Best Late Model 30'-35' Twin?
 

OK gang, I know this has been beaten to death with a handful of respective boats, but how about a straight up shootout for Offshoreonlys' best of the best offshore twin between 30 and 35'.
I know we've talked a lot about the Cigarette Mystique. Then there was the new Baja 30 Outlaw. We've touched a little on the 32 Active Thunder and the 33 Powerplay. I still don't think a 32 Fountain is big enough for twins, but would like to know more about the 35? Why do some Fountains have 1 step and some have 2 steps? What does everyone thing the best power to weight ratio is for a twin engine boat?
We've learned that for the most part the newer step bottoms are the hot setup. I've been spoiled being ably to run over 80mph with turn key reliability and don't want to go any slower. I can't afford a new boat and have limited storage space, (as well as limited money!) Besides, as Troutly said in another thread, We only need a 30'-35' at the Ozarks. Problem is, some folks such as Phil Lipschutz don't like to waste their time talking about anything shorter than a 35'. I heard he had a step bottom Mystique but by the time I was able to talk to someone down there, I was told it was gone.
So, Let's hear the top speeds with what power and drives on your lightweight twin hotrods. Do you like them and why? If not, why not? Sooner or later I'm going to figure out a short list.
Maybe...
someday...
Any day now... :rolleyes:

Re: Best Late Model 30'-35' Twin?
 

how about a cat gordo? you can run a 30 cat all day at LOTO... you came by and saw mine in my driveway at my old house over by tanned fat's house... you need something like that... :cool: ;)

Re: Best Late Model 30'-35' Twin?
 

Sean,
I remember that day.
Your's is a sweet looking ride.
A cat would be easier to get the speed I want on turn key power. I'd wouldn't mind owning a 30 cat. Problem is I couldn't afford the insurance !!!!
Besides, most all of my setup and racing experience is in V-bottoms so I'm probably better off sticking with what I know.

Re: Best Late Model 30'-35' Twin?
 

35 T/S Playboy cigarette!!! 500 efis 84-85 on gps... sitting on a nice manning trailer... looking at a nortech cat so it maybe for sale

Re: Best Late Model 30'-35' Twin?
 

It all depends on how much you want to spend $$.

I've heard the new 30' Vice is a tottaly differnet hull then the old Mystique. You can buy a new one for under $200k. Twin 496's get you 82mph. I'd probably be looking for a 35' T/S though.

I don't know whether you caught Phil on a bad day or what but I called him and he was just leaving his office going to see his mother, he said call him on his cell which I did. He spoke to me for over an hour about different boats and such. I told him that we still had a boat to sell and were not in a position to buy but he took the time to talk to me anyways. We'll definatley be buying a boat from him next. Thanks Phil.

Bobby

Re: Best Late Model 30'-35' Twin?
 

I would have to say the 35 Nordic Flame should be high on the list, with stock 500efi the boat runs 88-90 mph. That has to get some attention with those numbers.

Re: Best Late Model 30'-35' Twin?
 

Be prepared for the flurry of proud boat owner cheerleaders..... " I have a 'insert brand here', and they are the best !!!! "

With the 35 fountain it was a year thing with the step(s). 95 to around 97's had single step, and then they went with 2. Both fast with 500's.

Nordic is a well built fast hull

344 Hustler Cheeta will Gitty Up pretty good !!

35 Formula with blue motors will be in low 80's

33 Scarab AVS

32 Sunsation....fast, but small for it's size.

Or just buy Dreamer's Cig and save yourself some hassle.

Re: Best Late Model 30'-35' Twin?
 

Gordo,
I think that Hi-perf 2000 stated it pretty well, and I'm alittle biased, BUT when I was looking @ boats 35-38 ft. I found the Nordic to be the best "Bang for my Buck" deal out there. I'm getting ready to try some 28' labbed bravo1 that should put me over 80 mph with 502 MPIs and a fully loaded boat. We really like our Nordic! :drink:
Good luck,
Dean

Re: Best Late Model 30'-35' Twin?
 

FRESH motors new stereo throat mic intercoms 3 yes 3 sets of props(30p,30p labbed and 29p custom 5 blades)

Re: Best Late Model 30'-35' Twin?
 

Dreamers is an excellent choice.

Re: Best Late Model 30'-35' Twin?
 

You're right. Dreamers would be an excellent choice. Unfortunatly it would also be way too much money.
I've just about given up on this as I find myself looking for a Cigarette on a Bayliner budget.
I'm afraid to sell the Active Thunder because I may not find a suitable replacement. I would probably be taking it in the shorts if trading with a dealer.
Oh well,
Maybe next year... :(

Re: Best Late Model 30'-35' Twin?
 

Just keep your eyes peeled for another good Thunder... You know you can't go wrong with an AT...
Yeah Cigs are nice...but $200k for a 30' with black engines????????
Take a look at a Superboat too...
Pantera has plans for a 32' as well.
Sonic will get you bang for the buck, but you'll need Serious power to see 80+.

The Nordic should get a good look. Powerboat just tested one with V-10s.... Sweet.

Then there's Lavey Craft....
Or find a nice Formula FT.
Oh, and Donzi now offers us a 35 ZR....

Choices Choices Choices.... :drink:

Pick your budget.. then everyone will help you narrow it down.

Re: Best Late Model 30'-35' Twin?
 

Mike , with all your talent why dont you look for something without power and needs some work? in the mean time theres plenty of us you can hitch rides with.

Re: Best Late Model 30'-35' Twin?
 

You mean there's something else than a Cigarette? :D:D:D

Re: Best Late Model 30'-35' Twin?
 

Steve,
I've been looking for something like that, but those deals are few and far between, and go quick when they do.
Troutly,
I'm the typical boat shopper. I started out looking at older Scarabs, Formulas and Fountains in the $40k-$50K range. For a little more I could get a little newer and a little faster. I've spent a lot of time talking to some highly respected and knowledgeable members about the Cigarette, Apache, and a few others. Now I'm into the $50-$60 range for an older boat again. Since I am single white trash, on a single firefighters salary, (read; "poor"), I would be foolish to think I could afford anything over $80k for 12 years. Another issue is my shop is 24' x40' so a 33' boat on the trailer is about max. I would love a 35 or a 38, but that brings up storage issues. Besides, the power to weight ratio of a 31 or 32 seems better than that of a 35 or 38. I realize that is not always true, but that's why I asked about different hulls speeds with equal power earlier in the thread. I would really like to have the speed of a newer step bottom boat, but nothing can be touched for under $100k. I have to admit, I fell in love with the 30 Mystique that Phil Lipschultz had. Small, quick, nimble, light weight. Not sure what it sold for, but I'm sure it was out of my range anyway. Since creature comforts are not a big issue, I would love to find a somewhat late model Factory 2 race boat that I can install a kind of "cover-girl" cabin myself. Again, I always seem to be "just out of the price range".
I know, same story, different boater. ;)

Re: Best Late Model 30'-35' Twin?
 

As I read the previous post, I realize I maybe a bit hung up on the step bottoms. I've also seen a couple of beautiful Powerplays, (i.e. Wizard of Oz), a nice Hustler or two, and a couple of beautiful Active Thunders. I think If Todds AT, (Best Revenge) would have had split bolsters he would have sold it long ago. Fred is right, the Sutphen is also a screamer with a traditional bottom. I've not really been a Fountain fan in the past, but you just can't argue the speed they get out of a base power boat. Since performance is key to what I want, I keep going back to race boats. The old Factory2 "Virgin" or the "Maxx" boats would be fun. I saw an old Factory 2 Nor-Tech somewhere. If that was the old Mastry Marine boat, that would have been a sweet setup. The old "AC Delco" Fountain was a fast boat. What ever happened to these?
By the way, here is a pic of the Mystique that I was told went to Phil LipSchultz...

Well, I was gonna post it but someone seems to have erased it. (freakin A-shift guys).
I'll find it when I get home.

Re: Best Late Model 30'-35' Twin?
 

Gordo,

though it may not be as much of a wave crusher as a factory race boat, PowerQuest have a few boats in your size range and quite possibly your price range...the new 300 revenge does better than 80 on stock 496hos....and a 340 viper will do 80 on 502s with a little work done, (both with twin steps).....like i said it wouldnt be the best wave crusher, but they do build a helluva boat

Re: Best Late Model 30'-35' Twin?
 

Gordo,

I like my American Offshore cat for speed and ride at LOTO... mine is a 2004 with 496 mag HO's and i have seen 94 GPS at LOTO on a nice 75 degree day. btw for sale in the classifieds... Also I know of an older AO with small blower motors that runs 105+ that would be a great boat for LOTO that can be bought just under 80k.
Don

Re: Best Late Model 30'-35' Twin?
 

Thanks for the responses gang. Keep em coming.
I've looked at a few PowerQuest boats and liked what I saw. Wasn't sure how fast they were. No doubt beautiful boats. I hope to see some at the Overland Park show or maybe the St. Louis show.
Chromecat,
as much as I like the idea of running over 90 with stock power, I'm not that much into cats. Besides, from my recent insurance shopping, I don't think I want to insure a cat.
Wildthing,
As much as I like the Pantera, I think a 28 is just a little on the short side for twin bigblocks. I agree with you about the Fountain, Formula or Cigarette. Those are the three names that keep coming to the top of the list. Now if I could just find one for around $60k! ;)
Speaking of Formula, Are there any 31' Fas-Tec Formula owners out there? If so, how do you like them? How fast is the 31, the 35, and the 38 all with identical power? Say, 502mags? or 496 Mags? or HP500s?

Re: Best Late Model 30'-35' Twin?
 

Looking forward to it! First one is on me. :drink:

Re: Best Late Model 30'-35' Twin?
 

interesting reading.
Thanks Troutly.

Re: Best Late Model 30'-35' Twin?
 

What about the new Donzi 35 zr, not everybody will have one of those.

Re: Best Late Model 30'-35' Twin?
 

I know you already mentioned the 33 powerplay, but i highly recomend it. I bought mine last sept. and i love it. Im in the same budget range as you and tis boat fits the bill. Classic looks, good rough water boat and pretty fast with mild power. I like the fact there arent many on lake St.clair where I boat so it turns some heads. :D

Re: Best Late Model 30'-35' Twin?
 

who has the 32 AT in LS?

Sean

Re: Best Late Model 30'-35' Twin?
 

Reading your specs for price range; size; twins with speed; etc. I've got to say Sunsation's 32 footer. Yeah cockpit slightly smaller than most, but the cuddy is larger than most 32's headroom being the exception, but the v-berth is large.

Speed (82 with 496HO's); good looks; solid construction able to take a whuppin'; cuts like a knife in the rough; factory support; and so far very reasonable pricing. I'm hearing the Dominator deck is about to marry the Innovator bottom adding the headroom factor and twin step marketability to the line.

Re: Best Late Model 30'-35' Twin?
 

Trout -

Look at the 1990 33 Powerplay for sale on Sharkey's website...

This is my old boat and it actually looks cleaner than when I owned...this boat is mint and even has new gauges.

Right in your price range too ! :D

Re: Best Late Model 30'-35' Twin?
 

See my sig....I was in a similar position as you: I want to spend <$80K, 30' - 33' (slip in my dock won't handle more than 33'), well-built, something that will last me 5-10 yrs, and deep vee. I'm more concerned with rough water ride than all out top speed; I just want to be able to cruise 50-55 in any kind of water, with an occasional jaunt to 70 or so. I settled on the Formula 336 for those reasons. It has timeless lines, IMO, and plenty of features like a fridge, enclosed head, McLeod bolsters, etc.

Re: Best Late Model 30'-35' Twin?
 

Less power, rigging, paint, trailer, maybe a real light layup. :D

I didn't see he had an 80k or less # to work with. A/T or Power Play for speed, Sonic if you want to spend the night on it.

Re: Best Late Model 30'-35' Twin?
 

You should have jumped on that Nortech!!! :rolleyes: 100mph!! No Cabin!!! but hey, who cares....You never get lucky enough to need a stabbin' cabin anyway!!! :eek:

It's a little bigger than you are talking about, but check out the 38ft Larry Smith Scarab in the Classifieds!!! Over 100mph, #5's, Donovan blocks, 6pack, for under 100k!!!! :eek: Now figure in that you might be able to strike a deal closer to your $$ figure!!! (we can always bring the front of your shop out another 10ft!!!) :cool:

Re: Best Late Model 30'-35' Twin?
 

Oh, and like Steve said.......Find a FIXER-UPPER!!! You know that's what I've always done!! You just have to have the kahoni's to Cowboy up and buy when you see the DEAL!!! Of coarse that means I have had to make two boat payents at the same time.....but with creative finicaning it can be done pretty easy!!!

Re: Best Late Model 30'-35' Twin?
 

Maybe we should change the name of Gordo's thread to:
"What can I buy for under $60k?"
That would take care of a lot of the suggestions here..

I too was in the same situation when I was buying (shiz, I am boatless now).
I wanted to spend 40k, then I looked at 50k, then 60k, then 70k.... You guessed it. I wound up spending more than 70...but I got a real nice boat.
This is what I bought... twin 502 mags. Great boat. It was a '99. I recently sold it for what your budget is. The boat ran just under 80. It could have broken 80 with some work..

Personal advice: Don't try to "stretch" what your budget can honestly get you.. or you'll wind up with a POS.

A 33 Powerplay would be just right..provided you can find one with engines that aren't tired....
FYI- I just ran Albert's 28 Pantera this weekend. Yeah it's an X race boat with a NEW single 750.. but it does 85 easily... I know he's considering selling. A couple pics from Sunday for ya.

Re: Best Late Model 30'-35' Twin?
 

I knew the boat you were referring to. I've actually talked to Doug a few times about it. Been in it myself when it had the big power. It's also had a long, hard life.
There have been some sweet boats mentioned here. I wish I had the means for a few of the top picks. I must admit I would love to see a 33 PowerPlay for the right price. Now to make things a little more difficult, I'd like to stick with Bravo drive boats.
I keep trying to send the Cig Mystique I mentioned before, but it keeps saying "File too large"... :mad:

Re: Best Late Model 30'-35' Twin?
 

Check this one out also!!!

Velocity

Re: Best Late Model 30'-35' Twin?
 

Gordo, Yes being poor and wanting a bigger boat I have that problem too. In the classifieds under the Formula section Toolman has a very nice 303 w/ 502`s efi probably low 70s than add prochargers later, but the boat and trailer should be in your price range.

Hope this helps.

Re: Best Late Model 30'-35' Twin?
 

well heck Gordo, I have an 89Formula 311 w/ 502's and Bravo's for sale, if your interested comes with trailer, ready to go...410-746-0020... Rob

Re: Best Late Model 30'-35' Twin?
 

Gordo, I happen to know of a 2000 39' Velocity ex-race F-2.....8 races,3 poker runs. I can get it done for 125k, can supply pic's to view. 500fei's,3 sets props,painted alum trailer,back seat w/f-2 hatch for racing.Boat runs 90+.Call me......1-269-208-5321 Want to play a game of pool........

Re: Best Late Model 30'-35' Twin?
 

oops..........500EFI'S

Re: Best Late Model 30'-35' Twin?
 

Slam dunk 35 Nordic....speed+ looks+ value = smart $$$$$$

Re: Best Late Model 30'-35' Twin?
 

for sale under 80, but not for 60.

Re: Best Late Model 30'-35' Twin?
 

Brad,
I was thinking I would not be interested in another Velocity, but the one you posted sounds like fun. The Formulas look really nice, but if I go that route I'd like to get a Fastec hull.
I am very familiar with the Sunsations and really like them. I'm hoping Dave H. will be at the boat show this weekend?
I've been to the Nordic plant a couple of times, but wasn't paying any attention to the 35 at the time. Never seen one, never been in one. The speeds with stock power looks impressive, Of course new is out of my price range, but would like to do some more research on these...