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Originally Posted by Southbrook
(Post 4653306)
Thanks for the responses. Not too worried about the amenities, our typical cruise would only be about 20 miles, so a bathroom wouldn't be too far away. If we're anchoring out, our friends still have cruisers, so we can use the bathroom and get some shade on their boats. My only worry with a cat is if my wife (we're in our mid 40's) will be able to tolerate the ride in 2-3's. skate, double rigged, lake, apex, how rough is it where you boat? Thanks.
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I agree with Skate 100%, I'm no expert but we run 2-4' wind chop a LOT. My wife LOVES airing the props and shes always telling me to go faster. We ran +/- 50mph thru legit 3-4 footers yesterday, launching off the bigger waves and 95% of the time our boat comes down softly. We are late 40s early 50s and cant imagine owning something else, unless it was a bigger true cat.
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I own a 32’ Fountain cat. We boat at lake of the Ozarks. I went from a 36’ Spectre cat and have no regrets as far as ride is concerned. Our lake varies in conditions from mild chop to very rough. Rough is always a personal perspective thou. My wife says she enjoys the 32 outboard just as much as the 36 I/O boat. We have ran the boat for some time now and carrying on a conversation at 80-100mph is no problem. The back seat passengers can discuss as well but they do have to speak up to be heard. Everyone that has ridden with us comments on how the boat rides like a much larger boat. Less wind noise does allow you to hear the water slapping the hull a little more and enjoy the views more while running around. The typical true tunnel porpoise of most cats isnt a Issue on ours. It seems trim makes it disappear. Something my other boats had issues with 60-80mph. This boat you can pretty much pick any speed to cruise at. If you get the chance ride in as many as you can. Not sure if you are wanting to go new or go used. The new options definitely have lots to choose from and on many different budget points. If you are gonna go new , take a trip to Lake of the Ozarks. You could set up demo rides in at least 3 different brands here. MTI, WrightPerformance, and the fountain. |
SOW has a review of 6-7 outboard cats done at super cat fest at lake of the Ozarks. Bob Teague and several other experienced drivers drove the boats. It will be in the next issue.
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Thanks again, it's good to hear honest opinions. A little more info on us, we have 2 kids, 15 & 22. I think our cruiser was boring for them, I'm looking for a boat that will hopefully keep them interested & want to hang out with the parents a little bit longer.
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Justfishing - I can't wait for the SOW comparison to come out
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My kids love my boat. They will ride with me on any day. They are 25 and 16. My boat is set up with a ladder in the rear for swimming also. Some will use a swim platform as well. One thing I will say is that when people say 2-3' s ( No offense here) there is a wide range of what 2-3' really are. Living in S. FL and boating in the ocean 80 percent of the time for us 2-3's is about the most my wife is comfortable with. Like Sam said you can slow down too if needed.
One thing to consider if ride comfort is what you are looking for and not overall top speed I would like at the depth of the sponsons and angle of attack. Shallower/wider tunnels will pound a bit more at slower speeds in rough water than a deep tunnel with a steeper V. There are many opinions on this as we all own different models. I would encourage you to ride in a few if possible and see for yourself. Overall for what you are looking to do I think an O/B cat would be a great option and provide a lot fun factor for the money with minimal expense compared to an inboard powered boat. |
Originally Posted by Double Rigged
(Post 4653353)
My kids love my boat. They will ride with me on any day. They are 25 and 16. My boat is set up with a ladder in the rear for swimming also. Some will use a swim platform as well. One thing I will say is that when people say 2-3' s ( No offense here) there is a wide range of what 2-3' really are. Living in S. FL and boating in the ocean 80 percent of the time for us 2-3's is about the most my wife is comfortable with. Like Sam said you can slow down too if needed.
One thing to consider if ride comfort is what you are looking for and not overall top speed I would like at the depth of the sponsons and angle of attack. Shallower/wider tunnels will pound a bit more at slower speeds in rough water than a deep tunnel with a steeper V. There are many opinions on this as we all own different models. I would encourage you to ride in a few if possible and see for yourself. Overall for what you are looking to do I think an O/B cat would be a great option and provide a lot fun factor for the money with minimal expense compared to an inboard powered boat. |
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...2434d2846a.jpg
C3800 #1 I have owned cats on and off since 1993, and the new O/B cats are really cool, I presently have a 25 Talon, and 30 Spectre, both I/O's, but I suggest you check out the new Mystic C3800! :) They also traditional rear seat configuration also.... C3800 Catamaran: Mystic Powerboats |
Originally Posted by Southbrook
(Post 4653277)
lake p.a.l. - I'm looking for reliability over speed. Stock engines only. If we end up with a center console or traditional performance v, I'd be looking for a cruise around 50 and top around 75. If we end up with a cat (which is what I'm leaning towards), I'd be looking for a cruise 60-70, top 100-110. Seems like all of the current 32-36 400 cats would exceed my speed goals.
Dan - I'm actually pretty close to you, about 15 miles by water from my house to Bristol. I'll give you a call tomorrow, thanks |
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