Looking for the right boat
 

Im doing a lot of research on the boat that will fit me and my wife-to-be, but there are some quesitons I have that I cant find the answers to.
Im planning on spending around 90 grand or so. I love the donzi, it was the first power boat I got to see up close and ride next to at the lake.
I want to know if a donzi 28zx will be big enough for inlets and the ocean. I know we take the 22 foot fishing boat 20 miles out and thats fine, but we are only going 10-15mph b/c of the waves, and if they are white capping even at4 feet its a no go. I dont want that to be much of a factor. The only thing is that the donzi28 has small blocks (I really really want that big block sound, and I dont know what the small blocks sound like), and im not sure if thats big enough to take in the ocean or sleep 2. Do small blocks sound noticeably different than a big block? Im still up in the air about the donzi, I like the baja 275 or outlaw 29, fountain(since im about 1 hr from the factory) and sunsation as well. The higher end boats are too expensive for me, b/c I would like to stay in the 2000 and up, and since my wife will be with me it's got to have a decent size cabin, and winsheild or big enough windscreen to keep her hair from blowing out and whatever else is loose. all that being said. out of the 4 which boat would possibly be best for :

1) value
2) resale
3) ride performance in rough water
4) speed
5) size of cabin
6) quality
7) sound .. i know its silly but i have a preference for that deep melodic sound that those big blocks have. and do the 496 HO or 502 sound the same as the 500,525 HP. I dont know what twin small blocks sound like so if they sound the same as twin big blocks then that would be great.
8) if anyone else has something to add that I might need to know please post your response.

These are certainly newbie questions, and a lot of them.
I would rather find them out from trusted people rather than salesmen.

-chris

Re: Looking for the right boat
 

Check out the 1999 28 Pantera w/ twin 502s for sale in the Classifieds.
That will sound great and crush the waves!

Re: Looking for the right boat
 

If you are interested, my boss has a 96 model formula 336 with twin 500 h.p. 's in it and it only has 120 hours on it. this boat is vertually brand new. It could be had for that price range and even has a BRAND new trailer.

Re: Looking for the right boat
 

i would look into a 31 sonic. great cabins and great rough water ride.

Re: Looking for the right boat
 

DO you mean this one?????

I'll second that suggestion!!!

Re: Looking for the right boat
 

I know of a '99 32' Active Thunder that has just had a complet rebuild on the top end of 500 hp's. The motors run better now then when they were new. New throttle cables, belts, distributors gone thru. All major mechanicals on the boat have been gone over or are new. the trailer is a Myco tandem with Brand new brakes and bearings and tires. I have an ad in the classifieds. could be had for just under 90k. It is one of the best rough water boats in this size range you will ever find. Here is a pic.

My phone # is 608-207-8320

Todd Kjell

Re: Looking for the right boat
 

I was logged in under Tracy's Id on the previous thread.....there is contact info in my profile....thanks

Todd Kjell

Re: Looking for the right boat
 

Have fun NOT boating, because with a list like this.........your going to be looking for a very, very long time until you find that perfect boat, that fits you and your to be

Re: Looking for the right boat
 

If she's going to be doing a lot of boating with you then you'll love side by side bolsters like this Thunder. Makes it easy to talk and if it's a left hand throttle then she can drive and you can twist the sticks. My favorite setup, although my son has replace my wife in the right seat.

Re: Looking for the right boat
 

First thing you should do is quit worrying about how the boat is going to sound. Small blocks, big blocks, 496s, 502s (almost identical), it won't matter, they all sound good.

Focus on ride quality, build quality and cabin space. Like Too Old said, narrow your list of boats down to a few that have the above three attributes and then hone in. Read, read, read, learn, learn, learn. Boat shopping is fun so have at it :)

Re: Looking for the right boat
 

Let her help pick the boat.She will be able to spot items that you will overlook during your shopping.Tell her to talk you out of buying each boat you look at.Write down every reason.Go home and think about it.Write out pros and cons.Narrow down your choices .Definitely include her in the buying process.

Re: Looking for the right boat
 

I drove a 28 Donzi with twin small blocks before I bought my Hustler. The Donzi was very nicely built and rigged. But, the ride was not as good as the Formula with twin small blocks that I had, and the handling was OK. In addition, I found the cockpit was cramped and with little storage. I also was not impressed by the cabin. Keep in mind that this is only a 27' & change OAL with the molded in swim platform. At the time, I was disappointed as I could have bought the boat very cheaply( owner was motivated and just wanted out). But, regardless of how good the deal, I just didn't like it.

Re: Looking for the right boat
 

well, she really really wants a 33zx, and if thats the case, then we will have to figure out the money situation. I do like the active thunder but won't the wind be a problem with no windscreen or windsheild? Im not all that concerned with the speed and all that I was just asking those, really I do just want a HP boat that we will enjoy.
thanks for the quick responses !

Re: Looking for the right boat
 

35 cafe racer mid to late 90s fills in most of your requirements

Re: Looking for the right boat
 

as far as no wind screen....yes the wind blows, but you can always add wind deflectors...i never did cause i love the wind in my face....would never own a motorcycle with a windsheild either...:D

Re: Looking for the right boat
 

Yes, take the wife when shopping. Pick a no wind day to do a test if the wife is with you, otherwise go out on the worst day!

Wife demanded an enclosed head, I thought it did not matter. Now that we cruise for ten days at a time, she was right!

Pretty tough to go wrong with a Sonic 30/31, just try to buy a used one in good shape! I "lost" three before I finally got mine.

Big blocks will have better resale value and will be easier to sell if you decide to switch boats in the future, no doubt about it. I have twin scorpion small blocks, they look and sound cool, but it is hard to go wrong with "always get the biggest engine." Which boat/engine combo would you buy first if shopping used performance boats?

DO NOT GET alpha drives, TRS or other "wacky drives" make sure they are Bravos, unless you are throttle to the wall all the time. Then you want to get surface drives. Upgraded steering is good to get also, expensive if you decide to add it in later. Don't get carb motors, make sure they are fuel injected modern blocks! (Oh I know I am going to hear it on this one!)

Good luck and have fun!

Re: Looking for the right boat
 

You Can Make Any Engine Sound Mean. But In My Opion It's Dum For Them To Sound Mean If They Really Don't Move. If I Was Look For A 2000 And Up In Your Price Range I Would Go With Either A 28 Panter Or A 33 Powerplay

Donz Jr Mike

Re: Looking for the right boat
 

How about Lucky Strikes TopGun? :eureka: It's in the classifieds. :D :D

Re: Looking for the right boat
 

Its all personal preference,,,find what you like spend your money and take your chances,,,,research is a wonderful thing,,do lots,,,personally liked the Formula products,,but thats just an opinion..I've gone through 10 boats in the last 15 years and came back to a Formula a second time,,if your interested I've got an 02 292 Fastech that I'd sell in your price range.(I want to buy a PC Formula)
Nick