i cant seem to decide between the two. the Rage obviously is cheaper, faster, with better gas mileage. but the Heat seems to have alot more space, i prefer how the bow can be totally closed off, and even though its slower i will be on Lake Michigan so may prefer the smoother ride vs speed.

why did you go w/ a Heat or Rage over the other? any pros/cons i'm not considering? being a first time boater, do i go for the smaller boat or bigger due to the tough waters of lake michigan?

too many decisions!

I think you answered your own question. Where you normally boat, and those water/weather conditions, as well as what you like to do (ski, cruise, poker run, over night, raft off/party/entertain), should be the determining factors in choosing a boat.
I have never boated on Michigan, but I understand it can really get rough. You will like the extra length and freeboard of a larger boat in those conditions.
I have a Heat, and on the generally smooth lakes (1', 2'ers) around here, it is perfect. However, I've been boating, or on poker runs on some big lakes where I would have been better off with a Flame. Which leads me to this, most of us get "5 foot fever" after we've owned our boats for a while. It's only natural. The larger you start out, the longer you delay the onset of this dreaded disease.
The Rage is a great boat too. As long as it says Nordic on the side you can't go wrong .............
Regards,
Steve

I have a Rage, and for what we do, and the lakes we boat on it fits us great. However we don't boat on anything like lake Michigan. The Heat would seem to be a better fit for Michigan in my mind, the bigger the better.

The Heat is Nordic's #1 best selling boat.

The Rage is a good boat.
The Heat is a great boat.

I know several Rage owners, that are planning on stepping up to a Heat at some time.

I have never heard of a Heat owner saying they wish they had a Rage.

I know of a couple of Flame owners (35 ft boat) that say that it is just a little too big for general purpose boating, and that if they were to get another boat, they would get a Heat again. These are guys that had Heats, and then stepped up to a Flame.

The Heat is one of the best general purpose boats made;
You wouldn't want anything smaller out on the ocean or something like Lake Michigan.
It is small enough to still have fun pulling innertubers or wake boarders.

I could have bought any boat made, that cost under 200k. I did lots of reaserch, flew all over the country to test drive boats, and you can see what I bought.

With the economy the way it is right now, you are not going to find a better time to find a good deal on a Heat.

I absolutely love my boat!

Chris

thanks guys. i'm leaning towards a bigger boat but its a steep price jump i'm trying to justify...thanks again

28 HEAT

The 28 is your boat I have sold 28's to a few Lake Michigan boaters and they have never complained about there choice. If you like the peformance on the 25 w/496 Mag HO then a 28 with a blue motor is the way to go. 500 EFI or 525 EFI either one will perform like the 25 w/425 hp.
Take a look at our web site I have 2 used 28 heats with blue motors and both are in great condition.

Unlimited Marine
KY Nordic Dealer
unlimitedmarine.com

This is a easy one HEAT. I have a heat as well and love the boat. You will love it too

I have them both but I really want a Sprint...lol

I've used a 25, 28 and 35 Nordic on Lake Erie, which is very similar to Lake Michigan. In my opinion, the 25 can only be used on calm days ( we don't seem to get many of those on Erie). The 28 handles a lot better but the 35 does the best job. For a rough lake like Michigan my choice would be the 35.

Frank
www.franksmarine.com

I've never known anyone that went from a Flame to a Heat. The Flame is a perfect size for any occasion. I've had both. As big as that lake is I would find a Flame. You never half to worry about paddling back either. Never been in a Rage but I have thought about building a nasty one.

Between the Rage and Heat...get the Heat!!