MultiHull

Thank you all, a lot of input, a lot of thinking...

As convincingly explained to me...Best to start out big when going offshore, will look for something like....Baja 33 sst - Fountain - Scarab 33 AVS....or similar....should be possible within my budget.

Nate5.0

The 502 will have more upgrade options but the 496 will be more turn key every time. Also the 502 is water cooler (so salt could corrode over time) where as the 496 is close cooled.

Both have ups and downs....just depends what your big plans are.

moderatedUser23082018

I have a 27 and a 32 Fever. Just like the 3 bears,,, Too small, too big and Just Right !! That 29 with a single is small enought to tow with a regular 1/2 ton and big enough for the waves. I also really love the ease of ONE motor. But I too agree that the bigger stuff will always get my eye,, just depends on how much you can spend..

MultiHull

I got that, it's better to start out with what you know is enough....upgrading with parts and so wil get more expensive over time, I believe the 500 or 525 is what my budget can handle (maintenance etc.) and just about enough for a 33' to follow up with the other boats and not left far behind...

MultiHull

Well well...my new boat is getting more and more expensive :-)

Somethin' Sexy

Let's say that the boat has a max speed of 80-85mph, then going for the long run, what average speed can I achive without breaking the engine/ engines.[/QUOTE]

Idle....

On Time

Best advice - Don't be in a hurry! I have a friend just bought a clean 2007 Donzi 33 with 496HO's. Great riding boat too. But it was salt water used and although it was clean he has spent about $8K more to repair it in 6 months after buying it for $70K. Exhaust manifolds, cooling system leaks, alternator, batteries, outdrive failure X2, oil leaks, etc. Buy a used FRESH water boat!!

MultiHull

The 29 is still in my thoughts, have one on my hand 2006 with a 525 low hour fresh Water from the canals of Germany, but I get the point of going big offshore, a part of it is also to feel safe, there is no view of land when in the middle of baltic sea on a trip to Sweden or Norway..

Nate5.0

Not always true though.

My Sonic is salt water it's whole life before me and you would have no idea. I saw it before it was detailed to be shown......wow.....clean!!!!! Showed how well it was kept by its owner. Then I had Ed Cozzi do a survey and it got not only a green light but a thumbs up to how clean and well kept it was.

I have had it since Oct and the only money I have spent is on matching dock lines, updated safety eqp, and radio upgrades.

MultiHull

Yes I am aware of that, I now have a 23 feet with a 454, 385hp from 1998 saltwater always...running strong but it will have a leak in the block someday soon.
So yes a used fresh water boat is Preferably, then rinse rinse and rinse after saltwater use.