Airpacker

JS, I would put the build quality on an earlier PQ up against anything out there. I had a 230 for 10 years,beat the living you know what out of it and it never creaked,cracked or groaned. The boat is now 13 yrs old and its at my shop this morning for a new shift cable. I had 3 customers ask me this morning if this was my "new" boat. You should look around for an early 90's 29 enticer. Sweet boat,loads of room and awsome quality.

Sean

P.S. when are you going to trailer over here and go boating with me?
I did my trip,now its time for you and GLH to make plans to visit me

Reckless32

Funny, no Fountain, Formula, or Baja supporters are pitching in. Of course, this is a pony that's been spanked a few times....

Vyper340

My experience with PQ is simple. Good customer service, better than average fit and finish, and a great boat for the money! It's not a Cig but none of the other boats mentioned are either. In this category, Formula probably has the best fit, finish, and ride but it will cost you $$$ and it won't be as fast with the same power.

BillR had a 280 and JohnB has one now. I think they're a great boat for the money. I also love the lines of the Sunsation and think it's a good riding boat in the snotty stuff.

Mad Hatter - I'm not sure why your friends boat rides poorly... What year is it, what type of water are we talking, and no offencse, does he now how to drive a stepped hull boat? I can speak with authority on the subject since I've had mine for the second season now and have 190+ hours on rough bay and ocean waters. In fact, during our last poker run I beat several of the boats mentioned here as well as a Top Gun with HP500's during a 20 mile open ocean run in 3-5 foots swells that were launching us all for some serious air time! Riding right next to a 38 Fountain, my little 34 landed better and had the edge in speed also. BTW, we were running 75+ on 3-5 foot boat launcing swells at the time.

I would suggest that your fried use a little more or less tab and mark the indicators to match level with the hull. It sounds to me like he's using too much tab and causing the boat to porpoise (needs less tab).

BillR

Before my 340, I had a '00 280. That was a fun boat. It had the largest cockpit (where you spend 90% of your time) and cabin. Built quality appeared (and was) well above average. The ride was fast and dry. I would recommend one to anyone in a minute.
The ride on a 280 is loose like a fountain. The boat didn't creak or groan. I run in the ocean and the lower Chesapeake bay (which is usually pretty snotty) and that boat had zero problems handling it.
With any boat there will be some issues that need repair. The PQ customer service is absolutely the best. If I need something, I just call up to PQ and I usually get whatever I need taken care of by the next weekend. NEVER have I lost any boating time.


As far a Sunsation, Beautiful boat!!!! You can't go wrong with one of those either. I have seen 1st hand what Reckless288 has put his Sunsation through. It will hold up well. Speed wise, those two boats are very closely matched.

Fountain will be the smallest (and most $$) of the two. They were too cramped for my tastes.

Here is a pic of my old 280, the windshield does change the looks of the boat. Everyone has different tastes/needs. I prefer the look of a windshield.

I also find it funny that Madhatter is complaining about PQ's ride, yet he owns a Velocity. A boat known for pounding the crap outa ya. PQ ride is not the best (Cig, AT, etc) but it IS well above average. I have been riding in alot of boats recently so I do have first hand experience.
Also my interior is great. Not as nice as a Formula or a Donzi, But I would put it in the top 10.

snopro13

I own a 280 I think it is a very good solid boat. No shakes or rattles,well balanced. It is not afraid of rough water. Don,t know about the other boats but compared to a 29 Fountain the PowerQuest rides a lot better. Not my words but friends of mine that have been in both boats.. The best way is to compare them all and make your own choice... good luck.

BillR

Nice big cockpit

BillR

And a big cuddy as well

BillR

BTW: I too ran the same poker run. At the first (race?) card stop, Vyper340 came in first then a Cig, a Donzi then I came in 4th or 5th. Yes, we were running 75+ in the ocean. The ride was fine. There was an area coming around the point where the ocean meets the Ches Bay and that was lousy for EVERYONE, yet PQ's beat the majority of boats.

BillR

Notice Scott's boat: Flies level, no tabs. HHmmm sound familar???

ChrisK

I dont have a 280, but I do have a 237... Not the same boat I know.. But the fit, finish, build quality, and ride have been great. No complaints what so ever.

Mad hatter, if you dont like the PQ, then dont ride with your friend. Simple. Personally I dont like Velocity, even though they are built less than 20 minutes from me. I think they are ugly as sin, but I dont bash em when someone is just asking a question about them. Lighten up man!