I'm getting conflicting reports. Half the people say Pacific Ocean use is no problem for a 32 Skater. The other half think the Pacific is too rough, and the idea is crazy. I'm in the Ventura County area of So. Cal., and the ocean is rough here, typically 3-5 footers with wind chop added in for good measure. I was out in a 29' Baja Outlaw yesterday, and the ride was bone jarring.

I'd like to hear what your experience is, especially if you have been in the Pacific.

Michael

our old 32 was raced in socal for years, ragamuffin, if i was you i would look for a 36 skater. we will be in long beach in a few weeks with the old 36 with the new owner.In the red racing, come by and see us
mike stancombe

Michael, looking at Cheng's old boat, eh! Just under $100k with 850s and #6. I've thought about that boat too.

Since I'm here, I have a quick question for the Skater guys... Why the significant price jump between smilar age 32s and 36s?

And I'm looking forward to seeing you guys at the Rum Run in a couple weeks!

I own a 32 Classic - a lot of it depends upon the balance if the boat and how you want to run it. I have raced the waters you are running in, San Diego, Dana Point, Huntington Beach, Marina Del Rey and a 32 would be OK but on the majority of the days you would take pretty good beating even if the boat was well balanced, - and if the boat has Bravo's, you will use a drive a trip.

Big difference in physical size, freeboard, etc,. from a 32 to a 36, I agree with Stancomb, probably a better choice for the application considered.

Gregg Reichman

Could be a lot of reasons - you see 32's with Bravo's, I have never seen a 36 with them (significant price difference), also power, you see a lot more exotic power plants starting in the 36's and going up from there. Also, the 36 is simply a helluv a lot more fiberglass and the pricing is significanly higher on the hull from Skater. Those three elements add up.

Gregg Reichman

Thanks! That all makes sense. Greg, your name seems very familiar to me, did I meet you at the Scope lunch run in Los Al a couple weeks ago?

No, I have never been to a SCOPE Event. I raced with Pacific Offshore for from 92 through 98 and on the National Circuit 2004 and 2005 but do most of my pleasure boating at Havasu.

It is possible that we have run into each other in the Delta or at Havasu.

Good luck with your purchase.

Gregg Reichman

I appreciate all the feedback here.

It would also seem that a major factor would be the inside distance from the bottom of the sponson to the top of the tunnel. Too short a distance, and you will get wave slapping against the tunnel, which would make the ride especially harsh. Is there a big difference in that distance between the 32 and the 36?

Michael

some yes, you really need to try to wait to find the best 36 for the money. troy just bought our old 36 classic for popra and she is a runner too. 36 skaters can be had from 100,000 to 225,000 depending on power.
i would look for a 36 or if money is a big issue a 32 with 4 or 5's drives

I say it depends on the day. I used to run out of Long Beach all the time in a 05 30' Spectre with outboards. (Remember Long Beach and some of the areas are blocked by Catalina at times.) So some days it was like a lake, some days I would get my ass handed to me. Those days I didn't venture to far. I have run outside of the "blocked" are of Catalina, run up north and down towards Dana Point. Like I said, some days were great. I could run 90 all over in and out of the water. One day it was 25 mph and I looked I went swimming with my clothes on. I think a 36' would really fit the bill much better. You could do it with a 32' if you were going to run the Pacific one weekend and Havasu the next. But for running the ocean all the time I would say 36'. I am sure you know, but when things change out there it changes fast and big.

Andy