Active Thunder
 

I believe I met Outlaw Cowgirl recently. This weekend I was asking her opinion on an Active Thunder 28 Savage. She said this site would be the place to get some good feedback on this boat.

Can anyone help me? It is a new 2004 and has a 496 HO in it. Are these boats put together pretty well? It sounds like it from the website and a couple of brochures I have read. Will it perform well? One salesman told me from 63-66 mph.

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Dave

Re: Active Thunder
 

purdy blond with a baja?
you might try doing a search for active thunder for more info.
also try the owners forum.
Active Thunder

Re: Active Thunder
 

They are a custom boat, mine is 100% balsa core, hull, sides, deck. I would think this is too, excellent rough water boat and built very well. I have a 32 and there is no flex at all in any sea. I don't have a pad or a notched transom, i don't know if the 96 28 did, I have been impressed by the ride and have 80 hrs, it is new to me this season. If the price is right you will not go wrong.

Re: Active Thunder
 

Jafo has a 28 with twin 350's in it. I've driven it in some pretty sloppy Lake Michigan chop and it did awsome!!! Upper 60's to 70 with his motor package. And no rattles to be heard anywhere.

'Foul

Re: Active Thunder
 

I have a 1999 32' new to me this year and so far very solid. Zero rattles, very well powered. It takes anything Lake Havasu AZ. has to offer.
I had 11 people on and it did great. It has twin 500 efi's bravo 1's 28 pitch 4 blade and gets out of the water the same with 2 or 11 on.

Re: Active Thunder
 

AT does not use any wood in construction now. They are very well made and the rigging is impeccable.

Re: Active Thunder
 

Member Chris on the board has a 1999 28 Active Thunder Savage with a 502.

I have been on it several times and the boat runs great in sloppy water. It has a high free-board so you always feel secure when the water gets rough.
It has a good size cabin and just is a good looking boat.

Cordell

Re: Active Thunder
 

2003 37 Active Thunder, twin 496HOs, new to me this year, bought with 100+ hours on it, and I have known the boat since new; as the original owner is a member here on OSO; ToddW.

Realize you are looking at a 28, but here are some stats: The config on my 37 is a consistant 76 mph boat, no matter how loaded. I even pulled 77.6 at one time, with a lot of fuel and 4 people on-board. Two weekends ago, I was going to try for 80 in the salt, once I ran some fuel (and beer) out of the boat by the end of the weekend. Too bad I broke a drive within 5 miles of dropping in the Chesapeake Bay. The hull on the 28 and the 37 are very similar. The Harry Schoel designed DDC (step) bottom is VERY efficient. Case in point, my boat will plane on one engine, with both props on; and run 30 mph with only one engine. I have not planed the boat with one engine, but Pat, owner of AT has; however, I did run my Port engine out of fuel, and continued back to the marina on plane for a couple miles at LOTO on just the SB engine; the weekend I bought the boat.

I love this boat. Rigging is neat and clean, amenities are plentiful in all boats. I have toured the AT plant, and met the owner. Its a small, but honed organization. Personally, I have never ridden in a 28AT, but I don't think you will go wrong with the purchase as long as You like the ride.

Also check out the AT owners forum here on OSO; which is linked above, and again here:

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/f...splay.php?f=30

Search back posts for lots of info.

There are a few folks here on OSO that are pretty knowledgeable about AT. Jassman has forgotten more than most of us will know, and Pat, may even chime in as well.

Re: Active Thunder
 

redbuddy, do you have some pics of your 32

Just courios, I had a 32 and I like to see different ones

Re: Active Thunder
 

I have a '94 25' with a 454mag and this boat is solid. Lots of room even for a 25 footer and the boat loves the rough stuff. Took it out on Lake Ontario Saturday with 4 to 5 footers and the boat flew like an eagle.

You can not go wrong with the support either. Pat was more than willing to provide information even though I was buying a used boat privately.

Re: Active Thunder
 

My wife and I LOVE our 28' Thunder. The boat is very well built, and eats up rough water. The cabin is very comfortable for weekends aboard.
Feel free to call me or e-mail me with any questions.
Chris
814-450-5529 - cell
[email protected]

Re: Active Thunder
 

more

Re: Active Thunder
 

Thanks everyone for the help. I really appreciate it. The AT 28 sounds like a good boat......now I just need to figure the finance thing out...

Dave

Re: Active Thunder
 

DAVE!
Good to see you on board. I hope this helps you make your decision. You know which boat I thought you should get..... :D

Re: Active Thunder
 

The 2004 and up 28's are out of the old 32 mold. Solid ride, and nice freeboard.
The 28 with a 525 runs about 76-77 GPS (freshwater), so the 496HO should run mid to high 60's.

Adam

Re: Active Thunder
 

I am going to show a little ignorance here, what is freeboard?

Thanks again!

Dave

Re: Active Thunder
 

"The 28 with a 525 runs about 76-77 GPS (freshwater), so the 496HO should run mid to high 60's."

Is 75 horsepower going to pick it up 10 mph?

Re: Active Thunder
 

Freeboard is the distance, in height, from the floor of the cockpit to the top of the gunwhale. What's a gunwhale? It's the top edge of the hull side, on an AT, it's the walkway along the sides.

Re: Active Thunder
 

Freeboard is when you stay at someones house for free and dont pay any rent..............just kidding, freeboard is the height of the side of the boat when you are standing in the cockpit, all the AT's are very deep cockpits, when in rough water you can feel very safe because you are down in the boat. great boat if you have small children.

I have had two AT's a 32V and 37AVH, once you ride in one you will be hooked and if the cabin is important to you then you have about the largest for the 28 foot size.

Re: Active Thunder
 

Wild, here is one. It is now My Issue. The motors are 502s with a slightly upgraded HP500 kit. 1:36 drives (Yes it is stamped on the side) 25s but I need 23s to get the full power, I am happy with 4800, keeps them together. Should be 5400 :)

Re: Active Thunder
 

Miller- your probably right....maybe 70.

75HP will get you 7mph in the 28AT- keep in mind we are talking about the difference in a 525 and a 496HO- and I do believe the hp #'s on the 525 are conservative. I have been in a 28At with both set ups and saw 69 with the 496HO. Too many variables to pin point an exact #. If in question, go with the larger motor(s), you'll be happier... :D

Re: Active Thunder
 

and I know someone who may sell a 2003 28AT with a 525 if anyone is interested, just pm me for his #

Re: Active Thunder
 

Of course, it could be the distance from the floor of the cockpit to the top of gunwale.... geez, 'foul, I'm starting to think you went to State!

Re: Active Thunder
 

Have you looked at Sunsation Boats ?


http://sunsationboats.com/

Re: Active Thunder
 

Why? Are you talking about a 32'?

Re: Active Thunder
 

Why You ask? "Customer Service" after you buy the boat is Fantastic. From being on this board I can see Customer Service always comes into play after we have all purchased our boats.

Re: Active Thunder
 

What in the world does Customer Service have to do with a boat and if it is built correct and will handle different water conditions. What in the middle of the ocean in 6 footers you are going to call someone at the factory and that will help your boat do better, PLEASE. If you want Factory Support buy a SeaRay.....I will say that the support at AT is pratically nonexistant, but what do you really need the factory for after you buy the boat other than warranty issues? AT builds bad A$$ rock hard boats, point blank.

Re: Active Thunder
 

I have to say that I disagree with excursions comment about the customer service being "nonexistant". The one thing you will find is that if its something that isnt a warranty issue the factory....any factory will reccomend you get the work done at another mechanic. You have to remember....the factory is not a "service center". They will take care of warranty issues on the boat but if you have engine issues or are looking to do differnet up grade things or stuff on that order, it is best to look else where. The factory isnt set up for that kind stuff. But when I have had issues with my boat I have NEVER had a problem getting answers from the factory.....it may take a day or 2 to get a call back, but I have always got a call back.

Re: Active Thunder
 

You took me wrong AT Todd, what you said is what I was trying to get accross, that for the little things figure it out for yourself, basically. The factory dosent have time to answer everyones stupid questions, but if there is a problem with the production of the boat, then thats when the "CUSTOMER SERVICE" should be used.

Re: Active Thunder
 

I just read my post again and I don't see where I said a Negative thing about A/T.

The factory can't be swamped with calls all day long? Guess you have to deal with that when you buy from a small shop with no support,For that matter a network of dealerships. But When you do have a problem I'd like to be able to call either a Dealer or the factory and then get support or a part I need.

All I said was have You looked at Sunsation boats. They are a Growing company with "Great Customer Service" And if I 'm going to spend my money I want to make sure I can get parts and service with out tracking down anyone for days or weeks.

Re: Active Thunder
 

CAP071, it depends on how you look at it, I felt you also were trying to say in a diplomatic way that A.T. customer service sucks, so look at Sunsation, meaning their cust. service is much better. Do you own a Sunsation yourself, or just know other people that do own their boats and are happy like the majority of people that own A.T.'s. It's all relative to that particular thread.
I went back on the A.T. thread and noticed you were on there quite a bit, I call a spade a spade, you might think your funny at times, and you can be, but some of your sarcastic remarks like "Is A.T. even building boats anymore", can get a few people in an uproar. There were a few other incidents, but I believe I made my point. Have a good day. Jeff Jassby

Re: Active Thunder
 

I owned or own a Checkmate, Baja, Formula, Sunsation, and A Rinker. Sunsation Did have Fantastic to Outstanding Customer Service.


"Is A.T. even building boats anymore", Was in NO WAY meant to be a sarcastic remark. That's why I don't like posts and e-mails because you can read a letter but never hear the person's tone of voice to realize " how" they are speaking. Because when I called there I got no answer and no reply from them. And the web site at that time had No boats listed as if it was a old site. And someone e-mailed me with issues they had, telling me to wait to purchase one. I asked That as a Question not as a Statement. I also know people with A/Ts' that are happy as hell. I myself would consider buying a A/T in the Future.

And if never stops raining here I may need to shortly

Re: Active Thunder
 

Like I said, you can be funny at times, and some humor at times is great to have, it really lightens things up on this board. I also agree, with out hearing the persons tone of voice, it's hard to understand the context that they are trying to portray. I just didn't notice any of these :p or these :D thats how I always tell if it's a joke. Have a good one :drink: :D

Re: Active Thunder
 

Did AT stop building the 25? I see its not on there website.

Re: Active Thunder
 

Best to my knowledge, yes. When I last looked at their website, I only saw 28, 33, 37's. Jeff

Re: Active Thunder
 

I may be going postal sooner then I think. :drink:

Re: Active Thunder
 

hey CAP , those AT guys stick together..... and us previous owners too :D

I think Jassman, Excursion, Todd all have valid points. I think if you read the posts a few times you'll see. I have never owned a Sunsation, and I'm sure their customer service is great, if you say so, but you can't take away anything from Pat. One man, 2 businesses, numerous employees, going around like a chicken with his head cut off (busy), and he does have customer service. Don't sweat the small stuff, and he'll catch up to you on the major items......
AND how did "Sunsation Boats" get into this AT thread??? :D

Adam

Re: Active Thunder
 

They still make 25 ATs.

Re: Active Thunder
 

Pat just sent me an email, the 25 is back. Go to OSO A.T. owners forum.

Re: Active Thunder
 

Give Capo a break (he's a overpayed postal employee in Phila.) As for AT....I have 250+ hours of Chesapeake Bay confused water on my 1999 25 AT. Not a problem!!! I did have some gauge issues when I bought the boat home from FLA. in '99 and Pat handled them right away. Read some of my posts in the AT forum.....you'll see another satisfied customer!!