We are talking about a different time my friend. In 1996-1997 AT and OL focused on the same customer. Today they do not. The customers that built both the OL and 388 Hustler at the time did it with full factory support. Both did it to beat the AT’s. I remember mike coming down back then to dial in the boat.

The new AT’s are more akin to a TG versus anything else. I would categorize it as an open cockpit offshore deep V with “some” newer technology and "some” bling. Compare a 39 OL to a 37AT in ride. I have been in both and the 39 OL’s ride is laughable but fast and stylish. I am more of a substance guy at the end of the day. I am old school.

I know all about the older 37 OL's and the 388 Hustler. I also happen to be good friends with the one's who designed both!:D:D

Who did design both?

Both done by Fiore's!:D

Very well rounded to say the least.

Bingo! My short list, er only list, was 38 TG. I spent several hours riding in and driving BillR's before I decided I had to have one. My biggest concern was the loss of cabin space over my previous boat which we overnighted on quite a bit. Then decided to give AT a try. Flew to Pampano and went for a RIDE with Pat. Sold!

Now I will say that having AT offer to take my boat on trade certainly helped facilitate this deal. (Could not find any Cig dealers to even consider it.) It made for an easy/quick decision and is why I named her Sudden Thunder.

As for which boat rides better, I can't say anymore. I used to think the Cig had a slight edge, but I now have enough seat time in mine it would be interesting to compare them again. But, as Clark said, the deep cockpit of the AT (and cabin ofcourse) is really what sets this boat apart.

I can speak volumes on AT's hull design.

I purchased the first 33 step bottom AT produced and ran it with the 37 AT's in the snottiest chit you can find.

In 6 to 8's with 12 and 15 foot holes coming back from Key Largo, we ran 45 to 50mph with one other 37 (just breaking in his motors) side by side. We'd come up from a swell and lose sight of him and then go down in a swell and he'd lose sight of us. Fun stuff.

There were also 2 other 37 AT's with us that ran ahead from Miami to Pompano at 50 to 55mph in the same water.

No body else was out that day.

I have to say if I was shopping for a brand new boat today the AT and the Cig would probably be the only 2 I would look at. The AT would have attention for several reasons, such as the rave reviews, speed with stock power, all the extras, but most of all the price difference. Both boats considered at the same price I am afraid the Top Gun will come out on top more often. Cigarette is the standard that all boats strive towards. There would be no AT without Cigarette IMO. The Cig has built a solid reputation and following from not only it's offshore abilities but also it's craftsmanship. These boats hold together, you are not screwing them back together at the dock. I also feel that these 2 boats appeal to 2 different people, one is built to be rugged and has a bear bones cabin because it's owners are buying the boat to run it hard in the slop and are not using as an overnighter every weekend. The other wants a true performance boat that has all the ammenities and it used a weekender. The AT to me is attractive because of all the reasons listed as I get older I am not looking to go out and run in the biggest water I can find anymore. I have never riddin in one yet and would love to but I have seen them out in 2-3 and can't even come close to staying with them and then I have seen them out in 5-6 fts and I can pit some distance between us. I believe there is no substitute for length and displacement when it gets rough. I have also seen full cabin boats with frig's and microwaves fall right out in the cabin on the way home from Block Island. Each boat has it's strong pionts but to say one is better in every way just because they want to say the are better then the other is laughable

The 38 TG and 37 AT are the same length and weight. The 39 TG is a foot longer. Are you running those 37 AT in CT? The AT is not better in every way and if you show me that quote on this thread I will by you a drink. The points on the AT is that you get the just as good as of a "Ride" ride with more "cabin amenities". Some are even saying the AT is a better bang for your buck.

Again I don’t see anyone posting and saying that they are better in every facet...

Agreed on the best bang for your buck, I am not trying stir up trouble it is just my opium that the Cig is built for more abuse and the AT is more comfort. Can someone post all the specs on each boat over all length,weight,price etc. I think for many if not most the AT is the better boat for the dough but I love how many threads on OSO are about a boat being compared to a Cig. Donzi's,formula's,AT,outerlimits,etc. There is no debating whether or not the Cig is quality or not the question has been are any of the others of the same quality for less money. It is a good fair question, I would not want to pay the premium fir the Cig until I was looking for resale then I would have been glad I did.

It's a shame you had a bad experience with Cig at the show. I would call the factory and have a dicussion with Tim. It sounds like you are a serious buyer. If you are, I would tell Tim your story and let him spend some time with you. Sounds to me like either boat would work for you but I wouldn't discount the Cig based on a bad boat show moment.

No question you pay top $ for a new Cigarette. Do you pay extra for the Cig name? Yes. Is it worth the extra money? For a buyer that has the money and wants the best wave crusher in the business...yes. And that is not a secret. For a buyer that is lookin for alittle bit of everything like space, comfort, amenities,and speed, and the extra 50k or so for the Cig is going to be a deciding factor, probably not. Cigs were designed as offshore race boats, IMO they have not strayed much from that "title". So if you want a true offshore race style boat, Cig is the answer. If you want an "all around" offshore boat, AT would be better.....With that being said, Cigarette boats have been THE name in offshore powerboats for over 30 years and I dont think AT, Fountain, or any other manufacturer can or will ever match what Cigarette has done for the "offshore sport". There is a #1 on the side for a reason!!!!!

Does not sound to me like he is discounting the Cig in any way.... Actually I think he gave one of the MOST objective comparisons i have read here on OSO... Most ppl on here are so biased in there opinions sipmly because of what they own it is VERY hard to get an accurate compairson.. but that is just my 2 cents... what do i know i own an old ass formula...lmao..

I think all boats should be compared to Cig in some way. Their brand equity and goodwill is second to none. Their history is second to none. They have a cult/lifestyle following like Harley Davidson. That doesn’t mean that Honda doesn’t beat Harley on certain products or in certain characteristics. Cig sold a lot of boats when Craig ran the company, but they quality is no where near where it is today under Skip. He has taken it to the next level.

With regard to your comparing the capability of a Cig and an AT... Unless you have been in both in comparable condition you really should NOT make the comparison. I believe you only said you have seen AT’s in similar water. I was posting my experience with both since I have good experience in the 39TG, 38 TG, and the 37AT. I also have a lot of experience in the 35 Café and the 31 Bullet. Lets try and stick with comparing 2010 product to 2010 product with real life experiences, not assumptions and hearsay.

There is a little sawed off man with jet black hair who wears a lot of gold that would argue that point with you.:p

Ha Ha Ha ...If your talking about Reggie, I think your right! He also is a legend! I cannot argue what he has done. Very fast boats.....but the beak!!!!!:eek:

I'll say one or two things on the subject.

I am surprised you had a poor experience at the boat show. At the Jammin' on the James Poker run this year Tim stood with me for about an hour and a half talking boats with me, and couldn't have been nicer. I only say this because I thought it was a very nice gesture in light of some of the big hardware there, and the fact that I was a 28 year old kid in a 20 year old CIG with a cup full of Aristocrat who was OBVIOUSLY many decades away from being in the market for a new cig - he had nothing to gain.

IN MY OPINION, CIG is ****ing up by not offering more full cabins because I think that is important to alot of people. To that point there are a handful of 39's with an enclosed bathroom and a more "livable" cabin - I think these should be one of the hottest commodities out there.

The couple AT's I have been around looked awesome from a fit/finish standpoint.

Something NOONE has mentioned and will keep me loyal to Cig for as long as they suit my needs is that there is (in my opinion) NO boat in the world that has the looks and lines of the cigs - whether in the water, at speed, in the air, or on the trailer, the lines are unparalleled.

That's to funny. He can argue that point all he wants but like mentioned also it's that little beak that sells that boat. Can't argue the fact there a great looking boat however I have owned two of them and wouldn't consider another one.

If I recall, he is comparing boat manufacturers that were present at this year's Miami boat show.

Apache was not present.

I thought I would let him decide since it was his thread however I deleted anyway. I will start a new one. In the market for the same needs and expectations of a boat. I didn't realize the importance of who was present or not.

Maybe I'm wrong, but I thought he was comparing "new" boats...

There are many great riding hulls in the go-fast world.

Pick what you like and enjoy.
Steve

I am out, like I said, they are both very nice boats, and if you want to get put in touch with the source, PM me. If it were up to me, I would drive both boats, give both Tim and Pat the opportunity to sell you a boat, and make my decision based on what they come up with.

I hear ya, my bad.:drink:

That about sums it up!

Now, what happened to the thread starter? Did he tire of all the cult bravado?? :party-smiley-004:

Fun thread! :drink:

Did you send him info on yours before he disappeared?

[QUOTE=Macklin;3049204]That about sums it up!

Now, what happened to the thread starter? Did he tire of all the cult bravado?? :party-smiley-004:

Fun thread! :drink:[/QUO

Hey guys, all in good fun here. Its winter in CT. and everyones goin crazy waitin for spring. No disrespect to anyones boats, their all nice boats. Just makin a few points and backin the "Family"! :flag:

Last year, we were fortunate enough to take The "Ride" at the Miami boat show. I have to tell you I and my wife were very impressed with the AT.

I have ridden in many different boats, and it comes down to a choice of cost vs bang for the buck for us.

All boats have high points and lows. I have been a Baja owner for many years, we have had from the small to now the 40, as our availability to go bigger came, we stepped up.

My next progression I saw was the 2 boats you are compairing here.

My take: The AT first, GOOD solid ride, I really like being able to work directly with a family owned builder (that personal touch). The styling, colors and layouts of materials are directly to the specs YOU want. And cost for return, VERY good. Down side: resale to the open market, no matter how great a boat is, if people don't know what it is, they are not even going to consider it.

The Cig: BEAUTIFULL, attention to detail is amazing, go fast at it's best in my opinion. Easier to sell once you are tired of it, everyoine knows and respects the Cig line. Down side, being considered one of those Cig owners!!!(just kidding) and cost is much more.

Had we been able to sell our boat last year (obviously we all know the market) We were ready to buy/order the AT. It too would be the stepping stone like the Bajas we have had over the years, but eventually the CIG is still the one we strive for in the end.

I guess the bottom line is, it is YOUR money, what gives you the best "feel" when it is all said and done. Do you have the stepping stone mentality, or is this the final boat purchase?

Either boat, would look great in anyones stable!!!!!

For what it's worth, I stopped at the Cig plant unannounced. I told them upfront I was just curious and tire kicking. They could not have been nicer. They gave me a full tour. The guy with the hat was my tour guide. Very knowledgeable and a wizard with the upholstery. Also; I have had the privilege of a ride with Pat in Pompano. The 37 rocks.

I say in this day and times be glad you can have any of the above mentioned boats, hit the water party and have fun , after all isint that why we pay the big money for these awsome machines. If we all had the same boat!! well that would just suck so enjoy and party on.:drink:

they are both great boats been in both, never felt a AT CHINE WALK, can't say that about cigs or any other boat .we never had a cw in any water with steves 33. cigs do get stress cracks seen some on two 31s and 35cafes I looked at over the last 10yrs up here they were ocean running cigs. made in the late 80s. I think the new owner of cig has taken them to another level. AT has always been at that level weather its the 28/32/33/37. The 33 I had the most time on in all water calm to 6footers or so. a few block island runs. trouble now is the AT is just as good but 150 to 200 k less unless cig dropped some pricing. BUT 1 of my favorite boats is a old school 38tg loving looking down the bow from from the front bolsters high 80s. so unless cig was with in 50 k it would be a AT. OLs are nice but to much cake, I loved the old 37s ol.good luck steve hope you get a 39 to replace the 33 next year. if I get another boat after the 28saber it will be a used tg38,37at,37ol . its just I wanted a blown boat 1st. hey if you order new I would go with konrad ace drives and custom efi 800hps on either hull save some cash or go merc 700nxts with these size boats. and being able to go a 100 plus.

No disrespect taken. Someone already said it, but it's always good fun watching folks get roiled up over their brand. This one is personal for me because it pertains to my two favorites. :drink:

Now where is the thread starter? :grinser010:

Well said! :boat: Where Is the thread starter?!?!?!

He is at the closing for new boat lol. Let's face it he can not make a bad decision here, I think there have been some good points made here one of my favorites was the ability to work hands on with the owners of Active Thunder while getting the boat custom built, that plus price would definately be attractive to me.