Thinking about a bigger boat
 

To get this out of the way first, MY BOAT IS NOT FOR SALE,(Yet :cool: )

Sorry if this gets long...

The wife and I have been thinking about moving into a bigger boat. We really enjoy spending long weekends on the boat, and the accommodations of a flat deck 24 cig with bulkeads is less than 5 star. We make it work, but would really like something with a little more space. I absolutely love my Cigarette, but I am considering some other boats.

We travel a lot with the boat, and I enjoy boating in FL and the Carolinas. I want to be in the 30-38' range, and I would prefer the upper end of that length range if possible. I tow with a 1 ton dually, so for the most part towing a bigger boat should be a non-issue.

I learned how to operate a boat on a 30' Velocity, and I may have the opportunity to buy the exact boat back, but I'm not sure it is what I want. I really love the ride and the quality of the Cig, it will take a pounding and never seems to complain. The Velocity was a great boat, but I have heard some negatives about the late 80's boats. Wiring issues and even some layup problems. I don't want something that is going to crack up on me. I love the speed and efficiency of that hull, but I also love the rock solid feel of a big heavy deep Vee boat.

I also have my sights on a 35 mistress. I know the boat will be much slower with equal power, but I am sold on the quality and strength of the cigs. There are a few boats out there that I LOVE (TxHawks 40' excalibur is one of them) but I don't want a boat payment, so that puts us in the 30k or less category.

What opinions do people have on either of these boats? Can I find what I'm looking for that price range? What other boats out there might be worth a look? ... or should I just stick with what I have.

Any and all opinions are appreciated!

http://forums.rennlist.com/rennforum...5-image018.jpg

Maybe a 31 Sonic or bigger I like everything the Sonic has. You going to the Cumberland Poker Run?

The 38' Top Gun is the way to go. They perform great with 525's. Get a t/s and you'll do great in the rough. A flat bottom Cig has a full cabin, but is slower.

The 35' Sonic, also is a great boat! Seems to have alot of headroom in the cabin, by what i've seen.

And if you want speed combined with luxury comfort, go with a 35' Formula FasTech.

Whats your budget?

Don't know much about sonics, but I'll see what's out there. I wish we could make the poker run, but I don't think we will this year.

MiniHawk, I agree with all your suggestions, but I'm trying to stick to a $30k budget. I'm into projects and old-school equipment, so age doesn't scare me, but I don't want a boat payment right now.

For that matter the 50' Maurader is also a good choice, especially with staggered 1350's.

RT - I know you said 30k, and I might be biased but if you wanted to stay with the family I feel like our cafe is VERY liveable for a couple nights. Built in Cooler, enclosed bathroom, sink, roomy V-berth. My wife and I overnight probably between 12 and 15 nights a year on it.

Just a thought..... You could get one that needed a little TLC and have some "project" to indulge in...

There are a few projects and older Cigs floating around that you might be able to find that best suits your needs within a 30k budget.
I'd hop around on the OSO Classifieds here and see what you can dig up, and if not, I have a website you can check out.

Sam

How about an older Excalibur? I know of an old school 32' Excalibur with 9' beam and tons of room in cockpit and cabin. Front raised deck so great headroom for a 32', gen, a/c, surface drives, think it was available with or without power- search on racingjunk.com or pm if interested and I'll get a number.
I'd have been interested in this for a cool old school weekender if I hadn't just bought the Velocity.
Rick

Don't rule out a nice Scarab as well. There are some very nice ones available in 30+ ft , that fit your price range.


Darrell.

Did you get my PM?

Maybe you need a little encouragement.

sounds like the right priced Bullet might be your boat

I don't know much about that boat specifically, but Formulas of that era didn't have much cabin headroom if that matters to you. They are nicely appointed boats, though!

I like the look and size of that boat, I could easily put together a pair of engines for it, if that's in fact all it needs.

I have looked at a Scarab as well. There is a 31 in town that appears to be in great shape. I have heard about some issues with quality and rot on them , any input?[/QUOTE]

Mild Thunder's Formula sold last fall to a guy out east...heard it was on eBay again last week, though...

Interesting, The seller is using the same pictures, or he has just not removed the AD. Thanks for the heads up!

Found it...

http://www.marine-trader-usa.com/boa..._Boat_GO_FAST/

I like the look and size of that boat, I could easily put together a pair of engines for it, if that's in fact all it needs.

I have looked at a Scarab as well. There is a 31 in town that appears to be in great shape. I have heard about some issues with quality and rot on them , any input?[/QUOTE]

On ebay as of last week, he sold it this past spring

Mild must not have deleted the add. The person with it listed on ebay is using the same pics, looks as he has added power to the boat. Mild sold it minus engines and trans.

I like the look and size of that boat, I could easily put together a pair of engines for it, if that's in fact all it needs.

I have looked at a Scarab as well. There is a 31 in town that appears to be in great shape. I have heard about some issues with quality and rot on them , any input?[/QUOTE]

I think it's the same with any older boat. You really have to make sue the hull is dry and in good condition. I owned a Scarab years ago, and that boat was as sold as a rock. Due diligence is very important.


Darrell.

weekend mistress
 

RT, No head on a mistress. Might be a limitation for you. We're not planning long weekends so not much of an issue. On the plus side, no plumbing, holding tanks, etc. etc. I can tell you that my boat is built like a brick sh!thouse. Randy

I would look at an older Formula 357. Close to 38 with the swim platform. Build rock-solid and can be had for a good price. Lots of room.

I may have found a boat that will fit our needs and not break the bank. If anyone is looking for a killer 24' Cig, I know of one for sale!