50 Hustler vs 46 Black Thunder
 

150-175K price range, I know the Hustler is a faster hull but what about amenities? It's just the two of us and we want to take longer trips around the great Lakes. I want to cruise at 50+ and she wants all the cabin room and amenities. We also want to entertain a small group, we looked at 370ss, and 400ss but not there yet. I still want to go fast. We are selling our second home and will be looking to purchase soon after. Also, we're open to suggestions of other boats. We're both on the shorter side, I'm 5'7" and want to stand up in the cabin.

BT cabins are hard to beat.

Bt's are offshore condos. Have u been on one? The first time you go below u will be sold

I have been on a BT, there are a few in my area. I have only seen pics of the Hustler and been told they are just as nice with better performance.

It's not a Hustler or a BT but it's a pretty impressive sleeper.....
The 47' Wellcraft with 2 x 800's and Arnesons. 50 mph cruise and 75 top speed. (According to the ad)

http://www.boattrader.com/listing/20...ives-102096350

You did say "open to suggestions." :)

RR

I have a friend that has a 2002 BT that he is looking to sell in spring. He is in Milwaukee WI 100% fresh water boat. I know his price will be below your price range.

Best of luck in your search!
Bryan

These are both likely triple engine boats? If I were looking to run a long way at 50mph and be able to get home if I broke, this would be a triple boat for me. Neither are long range 50MPH cruisers on twin bravo setups, I don't think I have seen a twin 50 Hustler other than big power anyway.

I have always loved the Black Thunders if you want a Go Fast that has the most amenities and lets not forget a HUGE cockpit with seating for 9 and standing for 20 skanks :-)

Ryan9154 is selling his beautiful 2002 46EC with or without his 1050 Precision/Chief engines, SCX-4 Drives, 380 K-Planes, 100mph floating condo. His wife and him used to overnight on all their boats and just don't anymore.

They are out of my budget but agree at how cool they are and how big. I would LOVE to have one.

This is exactly my dream BT.

If I cant find a decent BT, this is absolutely my next choice. Sofa King Cool

I have been looking at 45 Sonics recently. I don't know how they compare to the BT or Hustler, but they seem to be a pretty good bang for the buck. 6'2 headroom under the deck, prety good amenities, triples...

The cabin on a BT is at least a foot wider than a Sonic. The Sonic uses a molded cabin insert and the BT is stick built to the hull. The single step BT will plane at 17 MPH. The Sonic 25 degree deep vee will take more power to run the same speeds.

I couldn't believe the vast difference in usable space between my 380 Powerquest and a friend's 382 Formula. Both nearly identical looking size on trailers when they were parked right next to each other yet my cabin and cockpit felt twice as big as his. Both very close in dimensions on paper too. His cabin was much narrower and shorter than mine, and the cockpit on my old 253 checkmate was deeper than his formula. I was disappointed in the formula in person since prior to purchasing my PQ, since I looked at a ton online and considered them. I was really disappointed in the position of passenger bolster since I am 6'2" and my knees were hard against the dash, with the bolster too narrow to angle my hips any.

The layout and building method can have a huge effect on interior size.

That will be a great boat to own IMO. What's next for him?

Trip 525 on either boat is gonna be very close in speed. I'd look at creature comforts (BT will win this hands down) and aesthetics.

Long range cruising at 45 in the 3600rpm range is realistic for a twin 500 boat. Haven't owned a triple BT yet....:lolhit:

The boat would be a reasonable cost, the 20 skanks could cost a fortune.

This is my boat thats for sale , covers everything you are looking for.
http://47excalibur.com/

179k obo if you are interested let me know.

We would go a bit smaller if the amenities were there as well as the ride. I just want a big fast boat that handles the big water of the great Lakes. She wants to cook me breakfast in the morning and take a shower. We spent 2 weeks on our 31 ft formula and it was a blast. I heard the 43 BT likes to porpoise. I'd say 38 would be the smallest we'd go if it met all our needs and wants.

I have never heard of or ever seen a 165 mph 50' Hustler, but Coolerman on OSO and his father just ran their 46' Black Thunder 165 mph at the LOTO Shootout, Black Thunders can go very, very fast. Photo by Pete Boden at the 2016 Shootout from this thread

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/g...-matter-6.html

This may influence or not, your decision, it made a believer out of me

I'm curious who you're getting your info about BTs from? If that boat porpoises, it's in the props or driver.:rolleyes:

BTW, a 43 and 46 hull is same running length. The length came from a more pointed bow and much longer swim platform. Both can be configured in a Extended Cockpit or Standard Cockpit layout. There were hull changes starting in 03 IIRC on the 46, then 2005, and finally 2007. Strake placement and other small items were changed as the 46 had a pronounced lean in confused water or high wind. This problem was overcome with 5 blade propellers spinning out. IMO, the 43 is the better boat running wise and the 46 is better looking. I've owned several BTs so this is what I'm basing my info on in case you were curious.

I've been in both many of times.
Hands down a regular non super massaged by hand boat. The 50 Hustler is faster and will get better fuel efficiency compared to the BT 46.
Inside I'd say they are pretty darn comparable, Both will have all the room in the world you want, I've been in a 50 hustler in 4+' rollers in the great lakes on a poker run running 75+ mph.
Both good boats but when it comes to speed with the same motor drive packages. Hustler gets my $ on the bet.

This thing is cool, Kevlar,staggered #6 boat

http://www.offshoreonly.com/classifi...nd-o64918.html

I just got this thread forwarded to me I own the 46 offshoreexcursion is talking about. It's for sale motors at Chief now with current setup cost is 150,000. If anyone is interested it's easier to contact me at 810-691-9154. Too much to list.

Not sure yet what I want. But it's got to be staggered with a head. Smaller of course don't stay on it anyone.

Anyone have personal experience with a Nortech 4300? Performance, amenities, easy to work on? I need to be able to service myself and preform minor repairs so nothing exotic for power.

You should look at the Sunseeker 48 Superhawk. There are 3 in the classified. Pretty nice option.

Excalibur,

Sweet boat and I like the transition to cruiser! Curious as to what kind of fuel burn and range you have at a 45mph cruise. Thanks and GLWS.

Back to primary subject- how are the Hustler and Black Thunders on fuel being 5k lighter. Yea I know if you have to ask you cant afford it. 🤓

Thanks
Rick

FYI the current 1000 Chief motors are very reliable. Only reason I took them out was to freshen then up to sell with fresh power. Have 2 seasonson them pump gas 150 hrs. Their a 200-250 hr engine. Only running 6.8 lbs of boost 5700 rpm. I can honestly say these are easier as far as maintenance than the 575s I've had in the past. Mefi 4 controlled so you can plug a rinda tech mate scanner in. To much to list.

Don't forget the Parvey boat is the GT deck (with a few after market bottom improvements) and not an SC. The SC has quite a bit more headroom which I believe is what the OP is looking for.
For cabin height the BT SC is hard to beat.

Boat has a 292gal fuel tank , and at 3500 rpm runs 50 mph , no boost. At that cruise speed it was way better on fuel than the stock application 225 + range. Oh and it throws an amazing rooster tail :)