Sydwayz

iTrader: (1)

I've met John a few times. He's a character! Actually, the last time I saw him , he was fighting a motor issue on the KW PR; and he was telling Terry he was going to order a Nor-Tech with stock power!

Keep in mind though, 28s and 38s -(ish) are different animals altogether. Danny built great boats and he & Pat (AT) were actually really good friends.

I wish I still had the pics of the 37AT we affectionately call "Rock Climber"-- hanging 70+ feet up off the side of the mountain in California. They floated that boat back to the trailer once they yanked it back down into the water, and its back on the water today.

Powerplay25

You took the words right out of my mouth.

All great boats named at 28'. Don't think you can go wrong with anyone of them.

NKissau

Since you're in Royal Oak why not go with a 28 Sunsation. Lots of good ones around with 496HO or 500. And you're only about a half hour from the factory. They are known for being really good about supporting there new and used boats. If you're going to be on St. Clair/ D. River/Erie mostly that would be an awesome boat. And easy to tow and insure. Also seem to hold there value pretty well.

JO - PANTERABOATS

rlj676,

If I can answer any questions for you on our custom Hi - Performance boat line (new or pre-owned) please feel free to call me at 786-331-7100 or email me at: [email protected]

Jo - Pantera Boats

rlj676

Thanks for the advice everyone.

That powerplay is nice, but not my first choice really (purple, the lines, etc). At that asking price I think I could find something more exactly what I wanted, but if it was being "given away" I'd be very interested.

I have been "shopping" (just looking really) for 3+ years, so I am well aware of damn near all the options out there. I like Sunsations, but the 288 does not compare to the AT or Pantera I think in size, as it has a swimstep in the length. The 32's are nice but pricey.

Basically, I'm looking for something under 50K, which although isn't a ton in terms of a boat, is still a LOT of money to me. Therefore, graphics, looks, etc, do matter. I wouldn't buy an ugly car for half that, so there is a lot to take into consideration for me. So, my basic question is more of a newer 28ish single vs a 20 year old Bullet with twins. Now, if a newer 32 Sunsation or AT comes along at a great deal, I would certainly consider it. I haven't really seen anything yet.

Jo, I will probably be calling you later and towards the season to see if you have any leads on 28's that could go for under 50. I wish I could just pick up the new one of course.

Of course, if someone knows of a great deal on anything I've mentioned I'd like to hear about it.

rlj676

Oh, and the majority of my boating will be on Lake St Clair, which compared to LOTO where I'm used to (I'm from KC MO originally) isn't too rough at all. So while I want decent offshore performance, it isn't the only factor.

ActiveThunder

Maybe...maybe not.

But I do know he brings it back to the AT factory anytime he needs my paint job touched up.

Hollowpoint

Ok, my 2 cents,

All of the boats up to AND including a Sunsation 32 are smaller than the Cig Bullet. The Bullet is a true, very heavy, straight transomed 31' boat. No beaks or molded swim platforms. Discounting headroom, I'm almost certain it has the biggest cabin of anything mentioned above (I haven't been in all the boats listed). It has a separate enclosed head with a pumpout toilet and a sink. I've had 6-7 in the cabin with no one up on the V-berth and everyone was comfortable.

I also think it will handle the biggest seas with the most comfort than anything above. I think most would probably agree that for it's size, there are not many (if any) that could take a better sea. And they are priced right with the current economy.

Now the downside..... It's well over 10K lbs sitting on a trailer. Probably closer to 12K. Being a straight, heavy vee bottom, it takes alot of power to go fast. 850 total HP will probably only be 62-65mph. Cost of running will probably be higher than the other boats listed. Cockpit is well designed, but a little small. 6 people would be the max if rough water is on the menu. I ran a poker run last year with some friends in a Baja and their cockpit was a ballroom compared to mine. Another downside would be a lack of wind protection.

Other than that, I love my Bullet, so I guess I'm biased

cgarrett

A friend of mine had a 28 AT /502. Was on the boat many times and really like the high freeboard and it has a large cabin for a 28. We boated on Lake Erie and it handled the slop very well.

I had a 1987 31 Cigarette Decathlon (same hull as Bullet) with trip outboards. That boat was a heavy wave crusher but it sure burned the fuel.

Have you thought about a 29 Scarab? Have a friend with one of these and really like that boat also was single 502.

If 60ish is ok with you.

Insurance may require a survey on a boat older then 10 years so check that out so you do not get stuck paying some crazy rate even if you can get it insured.

I've had boats with single, twin and triple engines.

Get the newest boat you can afford with a single and get on the water and have fun. I had just as much fun with my 24 Superboat and 24 Outlaw as the bigger boats at a fraction of the cost for fuel, maintance and up keep.

Did you work at KCK? I am new to Wentzville Mo. via Ohio.
I went to LOTO this summer and fell in love but I still miss my Lake Erie. Fingers crossed for the future..............

cgarrett

Hey HOLLOWPOINT,

I see you are from Virgina Beach. I sold my Cig Decathlon to a guy from that area a few years ago. It was White with Black and Gray stripes down the side with trip outboards.
just wondering if you ever seen it or if it is still around.