Advice wanted - Formula/Scarab/Hustler
 

I am looking to get a larger boat (35-38 feet), with solid performance, 500EFI's, and good value. I am looking at new or lightly used boats (50 hrs or less), and from a value standpoint, I am focusing mostly on:

Formula 353
Scarab 38AVS
Hustler 388

Budget $140-190K.

I would like to get some opinions from fellow OSO'ers, along with what you think a fair price for these boats would be.

As for other boats, I am not a fan of Fountain (design & aesthetics do not appeal to me), Cig's cabins are too small for my needs, OL's are too expensive, etc.

I appreciate your feedback.

If there are any dealers reading this, and you want to offer a deal, let me know. I have a 2002 288 Sunsation 30hours w/500EFI for a trade.

Thanks!

HP-J, you would be doing yourself a favor if you checked out Cardshark388's boat - it is immaculate!

I would also look at Active Thunders. The NEWER 37 AVH's are sweet. Hustlers 388 is a sweet ride as well. Good luck.

Check out Nelems Marine. The owner is Magicfloat from OSO and he has 4 353's listed for sale.

Mike check out Cardshark! I have been in the boat and it runs real nice. It is spotless too.

No disrespect to the owner of Cardshark, but I think the price is too high. Thanks for mentioning his boat, however.

It is an *asking* price... ;)

its still high but the 388 is a great boat

35 Sonic, Low 80s with that power, large cabin, great in rough water, great fit and finish.

Sidebar;
Milord, love the signature.
Hunter Thompson and PJ O'Rourke make for some very entertaining reading :p

BOY ARE YOU RIGHT 388'S ARE LOW PRICED ON THE MARKET !! I had one and lost my shirt ,,cardshark is nice forsure though,,, its just they really can be bought right , do look at the a/t they are nice
Again no disrespect to cardshark ;)

I can't comment on the Scarab AVS. But, i've owned a Formula and have a Hustler. Both, are excellent boats. But, I think it's like comparing a Mercedes to a Ferrari. Formula is geared to creature comforts, Hustler speed. Formula may be a heavier boat, but they're built like a tank. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another Formula. Even if it wasn't as fast. Suggest try them both, then decide.

HP-J, take a look at Active Thunder, the 37AVH is a great boat, excellent in the rough stuff with stout construction and rigging, check them out. www.activethunderboats.com Thanks Jeff:D

Formula- too heavy
Hustler - too much
Scarab - just right

SONIC........Decent speed, head room, and ammenities. Plus it eats up the big water. Good ride and comfort/safety. And they are priced very well.

Thanks for your responses. I finally made a deal!

I just pulled the trigger on a new 2003 353 Formula. It should be in my possession next week!

Thanks again for your input. I think the Formula will really meet my needs.

Congrats Mike ... did they take the Sunsation on trade? What did you get for power int he Formula?

2000 382 Formula
 

I have a 2000 382 Formula Fastec for sale. It has HP500EFI for power and brand new Teague Platinum XZ drives. The boat has every conceivable option onboard including generator. If you have any interest in this boat lets talk, my price is very flexible.

[email protected]

Congrats, just in time to have a great summer.:D

Hustler 388 all the way!

http://www.offshoreonly.com/gallery/...850Hustler.jpg

I have a 2001 Cigarette Top Gun about 100 hours on the boat (bought new in 2002). 500 EFI's, XR's... still has about 4 years of warranties left on motors and drives. 2003 MYCO aluminum trailer with drive guard, tool box, spare...Also still under warranty.

I might have a new cat in the works (just got off the phone with the builder today), so I think I will need to sell the Cig.

I know it is a little above your price, but I would sell for about 220k.

James,

Yep, they took the Sunsation on trade. Power in the new boat is 500EFI's. It should be a great all-around boat for respectable speed, comfort & handling. If you see me out on the water in the summer, be sure to drop over and say hello.

By the way James, who would you recommend for custom audio installation? I want to get a kick a$$ stereo in the new boat. Should I consider Factory Auto Sound?

Factory Auto Sound all the way, you won't regret it, installation work is second to none, they have done several friends boats, they all sound great. Congrats on the new ride, maybe see you out there for the fireworks tonight.

Thanks Ran-Dom. I'll call them today.

What types of soundsystems do your friends have? Are their systems the same brand, or different? I'm not too familiar with who makes good aftermarket systems. Thanks for your help.

Troutly,

Thanks for the congrats. Paint design is Gold Imron Daytona Beach (red, blue, white), and no Stellings.

Mike it sounds awesome. I would go with Factory Auto Sound too. Find out if they can get you Babb speakers, don't use their subs but a ton of guys on here swear by their marine speakers. Other than that they should be able to point you in the right direction. Everyone has their prerferences on brands of equipment, I'm sure they'll hook you up.

HP-J - in the last 2 months Factory has done 2 Velocity's a Hustler & a couple Baja's - all the boats are using diferent component's I'm using Alpine & Kicker Amps Pioneer speaker/subs & deck - depends how crazy you want to get DVD flip screen ect. - talk to factory & they will set you up properly, no doubt

Ran-Dom,

To give me an idea of budget, how much have your friend's spent on their systems? I've never bought a custom boat (or car) audio system. Thanks.

Mike, you will probably be around 3K+ for something that rocks pretty good installed. I put $2500 into my car and about the same into the boat ... the car is fine, the boat needs more for sure and it is smaller than yours.

Milord's about right about $2500 to start off with a good head unit, a decent amp & couple subs, do it right the first time - I've got about $4000 in mine, (started around $2500) than added to it . have to have good tunes

Ran-Dom,

Thanks for the info. By the way, what engines are in your 32 Dominator?