Thinking about moving up again....what next?
 

I've had the 280 velocity for over a year now and its been great. It's extremely fun to drive and the blown 509 was a great choice when I repowered it. Question is where do I go from here? My velocity is a solid mid 90's boat so I don't want to drop a lot in speed, but boat by myself or with my wife and kids so twin 1000 hp motors could hurt at the pump. I have always loved fountains, and after my velocity I really love the brand. I've seriously thought about going to a 390 or 410 velocity. There are some nice staggered 525 boats out there right now. I was told the 390 will run low 90's with the twin 525's which would be a great compromise. Speed, efficiency and easy maintenance on a full staggered boat.

What are some other options with out going to the stratosphere on price ($120,000 and under). I would like to move up to a 38-42 foot range. I primarily boat in Louisiana where the tickfaw 200 takes place and the gulf coast from time to time.

Thanks in advance.

Just looked at the classifieds quick and there are two vee's under $120k that I think stand out :

http://www.offshoreonly.com/classifi...o56621-en.html

http://www.offshoreonly.com/classifi...o51925-en.html

At $120k I wouldn't even consider a bravo boat, but that's just me.

There's also two Arneson 38 fastechs that I know of under your budget, but they aren't listed anywhere.

If I was in your place and was going after "family friendly" I think I would be looking at Formula or Nor-Tech.

If it was me, I'd be looking at a CAT

X2 on the bravo comment. No way I would do a bravo boat at that budget.

Thanks for the advise. I wasn't aware a #6 drive boat could be had at that price point. I want something newer and in good shape so I assumed it would be a bravo style boat. I will look into the boats listed.

What makes a formula or not-tech more family friendly? I don't care for the kitchens, nice bathrooms, etc. my priority list goes like this

- 38-42 ft
- 90+ mph is great
- 90++++ is better
- nice paint and interior

Thanks again for the help.

Hey Craig, a friend has a formula 353 w525s, boxes and runs high 80s. He will be with us at tickfaw 200!

Bravos would be cheaper since you know how to beef them up already :-)

You have a lot of choices, most will depend on what you want inside.

We love our 33ol though it's not super fast, it cruises good enough to keep up and 90% of our running is with my 5&8 yr olds!

Good luck, looks like you need a 42 fountain. ;-)

For some reason I read into your post that some of the family creature comforts would be an important consideration.

I know you like Velocity and they do make a very nice boat. I have spent a lot of time running in a 39 Velocity and I can tell you they run fast for a non-step boat but I was never a fan of the way they ride on that delta pad. Their handling at speed can't compare with the Donzis, Cigarettes, Formulas and Outerlimits that I have spent substantial time in. I really can't comment on Fountains or other boats because I don't have any real time in them.

This seems like a great deal (slightly over your proposed budget)- won't quite hit 90 but will run 80+ through just about anything.

http://www.offshoreonly.com/classifi...o56797-en.html

There aren't many 38Zr Donzis listed right now but they would also make a great 525 boat that runs 90+. They are pretty good on Bravos as well.

People say no bravo boat on that budget, but after what I have seen the last couple of years on friends boats I am not sure I could afford to own a #6 boat.

One friend with a #6 cracked both gimble rings, only 8 grand each to replace.

Another blew a #6 drive and the repair cost was $26,000!!

Bravos may break, but they are cheap and easy to find parts for . Something to consider

Good luck in your search. A 38 fountain with semi stag 525efi is a fast boat I. Your price range as well

In that price range, I'd look for a 38' Fountain Lightning or 38' Donzi ZR with staggered 525s. A full staggered Fountain runs in the mid 90s, but may be tough to find for $120k this time of year.

Or make an offer on this 38 Fountain with 600sci's and Imco SCX's. http://www.offshoreonly.com/classifi...o56608-en.html