Offshoreonly.com

Offshoreonly.com (https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/)
-   General Boating Discussion (https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/general-boating-discussion-51/)
-   -   Anyone know this cig?? (https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/general-boating-discussion/357743-anyone-know-cig.html)

BBYSTWY 11-26-2018 08:07 AM

Thanks!! at the end of the day with rolling in negative equity I would have been paying 50k and some change for the cig...is it worth it?? maybe but I feel I can get one in as good of condition or maybe even possibly better for 50k...and I think I could sell mine for far more than what they were offering which I expected as it was talked about earlier in the thread that trading in is a convenience and rarely does it work out in your favor...totally get that they are a busi

BBYSTWY 11-26-2018 08:08 AM

business and have to make money...is what it is oh well

caseyh 11-26-2018 12:26 PM


Originally Posted by ICDEDPPL (Post 4660318)
I`ve thought about this before.
I bought mine cheap $50k and now I`m up to about $200k invested (and thats with me doing 99% of the work, can`t even imagine paying someone ) and it`s worth maybe 90k.

You tell someone you have a $200k into a 1986 boat they`re gonna think you fell on your head and rode the short bus to school.
It snowballs quickly.
Drives took a $hit month in. (boom there goes $8k)
Top ends first year
Motors were $hit , tons of blow by, carbs were crap, tune was crap. cylinder walls were washed down.(blowby) Milky oil etc.
Transom was done before I bought it, (make sure you check that )
Gas Tanks leaked
redid interior
Redid cuddy,
Trailer was crap. Took that down to bare metal.
Convert trailer to EOH
Every light , wire and tire new
Drives took a dump twice ( now I have 5`s)
Lost a prop.
Tons of prop testing.
Swim platform
Headers leaked (new exhaust)
Drive Guardians
Had no stereo
AC install
Headsets
4 sets of starters
Knock sensors, EGT gauges, AFRs
Bottom work
Anchor locker
Charger , batteries
Refrigerator, TV
etc etc ......

But I`m very anal and can`t stand stuff that`s not right so I go above and beyond most people I think. My interior was new but it was white and I hate when stuff looks dirty (white always does) so I changed that even thou it really didn`t need it ...

At the end of the day it`s a boat that`s very solid and does everything I want it to do. The memories with my family spent on it are priceless.

I know every nut and bolt.

If you stop thinking about resale it makes it easier:lolhit:

They don`t make boats like this anymore

I love the look of the flat deck.

At this point I`ve solved most of the early issues so it is much more enjoyable.

Since 2015 it`s been trouble free (except for drives)and Ive taken it everywhere boating and enjoyed the $hit out of it.

Gets a ton of attention everywhere .

I don`t plan on getting rid of it so I`ve stopped counting $$ spent but trust me the first 2 years I wanted to burn it every other weekend.

If you`re not a maniac with having things perfect and can do things at a slower pace you`ll be fine maybe?

I`m unable to do that.

I`ve looked at a bunch of boats for sale and myself and my wife can`t find a replacement thats we like.

I`d like a 50' Hustler or a Black Thunder with #6 drives but then I`m starting all over with unknown issues / buying someone elses problems.

None of this probably helps... I can tell you now I regret nothing 5 years later. (expect when I see a sweet 50' Hustler for sale :D)




https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...4f026b33cf.jpg

I saw it and I was sold .


agree with dan. been here done that. got a good deal then sank tuck loads into it. look up bullet rebuild, still need to do the cabin too. sometimes think I could have had the gladiator or the 38 but is what it is. the boat is nice now but the surprises that got uncovered will all ways piss me off thinking about it knowing they got covered up.

Ironmanwb 11-27-2018 11:16 AM

Don't get frustrated. I waited for almost 8 years to buy what I have and then I only ran it 3 times before I tore it apart. You will find something and when it is right its right. My advice is about the same as the others on here. SURVEY, Water test, Leak down and compression. The other thing I would say is take at least 2 other people with you who know boats to look at it with you. One will undoubtedly SAY BUY it because they too will be excited and hopefully the other will be willing to point out all of the flaws so you can maybe see some things that you would have missed. I can say for one that on my last boat we overlooked a lot of things that seemed good but really were not my standards. I also made the mistake of thinking I could do the upgrades I wanted to in pieces. The reality of it was that we would have constantly been going backwards to move forward. My boat has been torn apart for 3 years now and I am not sure it will be done this year either. You should start making the payments to yourself now so you can put away more money for the next one that comes up.

Bajaorlando 11-27-2018 03:15 PM

^^^^^^^ 100 % agree with iron man

TxHawk 11-27-2018 03:54 PM

After reading this thread twice, my opinion is that you dodged a bullet.

ICDEDPPL 11-27-2018 04:17 PM

I`ll agree with Ironwomen, when you think you`ll just do little projects slowly over time it becomes one of those things "well I have this apart might as well...."
$150k later you`re like wait what happened here I could have bought something from this century that has stock 500hp motors and goes faster ...ooops lol :D

:bong:

Ironmanwb 11-27-2018 04:22 PM


Originally Posted by ICDEDPPL (Post 4661162)
I`ll agree with Ironwomen, when you think you`ll just do little projects slowly over time it becomes one of those things "well I have this apart might as well...."
$150k later you`re like wait what happened here I could have bought something from this century that has stock 500hp motors and goes faster ...ooops lol :D

:bong:

150K SHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH I told her it was gonna be like 10K at most. :party-smiley-004:

BBYSTWY 11-28-2018 05:37 AM

Hahahaha yea def see what you guys are saying because I just lived it with my Nordic...and obviously this would have been on a much larger scale lol

Full Force 11-28-2018 07:19 AM


Originally Posted by Ironmanwb (Post 4661112)
Don't get frustrated. I waited for almost 8 years to buy what I have and then I only ran it 3 times before I tore it apart. You will find something and when it is right its right. My advice is about the same as the others on here. SURVEY, Water test, Leak down and compression. The other thing I would say is take at least 2 other people with you who know boats to look at it with you. One will undoubtedly SAY BUY it because they too will be excited and hopefully the other will be willing to point out all of the flaws so you can maybe see some things that you would have missed. I can say for one that on my last boat we overlooked a lot of things that seemed good but really were not my standards. I also made the mistake of thinking I could do the upgrades I wanted to in pieces. The reality of it was that we would have constantly been going backwards to move forward. My boat has been torn apart for 3 years now and I am not sure it will be done this year either. You should start making the payments to yourself now so you can put away more money for the next one that comes up.

This right here is why I love the gun I got and decided the part the 2 others I got out, years of people adding and changing things will destroy a boat, leaks, wiring and there is WAY more hackwork that most will not see, when I looked at the Top Gun I knew it had the same elderly owner for 29 of its 31 years, and was the way he got it when he bought it in 1989 besides him having engines redone in 1999, still running on that power today. what I am basically saying is look for the most stock boat you can that was not redone or hacked, look it over well, climb around and access anything possible while looking, survey does not mean a whole lot to me after looking at 3 boats with "good survey" I found rot easily. my boat looks good for 31 years old, not perfect and it will take effort to make it perfect if I chose to, but it shows well, Now I seen Dans 86 FD and will tell you that is the nicest FD out there hands down perfect, but takes the effort time and money to get it there, and a lot of HATE MY LIFE nights.. The person doing Ironmans boat it will be the same, 100% flawless, not fast and cheap, but if anyone knows Snyders 36 and seen it then they know. I seen so many guys try to make things perfect and give up, lose to much time and money then sell, so always decide what you want when looking, if you want a perfect boat buy as new as you can with no re rigs and not many owners, but be prepared to pay the price... I have another friend that bought a boat a few years ago (Top Gun) no power, put together and had some leaks from rigging, in past, guess what he is doing now? there is a thread in Cig section on it.. no matter what if it has been taken apart and redone look it over VERY well...

Full Force 11-28-2018 07:33 AM

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...9338387472.png
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...84bc4377f5.png
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...76dfd41d2b.png
I guess what I’m trying to say is if you see things like this walk away unless your willing to deal with a lot of BS

cigrocket 11-28-2018 07:36 AM

No matter how you look at it. Many of the Guns and Cafe's that are at a price point 1986-1995 are truly approaching 23-34 years old. You have to expect some issues with these boats at some point. Even a little use and maintained, eventually stuff just deteriorates or wears out over time. Technology has advanced. No way is someone selling a fully equipped, turn key, museum piece with low hours, new drives, updated paint, etc for 35-40k. So you have to go into the boat and treat stuff and attack with a priority list. Look at the price of a new Top Gun. 400k vs 35k. Just a thought on the subject.

BBYSTWY 11-28-2018 07:37 AM

HA!! Looks like you were crawling around the bilge of my Nordic LOL

BBYSTWY 11-28-2018 07:42 AM


Originally Posted by cigrocket (Post 4661254)
No matter how you look at it. Many of the Guns and Cafe's that are at a price point 1986-1995 are truly approaching 23-34 years old. You have to expect some issues with these boats at some point. Even a little use and maintained, eventually stuff just deteriorates or wears out over time. Technology has advanced. No way is someone selling a fully equipped, turn key, museum piece with low hours, new drives, updated paint, etc for 35-40k. So you have to go into the boat and treat stuff and attack with a priority list. Look at the price of a new Top Gun. 400k vs 35k. Just a thought on the subject.

Oh I totally agree...and that being said I would change something on any boat that I would buy...I'm not a buy it and run it as is kind of person lol...have to modify or customize everything I own...I guess its an addiction you could say hahaha

I'm mainly looking at expensive things...motors, drives, trailer, etc....to me the cosmetics or even SOME minimal rot isn't that big of a deal as long as its manageable and doesn't turn into a total gut job...which every project can go that way in a hurry trust me I know....I think you get my jist

Full Force 11-28-2018 07:46 AM


Originally Posted by cigrocket (Post 4661254)
No matter how you look at it. Many of the Guns and Cafe's that are at a price point 1986-1995 are truly approaching 23-34 years old. You have to expect some issues with these boats at some point. Even a little use and maintained, eventually stuff just deteriorates or wears out over time. Technology has advanced. No way is someone selling a fully equipped, turn key, museum piece with low hours, new drives, updated paint, etc for 35-40k. So you have to go into the boat and treat stuff and attack with a priority list. Look at the price of a new Top Gun. 400k vs 35k. Just a thought on the subject.

exactly, as nice and clean as mine is, still needs lots of small cosmetics detailed as it’s 31 years old.. some of these none stock slugs are great starting point though, I did get mine super cheap that helps me wanna our koney intonit over the years, but also I do not expect to get it back also lol

BBYSTWY 11-28-2018 07:50 AM

Right..I relate it to several cars I have done over the years...the value is the value..doesn't matter how much you've put into it there is no way you're gonna get it back...that's why if I were to buy this one for instance it would be a "forever" boat....or at least a loooong time boat

BBYSTWY 11-28-2018 07:54 AM

The way I looked at it on this one in particular was...the drives and motors alone are damn near worth the asking price...so I figured hard parts alone if I was able to drive this thing untouched essentially in the mechanical department at least for say 2-3 years it would be money well spent...maybe I'm wrong but that's what I was looking at

Full Force 11-28-2018 08:11 AM


Originally Posted by BBYSTWY (Post 4661260)
The way I looked at it on this one in particular was...the drives and motors alone are damn near worth the asking price...so I figured hard parts alone if I was able to drive this thing untouched essentially in the mechanical department at least for say 2-3 years it would be money well spent...maybe I'm wrong but that's what I was looking at

I agree, there is money to be made parting that out worse case, have to basically be a cash buyer to do that though. not a fortune there in parts but enough.

BBYSTWY 11-28-2018 08:25 AM

Right...me NOT being a cash buyer...it would be a fix and enjoy no matter what it took lol

BBYSTWY 11-28-2018 08:37 AM

I've also been eye balling this one for quite awhile....the TRS drives scare me a bit tho

Any idea what kind of speeds could be seen out of this if the motors are what they say they are?? Didn't know if the flat decks were any heavier/lighter, faster/slower

https://www.powerboatlistings.com/view/54628

cigrocket 11-28-2018 08:51 AM


Originally Posted by BBYSTWY (Post 4661267)
I've also been eye balling this one for quite awhile....the TRS drives scare me a bit tho

Any idea what kind of speeds could be seen out of this if the motors are what they say they are?? Didn't know if the flat decks were any heavier/lighter, faster/slower

https://www.powerboatlistings.com/view/54628

That's a Gun, not a Flat Deck. I would say those motors probably make 625HP-650HP. In the gun with TRS I would say 75MPH maybe a little more if the setup, wheels are correct. It has a Transom Notch.. If the TRS drives were done by Riggs as well as the motors, I would say this is extremely reliable. I'd much rather have TRS drives, then Bravos on a 1988 Top Gun. If you keep that horsepower you will have no problems with the drives. Parts are easy to come by despite what you might hear. Not to mention, sets of those drives often show up in the swap for decent/cheap prices. Of course you added quite a bit of money right off the Top.

BBYSTWY 11-28-2018 08:58 AM

oops lol...why does it look so much different than that other gun I posted originally?? the deck looks a lot flatter which led me to think it was a flat deck....that's good news on the drives....that was kinda why I posted that...would I be better off buying something more expensive like that or cheaper and making it my own over time....of course assuming both are same condition..minimal to no sizeable rot, good trailers, "reliable" power packages etc

cigrocket 11-28-2018 09:04 AM

Probably more working room with your trade on this boat. So it may make you feel better, and numbers might work out for you. Obviously, same things apply...check out boat in person, leakdown/compression, survey...I personally like White...I had a 1993.

By the way, its the angle of the picture, but Flat Decks were done in 1986. Layout and look were different.

BBYSTWY 11-28-2018 09:09 AM

gotcha...kinda what I figured

I too love the white and in all honesty if I bought the original one it would be getting a white wrap more than likely until I painted it...love the simple look with the hawk on the front

Full Force 11-28-2018 09:16 AM


Originally Posted by cigrocket (Post 4661268)
That's a Gun, not a Flat Deck. I would say those motors probably make 625HP-650HP. In the gun with TRS I would say 75MPH maybe a little more if the setup, wheels are correct. It has a Transom Notch.. If the TRS drives were done by Riggs as well as the motors, I would say this is extremely reliable. I'd much rather have TRS drives, then Bravos on a 1988 Top Gun. If you keep that horsepower you will have no problems with the drives. Parts are easy to come by despite what you might hear. Not to mention, sets of those drives often show up in the swap for decent/cheap prices. Of course you added quite a bit of money right off the Top.

I agree with all of this, if you can throttle it and do not railroad the hell out of it the drives should be ok, but they are at limits, when I was at 600HP in my mistress I did not have many issues with drives, once I crested that and went high 600-700 hp I smoked them a lot...

Personally at 50,000+ I would buy a SSM gun... much better in my opinion, that's a lot for a TRS boat, but if its clean as it looks the rest seems done.

Knot 4 Me 11-28-2018 09:19 AM


Originally Posted by BBYSTWY (Post 4661267)
I've also been eye balling this one for quite awhile....the TRS drives scare me a bit tho

Any idea what kind of speeds could be seen out of this if the motors are what they say they are?? Didn't know if the flat decks were any heavier/lighter, faster/slower

https://www.powerboatlistings.com/view/54628

Happy to put a set of eyes on this for you if it is still there and you are interested.

BBYSTWY 11-28-2018 09:23 AM

That's kinda my thoughts regarding the price...I feel someone is trying to get the money out of it they put in it...my budget is around 50k assuming my heat is paid off..I don't think I can find a SSM gun for 50 unless it needs a lot of work...maybe I just haven't looked in the right place but all I have found is this TRS or that Konrad boat...80k range I found a lot of bravo boats which I absolutely do NOT want

What are the options in upgrading the TRS's?? konrads obviously but can they be converted to SSM for less money assuming I buy used??

Full Force 11-28-2018 09:23 AM

Looking through pics, if you tried to make that other gun that nice you would have 90,000+ into it... engines on this one have WAY better parts, if I was looking this really is not a bad buy especially around 50,000... switch to Konrad or SSm later of drives become an issue, you would be ahead more buying the all white one.

BBYSTWY 11-28-2018 09:23 AM


Originally Posted by Knot 4 Me (Post 4661278)
Happy to put a set of eyes on this for you if it is still there and you are interested.

I need to call them and see if they'll do anything for me trade wise on my heat and I may take you up on that!! Thanks for the offer!!

Full Force 11-28-2018 09:26 AM


Originally Posted by BBYSTWY (Post 4661280)
That's kinda my thoughts regarding the price...I feel someone is trying to get the money out of it they put in it...my budget is around 50k assuming my heat is paid off..I don't think I can find a SSM gun for 50 unless it needs a lot of work...maybe I just haven't looked in the right place but all I have found is this TRS or that Konrad boat...80k range I found a lot of bravo boats which I absolutely do NOT want

What are the options in upgrading the TRS's?? konrads obviously but can they be converted to SSM for less money assuming I buy used??

I agree you will NOT find a decent SSM gun under 50, I stole mine thank god when I did..

If a boat has nice paint, nice interior, nice engines and parts inside them, and also headers, and more... that adds up... you can spend 50,000 easily just in parts to build them engines, to me that's what I look at, "what will it cost me to build this'? I can assure if that boat was redone by a shop and not done himself he has well over 100,000 into it and then some.

cigrocket 11-28-2018 09:35 AM

Comes down to $$ and Value

39K vs 57K - What does the difference buy you, versus what upgrades are installed.

39K Boat...Upgraded Drives, Engine Package seems mild with Blowers.

57K Boat....Upgraded Interior, Gauges and Bezles, White Hull, NA Bulldog Power (lots of hours can be put on without much work) Resale value of Mercury Power is higher. Bulldogs had great internals, Notched Transom, White Dash, Silent Choice, Nice Swim Platform. Upgraded Bolsters,appears to be a nice Manning Trailer with polished wheels. and its been for sale for a while.

Can the items in the 39K boat be done for 18K. Probably Not

I don't know either of these boats, but on paper. Obviously the 57K boat has a lot of the items that need to be addressed on the 39K boat. So if you get better trade money, it would make more sense. Even if you did all the work yourself, 16-18k gets used up fast, not to mention the amount of hours, and possibly missed boating time versus enjoying boating. 2 Cents here

BBYSTWY 11-28-2018 09:36 AM

I agree...and being a mechanic that's what I look for as well...only concern I have on this one is that its been on the market for awhile and I'm thinking because of the drives hanging off the back

Wildman_grafix 11-28-2018 09:45 AM

Just me but this is why I always worry about "refreshed motors". Never know, I would almost rather have the motors blow up during the sea trail so I can have my own built.

https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/...ml#post4661276

BBYSTWY 11-28-2018 10:38 AM

I worry about that as well...what cousin bubba rebuilt them lol but it seems they have some hours after the "rebuilds" on the white one where any wrong doing would have been found...plus I think Riggs is a somewhat reputable builder...I've heard their name before with positive comments...but you never really know I guess

BBYSTWY 11-28-2018 02:04 PM

well...made the call on the white one...sent a few pics of mine in...see what they say!!

Smoke eater 11-28-2018 06:15 PM

Just a heads up. Grand sport is not that far from me as well. Hope this one works out better for you. They are decent people over there I looked at boats from them in the past but got suckered into another boat caus ethe wife liked it better haha. Well needless to say money would’ve been spent better else where. Good luck with it hope the trade works out better

ICDEDPPL 11-28-2018 08:30 PM

Dude that white one is NICE! Spend a little more but have a way better looking boat and it looks very clean.
That`s where I bought my boat and they gave me a fair trade in value on my BAHA. bad thing is they don`t really do sea trials.


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:42 AM.


Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.