fact, just about any question you could possibly have about a performance boat has been answered on this site.

Here is some more info, both the A.T. and Pantera great boats
check them both out....
http://www.panteraboats.com/28specs_sgl07.html
SPECIFICATIONS - PANTERA
Deadrise 24*
Centerline Length 28'
Beam Maximum 8'
Net Weight, Approximate 5,200 lbs.
Draft to Keel, Static 22 inches
Fuel Capacity 140 gallons

http://www.activethunderboats.com/28savage.htm
click bottom of page where boat is and it will take through 5 or 6 pages of pics and info. Good Luck Jeff

I would also recommend taking a look at the Adrenaline V30, we have a single actually at the LA show that has been getting huge response. Check out our website www.uniqueperformancewest.com and our boat measures a true 30ft its actually a bit longer.

Thanks John
Unique Performance West, Inc.

I think we build one of the best 26 and 28 ft boats out there. A proven perfomer on the race course also gives you a better boat!

Another to consider would be a 28 Checkmate. It is another true 28' boat. Like the Active Thunder and Pantera. A lot of them a 26.5-27' with a swim platform.
Pantera makes a great boat. I was about to buy one a few years ago untill I stood in one. I am 6'6" and I felt like the side barely came to my waist. The AT has much more freeboard.
Also Superboat makes a single engine 30'. I've heard a lot of good things about them. I have also seen a couple of 32' Sunsations with a single engine. Another of course is Joker.
Test drive as many of them as you can. Have fun.

liboater ,

I looked at all the boats you listed , 29 fountain is quick but a small 29 ,Baja seems to be a good bang for the buck as is the Donzi . Without a doubt the Formula has the best fit and finish out of these listed . I bought a new 28 Pantera and have been real happy with the boat , alway's looking for rough water to play in . Where do you boat ? that will tell you what boat will suit you the best . Have fun shopping .

The 28' Active Thunder rides impeccably well. 'boatfreak28' has a nice 2001 28AT and recently completed a 250 mile round trip from north of Ft. Lauderdale to Islamorada & back with 8 other 33-50ft. boats and he did not miss a LICK of action. As a matter of fact, he was leading us for a while. When the ocean kicked up to 8 footers for the last few miles, he ducked to the Intercoastal, but the boat was doing fine in the ocean.

www.activethunderboats.com

There is a helluva good deal on the Boat Show Special Active Thunder 28 Savage right now. LIFETIME Hull warranty to the first owner, and Mercury/Brunswick Extended Powertrain warranty can be built into the purchase price/financing.
Shoot me an email, and I can share details.
btcomm500(a)aol.com

AT is 100% custom from start to finish; literally start with a blank sheet of paper. Standard options include carbon Livorsi billet controls and gauges, pop up cleats, and other nice amenities. If you want the seat 2" wider or farther back-done. Taller windscreen-done. Pat, the founder of AT owns INXS Motorsports and custom paints a LOT boats from mild to 'cubic dollars' in Florida and beyond.

Everyone says their boats are top quality and fit and finish is unmatched... blah blah blah. Don't tell me---show me.
I invite you to the AT factory in Pompano Beach, for a personal tour. Rigging is impeccable, and the factory stands behind their hull quality for a LIFETIME (for the original owner).

If you want freeboard and a cabin along with performance and handleing and lets not forget the best look. Active Thunder 28 is the way to go. But check'em all out , Thats what I did and ended up back at the Thunder

At $275,000 they ought to be the best 30ft boats in the world.

Pantera also offers a lifetime warranty on the hull to the 1st buyer, and I'm sure they can make them as custom as you want. I've also heard that they will drop the floor to add more freeboard.

As far as the looks of an 28 AT. I guess you have to own one to appreciate the looks.... cause I don't.

Gee, I wonder what TexomaPowerboater owns or sells :rolleyes:

It is quite obvious you havent looked at a Adrenaline Power Boat. 275k is retail and it is one hell of a boat, if that is what you are looking for. Maybe not in your price range??? Just cause you personally dont care for the looks of the A.T. doesnt mean it's not a good boat, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, different strokes for different folks. I'm sure I could dig some dirt about pantera over the last few years, but that's not my style. Jeff

True, different boats for different folks.

I'll admit maybe I was a little out of line, but everytime I turn around someone, usually a AT owner, is trying crame a sales pitch down someones throat. Its like they had a bad day at the boat show or something.

If you could read, you wouldn't have to wonder what kind of boat I drive -its posted right under my name, just like every one else. So go ahead and poke fun of my weenie little boat. Maybe you can add to your "style"

You don't have to own or sell fancy boats just to have an opinion on this site. I like Active Thunders, they have got to be a great boat to offer a lifetime warranty. I just wouldn't buy one given the oppurtunity and thats my 2 cents.

I love my Fountain 27'. It is a mid 70's boat with a hp500. My main use is on lakes and rivers. Its been to Michigan for some fun and handled great. I rarley stay over night and the cabin is perfect for what I use it for. I am looking to move up only for speed and stability. There are many out there to choose from so I would do as much research and throttle time as you can. The Quality of the build is in all of the mentioned boats. I find the build quality of my Fountain to be good (I am not here to sell them) The main point is buy what you like and bring the wife and kids along for the decision.

Well 275k is for the boat with the ilmors in it a base boat with 496mpi's would run 165k and with a single 525 closer to 168k but we completely redid the interior and if you saw any pics of the boat at the show it came out really well. Anyways just an option, wonderful boat with great handling and style.

John

[QUOTE=TexomaPowerboater;2023777]True, different boats for different folks.

I'll admit maybe I was a little out of line, but everytime I turn around someone, usually a AT owner, is trying crame a sales pitch down someones throat. Its like they had a bad day at the boat show or something.

...I could see by the prev. posts there was some atomosity, and I will agree with you that sometimes a few of the AT guys get over zelous, its all about the passion for this sport.

If you could read, you wouldn't have to wonder what kind of boat I drive -its posted right under my name, just like every one else. So go ahead and poke fun of my weenie little boat. Maybe you can add to your "style"

...I can read, I thought perhaps with having an older boat, you were presently having a Pantera built or were buying or selling one. As to poke fun of your weenie little boat, I could care less, my point is if you can get on the water and have fun, who cares what you drive, THATS MY STYLE.

You don't have to own or sell fancy boats just to have an opinion on this site. I like Active Thunders, they have got to be a great boat to offer a lifetime warranty. I just wouldn't buy one given the oppurtunity and thats my 2 cents

...everyone has opinion. So what. Every boat that has been mentioned on this page are great boats, some just are better than others for different styles of boating. We are just trying to educate the org. poster on some info that he requested. Facts are facts. Your posts started out like you had an agenda, good luck with your boat. Jeff

Bottom line is money. If you don't tell us what you're willing to spend our opinions don't matter.

I guess I'll make my plug as well. If you may be looking for something different, and a little expensive, then the TUFF 28 is an option. It is mostly about being extremely fast, if it's not important it's not there. It has no cabin, IF YOU NEED YOUR WIFES PERMISSION this boat is not for you. It's all about ego.
Just another option.

I was not trying to cram anything down anyones throat or trying to sell. Just pointing out that I did alot of looking and reading and testing and I found the only boat that fit my needs in the A.T. What I said was it had the freeboard and cabin that no others in that size range had along with the rough water capibilaties that I wanted. I also feel they have the best looking deck mold out there in any size range but that is just me. Sorry if I offened you but I was just trying to answer the question asked. They are all good and I love looking at them all its all for the sport to each his own.

we'll you've got lots of opinions now.
where do you boat? how will you use it?

Looks like you only know the big brand names that advertise alot. There are many smaller more customized builders out there that could build what you want.
IMO, get your azz on a plane to miami for this weeks show.

I apologize for those offended. AT does make a great boat.

Jassman, by your previous post. I see that you do have style, I like it and I'm sorry. I should be a little more respectful of those that have been here as long as you have. Yes, boat is for sale here on OSO, and am looking to move up.

Love these kind of threads, best way to find a boat to fit your needs.

The Best :D :evilb:

If you're considering a Donzi or a Formula, I'd look at Sunsation too. Their 288 is a big boat, styling cues somewhere between the two, but a build and customer service quality all its own!

http://sunsationboats.com/mod288.htm