start reading up on upgrading the 496. Not a good move in my opinion!
:drink:525:drink:

Thanks Mark, will do :drink:

Maybe one of the extra houses will sell before I buy and I'll be able to look at a bigger one with twins or Illmor power :evilb:

I get your feeling on the center consoles. I kind of feel the same way about deck boats. I wasnt a big fan of CC's when I moved here from Illinois. But, living here they just make perfect sense for the type of boating we do. Having had a couple for about 5 years now, I cant imagine not owning own. The performance CC's are like fast SUV's. I would love to see a single engine i/o performance orientated CC with a reasonable price tag.
Mine isnt fast and we use it for fishing/cruising. Fill it with bean bag chairs and its tough to beat the comfort and load carrying.
The little tunnel hull fills my need for speed and the sensation of speed running over 80mph in a small boat is unbeatable....as long as its nice water!
On New Years Day we had a fun run and someone showed up with a big block powered tri-toon. While I am not overly fond of the looks, that boat was the PERFECT sandbar rig for the boater who like speed. It was really rough that day and that toon ate up some water. The crew were sipping drinks while blasting across some real snotty water. I could see myself owning something like that.
Just be glad you have a wife who will even entertain a boat purchase. My money seems to be spent more easily on her hobby (horses).


Almost forgot...in case I can sway you to teh darkside :)
http://www.marespowercats.com/models/38cc/photos.html

Go with the 525 vs 496HO. I made the mistake of going with the 496 1st and after a year I had it swapped for the 525 in our single engine deck/cat. The 525 is better equipped to upgrade/whipple later if you choose. I wish I had started with the 525 as I would have ended up saving a bunch of coin. Good luck with your search and hope ya find what your looking for :)

We found these. Both of us like them and I wouldn't be ashamed to show up in/own either of them. Unfortunately, they are both sold now.

http://www.powerboatlistings.com/view/9778
http://www.powerboatlistings.com/view/11363

I'd of had no problem pulling the trigger on the 2006 boat :(

This isn't a cat but a party hardy boat

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...m=320669421584

what brand deck boat was that..wet ride for sure.. thanks Jeff

WOW looks like fun. :rolleyes:
I've been over 140 on the main channel on a Friday afternoon at LOTO. I'd take that over the front of that POS!:party-smiley-004:

I would look at the Howard Deck boats for sale. They ride dry and well in the chop. Let me know if you have any questions. I have driven Carrerra, Howard, Magic, and Conquest deckboats. Good luck with your search.

Its an Ultra Custom Boats 27'.