Performance open bow
#22
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,826
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From: Tallahassee, FL
28 Donzi ZXO; 35 Donzi ZR Open; Sunsation...
Velocity also makes them.
From a fit/finish/overall boat thought out I think Sunsation makes a hell of a ride. Donzi does a great job as well. I haven't been on the 35 ZR but it looks pretty bad ass from the pictures. I have the 28 and it's great.
Velocity seems to have added their open bow as an afterthought.
The 'out west' boats like Nordic are built differently, they are basically all open. I never opted for them because on the east coast that interior would be a mold fest. So... depends on where you live and how you want the boat. If you want a sealed cabin I'd opt for an east coast version... If you want the open style and live out west go with one of them.
Velocity also makes them.
From a fit/finish/overall boat thought out I think Sunsation makes a hell of a ride. Donzi does a great job as well. I haven't been on the 35 ZR but it looks pretty bad ass from the pictures. I have the 28 and it's great.
Velocity seems to have added their open bow as an afterthought.
The 'out west' boats like Nordic are built differently, they are basically all open. I never opted for them because on the east coast that interior would be a mold fest. So... depends on where you live and how you want the boat. If you want a sealed cabin I'd opt for an east coast version... If you want the open style and live out west go with one of them.
#23
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 588
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Laveycraft 29 NuEra
http://www.powerboatlistings.com/view/14514
Laveycraft 2750
http://www.powerboatlistings.com/view/13431
http://www.powerboatlistings.com/view/5002
http://www.powerboatlistings.com/view/14514
Laveycraft 2750
http://www.powerboatlistings.com/view/13431
http://www.powerboatlistings.com/view/5002
#24
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Joined: Dec 2010
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I am definitely partial, but I think Sunsation makes the nicest large (32') open bow on the market. Others seem like they are "cut out" of the bow, with Sunsation it is nicely integrated and the finish is excellent. Mine even has bow filler cushions if you want to sleep on it.
#25
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From: MAINE
#26
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 113
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From: Scottsdale, AZ
#27
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#29
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,134
Likes: 160
From: central IL
My wife and I had the same argument over boats. I was looking at other boats (36 Spectre cats then 28' catdecks) but she kept vetoing me. We ended up with our Baja 292 Islander. Neither of us liked having to walk through the cabin to get up front but we still wanted a decent size cuddy for our son. We ended up with the best of both worlds. For the size of waves you said you'll be encountering, I wouldn't bother looking at the 288 Sunny as they are pretty small compared to others and look at the 32's instead.
#30
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Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Lake Dallas, TX
Really depends on how much you want to spend and what type of ride you want. MOST MCOBs are 23 degree deadrise, which is not going to cut it decent size water, 1' chop, no problem, 2' chop, very bumpy, 3' or bigger, you're going to come out all beat up, stuff breaks too!
To me it comes down to two boats, the Laveycraft and Sunsation. I've owned a 29' Laveycraft and have ridden in a 32' Sunny in rough water.
The Laveycraft is a hair smaller than the 32 Sunny. The Laveycraft is the better rough water boat, but the Sunny is better looking IMO, I purchased the Laveycraft. If you want 2007 or newer, I would spend A LOT of time researching and arranging for sea trials on boats you are considering. This takes time and $$$. A used 29 Laveycraft is few and far between, lots of 32 Sunnys to chose from. There are several Laveycraft 2750s, it's a pretty big boat, about the same size as most manufacturers 29s, Laveycraft doesn't include the swim platform in their length, while most others do.
If you are boating in smaller water most of the time the Eliminator Eagle is a real nice boat for the $$, but again it's 23 degree deadrise. Smaller water opens up a lot more options are if you are willing to take a pounding.
Good Luck
To me it comes down to two boats, the Laveycraft and Sunsation. I've owned a 29' Laveycraft and have ridden in a 32' Sunny in rough water.
The Laveycraft is a hair smaller than the 32 Sunny. The Laveycraft is the better rough water boat, but the Sunny is better looking IMO, I purchased the Laveycraft. If you want 2007 or newer, I would spend A LOT of time researching and arranging for sea trials on boats you are considering. This takes time and $$$. A used 29 Laveycraft is few and far between, lots of 32 Sunnys to chose from. There are several Laveycraft 2750s, it's a pretty big boat, about the same size as most manufacturers 29s, Laveycraft doesn't include the swim platform in their length, while most others do.
If you are boating in smaller water most of the time the Eliminator Eagle is a real nice boat for the $$, but again it's 23 degree deadrise. Smaller water opens up a lot more options are if you are willing to take a pounding.
Good Luck


