Boat shopping help
 

I am still boat shopping and looking for input/help. Looking in the 30-33' range. The boats im currently looking at are 33powerplay, 30 cig mystique, 33zx donzi, 31ss sonic. I also have seen some 28panteras and 28zx scorpions that i really like the looks of, could go that way. I just dont have the time to travel the country to go see all the boats i like, have one trip planned end of the month to see a couple of them, but need some opinions/input. Priorities are ride quality to handle the great lakes, enough room to overnight, good freeboard to keep the wife and kids feeling safe, solid build quality, speed 70+. Thanks in advance for any advice!

Before we can give you any input, you probably need to narrow it down to 2 or 3 choices yourself and then get input. You don't mention price or year which will have to factor in there somewhere. Without getting into brand specifics, IMO, a 28 is too small for overnights.

I know a few guys with 31 Sonics and while they handle the great lakes fine and they are probably about the fastest on your list, but not tons of room for overnighting because of the low headroom. But one night at a time probably wouldn't be horrible.

i was thinking about the 28's just because im thinking a 31-33 would be marginal for overnight anyway so might as well save the $ for hotel rooms. i want to be big enough to travel the lakes though, but small enough to get into some of the inland lakes i really like so i think 35+ would be too big. looking at newer than 2000, i want something turn key, low maintanance. most of the boats im looking at are under 90k thats about my limit, but would like to spend less than that. most of my use would be day use with maybe a trip per season, and a couple overnighters if needed

With the boats mentioned the Powerplay will be the best handling boat, the donzi will be the best room in the cabin. That being said I will have my PP 33 for sale very soon which is a very customized. I also have children that I take out every weekend durning the summer and never really have to worry about the water condtions. Do your self a favor and search PP about the build quality and ride you will not be disapointed.

Right now it is what im leaning towards, unfortunatly i just got a line on one, but already made reservations to go look at some of the others listed, hoping to go see it as well soon. i really need to see one in person, see what kind of cabin room they have. the only other boat on my list ive looked at in person is the 33donzi, my wife really liked the room in it, i liked it but its not my absolute fav looks/performance wise. have heard nothing but praise for pp, hard to find one for sale, must be a great boat no one wants to part with

If your looking at 30-35 ft my first choice would be a 33 Powerplay, 35 Cig topgun/playboy but to be honest any boat of this size is uncomfortable to overnight is it possible yes. 30 ft and under 28 Pantera

Mike

Sounds like your describing a Sunsation 32SS/SSR Dominator. Ride quality is excellent, plenty of freeboard and with a full head, plenty of room and amenities in the cabin for an overnight stay. Not to mention with stock 496hos, the boat will run low 80s all day long.
Good luck with your search; maybe you should expand your search to Sunsation before you make a decision.

Have a look at Sunsation for sure before you buy anything. There are some nice ones listed in the classifieds right now.

i looked at some dominators, 01-04 range, liked the look, quality, speed but not the low freeboard and the minimal cabin headroom, i havent seen the ss yet, but i believe they are 06 and newer? all those i have seen advertised are a bit out of my price range, if one gets in my ballpark i would def. look at it.

hotjava66 ! looking for new? or used? what your price range?
I have the 33' Avanti up for sale. Headrooom is like the Sonics but there are still planty of comfort for overnighting. We done it several times. I used to boat in the big pond and all I can say is get the biggest you an get.
The Avanti is a true 33 footer plus the swim platform with twin 525's Mid 80's. Great rough water boat, and WILL turn heads. But it's a year old so it's priced accordingly. 160K with try axle trailer.

too much$$$$$$

I second the Sunsation 32SS. Sounds like it'll fit your needs perfectly!

How much are you looking to spend?

i dont disagree just cant find one in my price range

not quite enough for that new 33, unless the price has come down :) seriously im looking to be under 100k

The great lakes? Get as much hull as you can period. I can vouch for the 33' PP. I ran it in Long Island Sound, plenty of chop and snot and it handled it like a dream.

[QUOTE=baja27;2975216]With the boats mentioned the Powerplay will be the best handling boat, the donzi will be the best room in the cabin. That being said I will have my PP 33 for sale very soon which is a very customized. I also have children that I take out every weekend durning the summer and never really have to worry about the water condtions. Do your self a favor and search PP about the build quality and ride you will not be disapointed.
I will be boat shopping in the dc/baltimore area first week of november, if its for sale i could take a look.

I have my 1990 32' A/T for sale as well. Having fresh 482cid NA engines built as well speak by Dave Wesseldyk. It is worth taking a look at.....and I am in the Grand Rapids area. I will send you a PM. Mark

Look @ the 28 Active Thunder in the classifieds.....it will be as much boat as any 30' on the water...mint condition, twin 350magMPI's are super efficient; and w/Bravo's its bullet-proof. Superior ride in the rough!

If you want freeboard, then you will not like the 28 Pantera. Thats one of the reasons I moved up from mine to my 32 AT.

how do you guys like your 32AT's? was on my list as well but havent seen any for sale i like the looks of

32 Hustler???
-Mike

Hot java66 let me know when your in the area. Fresh power and xr sportmaster drives.

Understand.. THen this is your boat. I looked this before. THought about buying it. http://www.offshoreonly.com/classifi...o23739-en.html

[QUOTE=hotjava66;2975299]

What are you looking at in the dc/bmore area? I may have already looked at it and could give you some info...

The 32 Hustler would be a great choice, or a 344 Cheetah if you want a stepped hull.

nov 4-8, i will pm you for details, can you send me a pic?

[QUOTE=BumSauce;2975658]cig mystique out in delaware, sonic 31ss in baltimore area, donzi 28scorpion in smith mt lake, possibly a couple more

i like the looks of the 344, not so much the 32 at least the ones ive seen for sale, are the 344s a good boat?

hey, for you active thunder guys, did the 32's come with different front deck heights, in the pics ive seen some look like they have quite a rise up to the windscreen, and some look pretty flat, or is it just due to paint/or perspective. i like the ones that look lower

Always the same deck. It's got a nice slope so it must be the angle.

Ride it and you'll buy it. if you can find one)

Is the new 33 still available? its more than i want to spend but if things worked out right it could be an option

Yes, we have a new one that is on the floor with no chosen options, power, or paint due to a buyer that backed out.
It's on a fast track to find an owner and get finished. We'd love to finish it for someone and put it in the Miami Boat Show next to the new (& radical) 37AT.

Several folks are interested in that hull, but no one has pulled the trigger yet. That said, another hull is only a few weeks of work away.

We should have a more focused conversation. Drop me a line. My contact info is in my signature.

Also, we can try to catch up when you are in the DC area, or even better; in South Florida.

[QUOTE=hotjava66;2975719]
PM sent

[QUOTE=BumSauce;2976168]thanks for the info

hotjava66 send me your email to [email protected] I will send you some pics.

You should look at this. It runs very well and is mint, very few hours and mostly fresh water.

http://www.offshoreonly.com/classifi...o27600-en.html

email sent, thanks

if anyone knows of any good boats for sale that fit what im looking for feel free to let me know!