Yep.

Im sorry to hear you were dissapointed in your Kachinas. Why the dissapointment? I have owned several and now have a deposit on the all new 39' Patron. I have always had great luck with my boats and got just about all of my money back when I sold them. I think some of the designs people pick may make it hard to sell but if you design your boat to be appealing to most then you have no problem. I would stronly suggest looking at their 30' Drone because it was the best riding boat I had ever been in period.

Laveycraft.
Unbeleivable quality product.
Fantastic, experienced people.

Its your money and for what you spend shouldn't you check them out?

Anyone who says West Coast boats cant take big water hasnt done their homework- go back and get some schoolin on your various offshore records and tested boat awards from the various boat performance mags, and you'll find Laveycraft a consistent performer.

I bought a Laveycraft 2750 with an Ilmor 710 in it.

Spent all Saturday Morning (and the last 15 years) figuring with Jeff out the build.

It was between the ilmor 700, the Merc 600SCI, and the teague 800, or a custom 632CI BBC- all great motors.

Still sorting out some parts details and the nav package, but they start work on her on Monday.

Picts will start soon...

Uncle Dave

Laveycraft 2750 - in 2 months!
Laveycraft 20.8 Sebring 406/ITS
Fleetwood nitrous toy hauler
Yamaha raptor 700/Kawi KFX 450
Nissan Titan

I had a big reply typed out but lost it. I've got an 06 29' Shockwave open bow and think it is a great ocean boat. I've run in 5-7' seas with a 3' wind chop along with 2 other 29 Shockwaves and about 9 Laveys between 2750-29'. Small craft advisory also. We all had no problems in those conditions although we had to run slower and got a pretty wet from the spray. Never took waves over the front.

We ran in the ocean yesterday and it was smooth "sailing"

The Laveys are known as "drivers" boats according to 3 owners I've spoken to and the word on the street. I think they are more at home in the ocean than the smooth waters of our lakes. Build quality and the owners of Lavey are great.

My boat in the winter runs 70 (gps) with a HP525EFI and a 24p prop and in the 110* Havasu heat loaded with people,gear and gas runs about 65.(not gps) It is a step bottom 24* deadrise hull with no pad bottom so it lands softly when it airs out.

The 28 Howard Bullet my buddy has is fast, no doubt, but he said it is more of a lake boat with it's low freeboard,pad bottom and shallow deadrise.
Eliminator also had pad bottoms and I think shallow deadrise until you get to 30'

Good luck in your search, any reason for choosing the West coast boats? I know the East coast boats are made for rougher waters than we get.

Kachina's are a joke...
Honestly,every hull in the Kachina line up is a splash of someone else's design....they have no clue as to how to build a boat from scratch..
A while back I was in Phoenix for a World of Outlaws sprint show,we had some time to kill and stopped by the kachina factory.I still remember asking Louie Majors(Owner) about his new step bottom v's(SleekCraft splash),True story...he tells me they stuck a 2x4 in the mold in order to create a stepped bottom,No R&D,nothing...just glassed a 2x4 in the mold,in order to have a step bottom in the line up.
They are a VALUE builder,of course it's a a lot easier to charge less when you don't incur tooling costs.
I believe the new Patron is a splash of an early model Cigarette...

Not a big fan of trashing but Mychal is right. I Rode/drove in a model called the La-bala (or a name very close) and it porpoised more than flipper. It couldnt be trimmed out in any way not too. Not really impressed.

Stabip - happens to me too I hate it when I lose a write up.

Maybe you know, but Im not sure if shockwave vacum bags their hulls or know how much wood is in them. Do they make a fully interlined boat?

Uncle Dave

Laveycraft 2750 - in 2 months!
Laveycraft 20.8 Sebring 406/ITS
Fleetwood nitrous toy hauler
Yamaha raptor 700/Kawi KFX 450
Nissan Titan

After reading some of these posts lately, it seems like there is going to be alot of fiberglass floating up on the beaches in the future. Yep, thats what I want to do, take my boat and family out in harms way in small craft advisory warnings and boast about it! Mabey some safe boating classes should be in store. They should make them mandatory with the purchase of a boat!

:cool-smiley-027:

You have lots of decent boats to choose from that are built out West. I had a 29 Shockwave that I ran in the ocean for 2 years with no problems. When I sold the boat it was like new, no stress cracks, no loose rigging, no rattles, etc. It's a big 29, which will help you out in the rough water compared to some of the smaller 28-30' boats. I currently have a 34' Shockwave that works well for me.

If you live on the West coast, stop by some of the various builders and look at their shops. Also, take a look at what you see running out on the ocean near you. As far as West coast boats, I would typically see Lavey's, Shockwaves, and Eliminators when I was out. IMO, Lavey has the best factory support for offshore boating - They have an annual fun run to Catalina and get a pretty good turnout.

What about the Baja 29 or 30? I know its not a west coast boat but it seems to be priced well. How does it handle offshore conditions?

Baja builds a pretty good quality boat and their deep V runs great in offshore conditions.

:cool-smiley-027:

30ft eliminator eagle XP? ive been to catalina island 3 times in it and never broke anything, averaged 60-70 on the way there in the morning different story on the way back later in the evening but didnt have problems.

I like the Eliminator 30 eagle without canopies, but I don't see many of them.

Th Eagle is a nice boat, and a great hull designed from Ron Ehde (at least it used to be)

but when I looked at them in the shop at least a couple of years ago- there were 2 things I didnt like.

The "30" ft measuremt includes the swim step. so it wasnt really a 30 footer-

It wasnt vacumm bagged and there was a significant amount of wood in it.

Eliminator popped the halfs out and sat them on the ground then re-aligned them out of the mold- theory being they needed to get the mold in use again right away- and the wobbly goblin alignment resulted in cracking at the alignment point. Which was covere dup by the rail.



Maybe its changed now but that wa smy observation.

Uncle Dave

Laveycraft 2750 - in 2 months!
Laveycraft 20.8 Sebring 406/ITS
Fleetwood nitrous toy hauler
Yamaha raptor 700/Kawi KFX 450
Nissan Titan

I ran that Howard 122 last year and 130 this year with quite a bit of power going through it. Its a VERY stable boat, but it really is in my opinion a lake boat that can occasionally be taken in the ocean. Power for Power, there are other vees that do go faster with the same power, (under 900hp)until you get to a certain point, then the power becomes unmanageable in most vees.

Speed isnt everything, If I had to choose a boat for strictly the ocean 28-30' long, on the West Coast I would choose a 29 Lavey and on the East I would choose a 30' Activator. I have a customer in Germany that dropped on of my 848's in his 2006 30' Activator and he is running over 107 mph everywhere he goes and that boat will handle any water he has found in the ocean. Lots of choices and lots of opinions, good luck:)

Gary

Well you live near Louie, ask him about the attachment.
I sued them and won.

30 Shadow= 30' Sleek hull
34 Drone = 35 Fountain Hull
39 Patron= 38 Cigarette Hull

That cuz you drive like a girl Greg ya big poodle!:evilb::evilb::evilb:

Pick Vs. Build
 

A pretty good quality boat is a true statement.

But complete customization is one of the reasons to go West coast as is a personal relationship with the people that build it.

As far as I know (tell me if I have it wrong) you don't have Baja build "yours"- you pick one and go from there.

Its a factory thing vs a custom shop thing. (although it is a good factory from what Ive seen)


Uncle Dave

Laveycraft 2750 - in 2 months!
Laveycraft 20.8 Sebring 406/ITS
Fleetwood nitrous toy hauler
Yamaha raptor 700/Kawi KFX 450
Nissan Titan

What a complaint list.....
 

YEESH! what a nightmare! How many counts did you win on?

I cant imagine dealing with all that after plunking down my hard earned money.

Not a fan to begin with but I cant believe anyone would pull that much BS.



Uncle Dave

Laveycraft 2750 - in 2 months!
Laveycraft 20.8 Sebring 406/ITS
Fleetwood nitrous toy hauler
Yamaha raptor 700/Kawi KFX 450
Nissan Titan

It was only a 2 day bench trial so we had to pick our strongest complaints and go with it, we won on poor workmanship and we won on loss of use but no damages on that count because my attorney didn't furnish damages on that, we also had his countersuit thrown out. No real substantial damages were collected but that wasn't ever the point anyhow......

Baja is pretty much an assembly line boat but most of the east coast boats can be built custom to your prefrence too. I still say if you want a great boat to handle offshore conditions, the east coast has got it down! The west coast has been coming up fast in the last few years. The smartest thing they started doing out west was going to liners.

:cool-smiley-027:

I agree, take pantera - how many west coast builders will move the bulkeads up for a twin staggered 3 man 28ft boat. How many west coast builders will take one of their old tired boats and move bulkheads, update the dash, and everything in between. Or take this 28 apache. How many west coast builders will slap in a pair of diesels and install a pull out swim platform. That my friend is custom

IF the question were which 28-30 East coast boat then Pantera would have probably been on the list.

Lavey, Howard and Hallett will move bulkheads for you.
As will most of the guys that build their own molds.

The West coast has its share of houses that splash designs (Kachina uses old East coast hulls designs as has been so elegantly stated in this thread earlier). Lame-ness exists on both coasts.

In recommending a West Coast builder I could only recommend real builders that start with their own designs. Not recycled updated old stuff as you say Texoma. The "real builders" can and usually will accomodate anything you can cut checks for.

Do you have anymore info on that custom swimstep model?
That's certainly waay cool, but it looks like a jet boat which would make that quite a bit easier. Im Really curious about that boat, and have no doubt based on where its sitting its owner could has no issue with a house tooling up a custom mold just for him.



Uncle Dave

Laveycraft 2750 - in 2 months!
Laveycraft 20.8 Sebring 406/ITS
Fleetwood nitrous toy hauler
Yamaha raptor 700/Kawi KFX 450
Nissan Titan

That was an interesting picture. Very cool idea for a swimstep. I would hate to have his fuel bill for the big one.

:cool-smiley-027:

West Coast 28 ft.
 

Its finally done (well there are a couple of things left)

The amount of trick stuff on this boat is amazing. Note the passenger side cupholder in both pics- These Led's are switchable red white blue.

The dash was 100% custom one off designed for my GPS.

The bulkheads were also moved and enlarged to mount an AC unit
and accommodate pop up cleats.

The radar arch is detachable with a trick slide in bracket and secure lock setup.

The bow rails are eliiptical and mount flush into the hull.

The 2 most comparable 28 footers Ive seen so far are my LaveyCraft 2750 and the Pantera 28 SR.




Uncle Dave

Laveycraft 2750 - Ilmor 710
Laveycraft 20.8 Sebring 406/ITS

Boat looks sweet Dave!

Active Thunder will custom build a boat with the buyer and you are welcome @ the factory anytime during the build...They are priced very fair for a true custom built, offshore high performance boat with No wood.

For west coast, you can not get any better than LaveyCraft from what I have seen lately.


Oh yeah...this AT28 came with a microwave, ss sink, seperate head, 5'-8" headroom, transom shower, 350magMPI's w/Bravos, Gaffrig/Livorsi, No wood, & plenty more .....
btw, it's got 400hrs and its like new.

Oh, & Its TEN (10) Years Old!

No, Its not for Sale!

Really nice.
 

Definitely a huge 28 (probably equal to a 32 fountain once you take out the beak)

It's really a shame they stopped making the smaller boats. Looks like its holding up really well too, and I'm sure the owner put lots of care into it.

The exhaust deflectors are a nice touch to keep the step clean.

I haven't seen any recent AT builds on the site, and I'd love to see a new one of these rigs go together on the site.

Ive noticed this company has a really strong following from the Eastern guys.

How much does it weigh?


Uncle Dave

Laveycraft 2750 - 710 Ilmor
Laveycraft 20.8 Sebring 406/ITS

At least one:

TEAM SCARAB.

`Nuff said for all the eastocoasters including Apache guys.

Now somebody mighta forgotten Scarab is a west coast boat, and design & layup and did kill the competition way back in the 70´s already taking U.I.M world titles.
Now come to think of it.. only Cigarette and Skater have done that also. I don´t recall Fountain pantera or anyother do that... but i might forget something here..and YES Scarab had/has a 29 footer called 9 meter.
Now Team Scarab is one of the true Custom boatbuilders and top notch Offshore riggers to this day.

Questions
 

Where can I look at to see a recent example of their work-?

I'm not familiar with any other work than the Wellcraft line of product.



Uncle Dave

Laveycraft 2750 - 710 Ilmor
Laveycraft 20.8 Sebring 406/ITS

Incredible boat Dave! Please post pics in the water as soon as you can. Again, incredible boat. Just curious why 27 and not 29 nuera?

Larry Smith is still building custom boats on the west coast. He built a really sweet 43 that was in the L.A. Boat show a couple years ago.

I believe he's still in Santa Barbara California building boats.

[QUOTE=Uncle Dave;2759100]Definitely a huge 28 (probably equal to a 32 fountain once you take out the beak)

It's really a shame they stopped making the smaller boats. Looks like its holding up really well too, and I'm sure the owner put lots of care into it.

The exhaust deflectors are a nice touch to keep the step clean.

I haven't seen any recent AT builds on the site, and I'd love to see a new one of these rigs go together on the site.

Ive noticed this company has a really strong following from the Eastern guys.

How much does it weigh?

That's a really good question; I'm embarrased to say I have owned it 4+ yrs and have not weighed it! AT says 4800# on the website, but that's a sbb. I estimate it @ 5500 dry; they are very light for their size...the 33(33'-10" h.o.a. not including swim plat) w/525's weighs 7800#: the 37(37'-8" h.o.a.) weighs 9800lbs. I will get to the scales one day.
Keep the pics coming! It is beautiful!!!

Isn't the 43 being built by Eliminator?



Darrell.

Now it is...molds on lease to them.

Thanks
 

Thanks Derrick, will do and good question.

Couple of reasons I went with the 2750 instead of the 29- beacuse it wasnt really the cost as much as other factors.

I wanted a single instead of a dual for maintenance fuel, and weight. I dont think the 29 would motivate too well on a single.

The 29 is more like 31 feet and the 2750 is actually 28.8.

I like to go in lakes as well as the ocean and the 2750 is a lot more lake friendly and towing the 29 around would push my nissan titan a lot harder - potentially requiring a new truck.

Whatever I bought needed to fit completely within the space of my driveway and not stick out - this is a huge deal for me.

I actually like the lines of the 2750 better even though its hard to say it would be a better deep water boat- fact is it wins more races than the 29 and set several records it fist year on the water.

Thanks for the interest and compliments

Uncle Dave

Laveycraft 2750 - 710 Ilmor
Laveycraft 20.8 Sebring 406/ITS

Since this thread was started, the west coast boats i've seen in the pacific (between 27-30ft) have been Laveycraft, Warlock, Hallett, Advantage and Commander.
Been spending more time offshore in friends 35-38 deep V's the last year.
The time/price seems right for a purchase of a 27-30 (wont have to buy a new truck or pay for storage).

Been in the pacific many times either driving or riding. If that is your size requirements and and if you want a west coast builder - Lavey Craft 29 or 27 hands down - period!! I've owned 3 Laveys, 2 Cigs, 1 Hustler, 1 Advantage and a Nordic. Not only is it built (very important) for rough water, it handles it like no other. All other west coast boats in that size are really just lake boats (great boats) but not truly built for the extreme water conditions. Lavey has taken all their years of running the 27 and 29 into consideration when building pleasure boats.

let us know what ya get!

Commander?? How long have they been out of business?

My buddy took delivery of his 32 Commander in early 08. I think it was one of the last they built...