I am not familiar with LaveyCraft boats and was wondering what you guys could tell me. I am looking at a 2004 29 MCOB w/ a 525. How is the quality, ride, etc? It looks like that would be a mid 70s mph boat. What power would it take to do upper 80s/90? Is there anything I should look for? Thanks!

Boat ran 75.2 with a 525 SC (490 shp) but I don't know if that was closed or open, so a 525 boat (500shp) should run as well or better.

Extremely high quality- vacuum bagged, the step is not included in length so its a 30 ft boat.

Unlike an externally painted East Coast boat these re gel coated and typically utterly fantastic - like works of art.

Virtually no interior to replace - the whole cockpit is fiberglass- the boat is fully interlined. of course on open bow has a bunch of fabric.

These are VERY hard to find used.

Ill let the guys that own them chime in but these are very fast machines.
Many were sold with teague 800's and Im guessing these are mid high 80's or low-90 boats.

This is a world class boat.

Good luck.

UD

79mph was my best, I could never break 80, 76-77 for normal conditions. I LOVED that boat, and miss it. It really comes alive in the snot and you can't go wrong with it. I concur with UD, rare find indeed. I would think that all you would need to get into the mid 80s would be a whipple, but you might want upgrade some other aspects of the 525, I would definitely talk with Eddie Young.

Good Luck

As both others have stated very high quality builds. Lavey was doing a lot of vacuum bagging ahead of other builders as well as the inner liner. They did some offshore racing with them as well, they are a very proven boat.

I have been in that boat as well, It is a very good boat, I like the 29's and is on a bucket list to have one someday.

The problem for me, I do not like Mid cabin boats so its more rare from Lavey to find a full cabin 29,

The neg about the boat and I am not knocking the boat but it has rotary cable steering on 70 mph plus boat. ( Berts boat had rotary steering ) - that is very out dated steering set up and does not cost that much . The only other thing I saw was the wiring behind the dash - could really better installed and a lot neater.

Next is and my own deal is - I hate the 150 dollar black plastic rub rail. I know I am going to get dogged for that one but a 150 K plus boat should not have 150 dollar rub rail on it. Just does not make sense to have a 25 K gel cote job but falls short in the rub rail department for a better looking and a better quality one. Just saying. I really like the boat and the all 29's, only giving my opinion professionally and would not hold back buying one especially being the little things listed here. They run very good as well .

There are only about 20 closed bow 29's made from 99 to 07 - half with twins one twin 600SC rig (yee haa) - so the pickings are indeed slim.

Like any custom deal...you get the steering and parts you pay for - most of the 29's have a real steering system of some sort, but many customers are amazingly short sighted when spending money here. I wouldn't buy a boat that big or fast without it - nor would you- but guys cut this corner all the time. What I find amazing is guys will buy big tabs before they will steering.

I agree on the rail, fair gripe- but that always been an option- I think Chris doesn't even do that one anymore...

I would LOVE a 29 but it wont fit in my driveway.....

Hope you are well Bup!




UD

Taking a lot breaks from the heat Dave, hell getting too old as well. The heat is the kicker for me especially without a dealership anymore.

You know I really like the boat and including yours, All 29's and 2750's, actually if I could I would own both. .

I was just giving my opinion to the OP who was asking and would not those little things hinder for buying.

I do have to say, Berts boat does have a single ram external Hydraulic Steering. If it did not have this, I would not recommend this boat for speeds over 70 mph with just rotary cable steering only. Just saying.

If I bought the boat, I would upgrade to full internal Hydo sterering and would even add another ram for the external. Just saying.

If there is anyone up here that knows a bunch about Lavey it is UD plus he is a very honest person who will shoot U straight.

Hope you and your wife are doing as well. take care.

Keep cool boss!

Hell... I have a fully hydraulic ITS on my 21ft boat!

But then we've established Im deranged...


UD