I bought a 2001 28' Nordic with the 496HO (single). We're getting 67 @ 4950, 41 @ 3500. We'd like to cruise faster, but not with this horsepower. WOT is not that important to us, but fast cruising is, that's why we're disappointed. The engine has been flawless after 130 hours and there is no doubt it's a good engine. Oil changes and winterization are a breeze, so from a routine maintenance standpoint it's excellent. The closed cooling is wonderful since I boat in salt water, and the engine temps are better regulated that way, no need to change anti-freeze for 5 years :D. It's just that it is pushing a single 28' boat that is the issue, if I was ordering this boat all over again, I'd get something like a Chief 540 EFI, but that's jsut wishful thinking at this point. Hope that helped...Steve

I've owned 3 new boats in the past, all under 23 feet. The depreciation is TERRIBLE ON NEW BOATS!

Lost---
47% on the first boat
43% on second
40% on third

Last year I bought an 8 year old boat with only 150 hours on it! (Formula 303SR1)

When dealing with larger boats (over 25 feet) new boats depreciate way too much in dollars, especially certain brands.

Find a clean used or leftover with a waranty.

Just my .02

Toolman :D

Indy I hear what you are saying I have a 28.8 Sunsation with a stock 502 mpi. I wish this boat was a little more faster at cruising. When I look at what I cruise with they all have twins. A 29 baja outlaw (twin) a 28 sonic (twin) a 28 donzi (twin) Here I am pushing my boat with a single. But don't get me wrong this Sunsation My god for a single engine a WOT I am right there with these twin boats. :fish:

Oh yea I also lost
38% on first boat
32% on second boat

I would never ever buy a new boat, Well unless I becomse rich or hit lottery for millions. Thats when i'll buy an Outterlimits:D

I'm not convienced that the waranty outweights the hit you'll take on the deprieciation. I'd look for a nice late model.

You can definately find a boat 2 or three years old thats in meticulous condition for about 1/2 of what it sold for new.


i would never buy brand new unless i didnt care about the first year depreciation. Its a killer

Hey fdaddy,my friend has a 36 baha,like a 98,with 502s,i rebuilt,white and purple,not used alot,a nice clean boat,also has new ex,i think about 80,if intrested e mail,[email protected],tripps

A 36 doing 80 on 502 power? Whats done to them? someone around here has a 32 with twin 502@500hp ea, 75 tops.

I might be mistaken , but i think he was referring to the price.. 80 being 80k

its hard to decide;
how long are you planning to use your boat?if too long buy new..
on the other hand if you are gonna change it after 2-3 years buy used.
you loose money when you decide to sell your new boat but dont forget you never waste time with rebuilding ...etc...new boat new engines thats cool.

i would buy new ;

Man, time is running out and I need to make a decision. I appreciate everybodys comments. My dream boat is a Cig TG. I found a '94 w/ '02 500 EFI's for about the same price as the Outlaw. ($125k-135k). I emailed the dealer (Grovers in NY) about the availability of an extended warranty on the '02 engines and how financing goes on an older boat. I'd love to go w/ the Cig. if warranties are available and financing is good. We'll see.