Shopping for my first boat. Was looking at older 39' Ocean express (few and far between) then was considering 33' OE's like I said few and far between so I seen a 33' Eliminator that caught my eye. How do these 33's daytonas handle the ruff stuff( how big of waves?) I now live on the west coast of Florida and would like to make the run to the Keys.

Or should I be looking at 36' cats?
How long has Eliminator been making 36's?

I would like an older boat with bigger power.
Im still trying to get a feel for the pricing of eliminators but if you guys see something for sale shoot me the ad please.

Ive checked boat trader and the oso classifieds and the mls listing and fastboat.com thats all I really know of.

$120,000 is my budget for now. Since this is my first boat and there will be a lot of learing from my mistakes on it, there is no reason for me to spend more then 120k.

Thankx

The 36' came out in 2001, it will be hard to find one for that price. Big power your going to need big drives(#6's). There is a 2002 36 for sale on Boat Trader for 219000 with big power and #6's. You can find a 33 for the price you are looking to spend. Look on Boat Trader for the 33 there are a few of them. The best deal on a Elim. I have seen is the 2003/2004 33 w/ 525EFI for 165000.
Don't expect to go out in 5'+ slop and run the above cat w/out breakin something. Rollers are a little more forgiving.
Good Luck

If you go with an older 33 Daytona, be sure to test drive it. I'm not sure when they changed the steps (~2001), but the older ones tend to hop.

Tend to hop? elaborate on that please. And is there a fix for that problem?


Ptufaro- I kinda figured the 36's were still kinda new for them but wanted to make sure.

Please keep the info comming thank you.

The old 33's would porpus, a tunnel tab is a patch for the problem. The 2000 33 is very different from the 2001 bottom, they are identified by a smaller step in the bottom. Not telling you to completly stay away fom an older 33 just be aware.

So your saying anything thats 2000 or older make sure they come equiped with tunnel tabs?

the older 33 daytona's hop i have one a 98 but it is fine with the tunnel flap
i have had mine since 2000 and i love it runs great in ruff water

Or be ready to add one. It is only my opinion but I would put one on if I bought a 2000 on down.