It just seems like most of the big cats with 700's have to run them pretty hard because even if it runs 130 it doesn't do it every time and in every water condition and with any load. Just getting stuck running 85 and not having the punch to get up and pack air quickly would be a negative to me. Nothing against anyone who has a 700 package but once you get some time in the boat you will just have to run it on the rug all the time to keep it aired out and if I wanted to run 90 I would be in a V.

I agree 100%

1100s! Btw, McComas and I got a bit tore up at the club last night lol

I have seat time at 132 in a 388 with 525's it was a race boat and that was a big number but it would do 130 anytime we got in it……of coarse and open cockpit and the weight of pleasure appointments are going to slow things down, i would think a pleasure 388 with 525 would run 115ish so i think the new 40 mystic is capable of 130 plus with 700's…it should pack and cruise real nice at 100-105

Thanks for the biz, I already changed my mind, I'm going 1350's

I listed the Victory because it has been such an eye opener from a racing perspective. At 14 years old our hull is still the stiffest boat I have run and has tremendous offshore capabilities. I'm unsure if you could even buy a new one today and if you could I would expect the cost for a hull to be north of a million new. With a 50+ million dollar a year budget (Victory years past) towards refining their boats and thousands and thousands of hours testing. it's no wonder it is still the boat to beat on a race course (C1/Unlimited). We have owned Mystic ,MTI, Platinum (Skater) and Victory. All are formidable in the right hands all are tremendous boats and the lucky few that own them should be proud. Some have better attributes than others but the margin is small and getting smaller. Your in the game in any one of them.

The question then becomes...are we talking about offshore boats or flat glass water lake boats geared out to eek every last mph out of an 8 mile run and look pretty beached with the ladies. Your answers to the proposed question should revolve around performance, durability, fit and finish, handling, craftsmanship,materials, rigging quality not a flashy paint job a and some chrome bezels. (I realize many commenters have not had a lot of exposure other than pics and maybe a ride but the owners answers. if truthful may help some manufacturers sell boats.) Because they are all beautiful nowadays. Every manufacture at the show has a jaw dropper that can sport a big number on the GPS..... all of them. What is underneath can be quite different and should fit the needs of the customer (a carbon boat isn't necessary for every user). Most built will have a big power and big HP does create more stress on Hulls... it is a completely different animal trying to go head to head with mother nature year after year w 3000 hp packed in a boat. A lot of stress on the structure.

The next big question is how does the boat perform when the ocean or lake bumps up and you really let her eat. Is it forgiving when a mistake is made, Are you screwing the boat back together when you get home, fixing broken bulkheads,noticing gelcoat or paint cracking from hull flexing after a year or two. Are the materials beginning to prematurely wear from exposure or simply break from poor design. Are the materials the best you can buy or the cheapest you can buy? (balsa/foam/ carbon/e glass /s glass type of resins epoxy and a proven layup schedule.

Not everyone needs a pure race machine so the GPS #'s game is misleading to say who's best. Their are some clear standouts if you do your homework. As a consumer .....Does the manufacturer stand behind their product if a problem arrises or a repair needed (not just be your buddy when you are writing the check) should be very high on the list. Remember it is a boat..stuff will go wrong :)

Merc 1350's or other???

Not to derail the thread, but have you ever built an Arneson or BPM drive boat or do you just prefer Merc drives??

It will be Merc power

Love the big Skaters http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sc5Y9NipiVA

no, not good for resale