Always exceptions to the rule! Those F boats are cool. When I had a 382, I was looking for a fairing off a factory boat to kinda update the look a bit. They look like different boats without the windshields.

[QUOTE=kreed;4040514][QUOTE=sprink58;4038769 ...the 382/Top Gun owner told me his comparisons were made on two different trips between Miami and Cape Coral thru the Keys in the winter. That trip can deliver anything from 6-8' Gulfstream Back Breakers.....
A 382 Formula would never keep up with a 39 Top Gun in that water.....and if it did, the TV, stereo, sink and microwave would all be on the floor in the center of the cabin broken. Both nice boats built for different reasons....But no comparison in 4ft+ ocean waters.[/QUOTE]





I know of a new 39 TG open that had to go back for cracked stringers 2 months after it was delivered so even the #1 has flaws.....Remember the brand new 42X with the headliner falling down while the dealer was still floor planning the boat?

[QUOTE=Jupiter Sunsation;4041079]
I hear you. I wasn't saying Cigs were indestructible, I was saying that a 382 would fall apart while trying to keep up with a 39 TG in 4ft plus waters. I know of many of them that have fallen apart here in CT. They are really nice boats, I had one, but you just cant beat them up like you can a Cigarette.

For rough water capabilities our 50 Nor-tech (which measures about 53 feet from props to bow) just eats up whatever you throw at it. It doesn't ever pound or give you the landing that shutters the whole boat. I've heard it thrown around for years on here that Nor-tech is the best rough water boat out there (maybe not the fastest), but now I have experienced it and it made me a believer. This is coming from somebody who came from a full stagger 42 Cig.

Well.. lol size does matter. If size is no object here, ? ! I vote for Magnum 80. :)

The Nortech still runs just shy of 130 and cruises in the 90's, not bad for a big beast. It's no Outerlimits though :party-smiley-004:

You say that about all your Dad's boats. :D

I'm 50/50 on everything (with no bank notes), now you sound like all these cry baby kids I have to deal with over in the Northeast threads :whistle:

Enjoy your beast Sport. :) While I never been in a NT 50' I driven or experienced many hulls. THis thread certainly has some interesting posts, but my early comment holds truth. Pretty much everyone states their opinions, likes and wish (I have that boat ) wannabees. THis one rides better, this one is faster, but a real comparison with equal power is hard to find. There is a reason for this. Most boats are built for different reasons, different use and different pocket books. There is no RIGHT answer. Knowing some of the designs I would say, there should be a brake down as to fastest, ( 32' to 38', then 39' to 43+-?) and then best ride and handling in different lengths. Assuming we ignore the rigging, Statement probably has the "newest" innovation and hull design followed by OL. Cig, has done with cut backs on build and paint (and I had some serious discussions with them on this comment some time back, but it's economics and I don't think the overall quality suffered) NT, and OL has a good overseas customer status. Formula is more of a production style co. and in their nitch they build a real top nocth boat. What is the best "V"? Anyone makes a comment about their opinion I want to hear why. Not just a comment. IE. Strake design and numbers, flat strakes, concave? variable? etc. "V" dimensions, ? variable? (they all are) but designed for speed, or handling? there are too many variables to have an answer. Stepped? or non stepped. Stepped are faster, non stepped are safer, (just a rule of thumb,, don't debate this) Then there is comfort and creature features. endurance? reliability? service, (I gave service to NT) I rode with Mike Fiore back in mid 90's with his new OL with Caterpillar marine diesels, and Arnesons,. He had a tough time getting over 70, the quietest offshore performance boat I ever been in. :) (Sorry Mike, .. lol... he opened the hatch, just to get some engine noise). Now a NT 50 or OL 48, with diesels run above 100. The "best" "V" is what you have and the one you can get a good and safe day on the water. THis is like comparing a sports car. Too many variables, and that's why we have many to choose from. There is NO BEST, there is a bunch that are great.

Well said! Speed / rough water ride had very little to do with our decision, and let's face it, they all look good these days. The true differentiator was build quality. This is not something you can read about or refer to, you have to see it. This is why we toured the manufactures before buying.