I'm thinking about geting a bigger boat, mainly for a smoother ride/safety factor, so the family can be more comfortable. I have a 14mo old daughter and another on the way. So I'm considering a early 90's 35' Cigarette Cafe Racer with 2 415hp 502's. I do realize I would be going from a 82 mph boat to one that would barelly click off 70 (I still have to decide if I can live with that) But overall what are some opinions on this hull? Any strange caracteristic's I should know about? Would you consider it a good rough water boat? Anything I should look for when I'm checking them out?

Thanks,
Frank

I had a Cafe and all the parameters you indicate you want up there are true.

Slower
Smoother
Nothing strange

I recall being out with cowisl/Chris with my son sleeping on the floor of the cabin in his life vest in 4 footers the boat was flying and my son did not even wake up or remotely moved around.

It is slow but it is a tank. They are great boats. And it's ""one a them thar Cigarette boats""!!!

Hope this helps.

I would love to have an updated Cafe' in the Garage, I think its a great boat, big wave boat that tows well.

Same hull as the Mistress- maybe slightly lighter.

I've seen more than a few rotten transoms in Cafes- way more than Mistresses. Maybe just my luck but maybe not. Get a good survey.

We busted a 35 carbon boat, (1993 I believe ) running in Georgian bay in 94. Twisted it hard enough to detach 2 bulk heads and spit rub rail screws half way from the bow to the fairing. It was rough but it wasn't THAT rough. Surprised me and the owner somewhat. Other than that, it seemed to be a nice rig.

I have a 36' apache and though it is not a cafe they are quite similar. I actually parked next to a 35' cafe this weekend and there are noticeable similarities. Mine is as stock as they come with 502's and I would maybe hit 70mph if it was 45 degrees outside and I had perfect chop.

We have a 15 month old son and on Saturday he slept on the back bench seat next to my wife while I was running 40 to 50 mph through the LOTO washing machine.

You aren't going to win any races but it should be a great riding boat and for us we rarely run over 55mph anyhow. As your kids get older you always have the option to repower as well.

For me the safety and comfort outweigh the other variables.

Great boat, tough, smooth, classic beautiful lines, eats waves for lunch.

As with any boat, ownership/care/maintenance is key.

I see you are in Maryland, is this the Cafe' you are considering ? ( its in Maryland too )

http://www.offshoreonlyclassifieds.c...o17182-en.html

If so, I owned it for a 3 years and will tell you anything you want to know about it. Granted, it had Derebery 600's in it when I owned it.

Great boat (s).

Isn't that the same one that's been on Ebay several times in the last month?

That's the one! I went out on a sea trial on it yesterday, and I do have to say I was very impressed with the ride of it. It is however a little slower that what I'm used to. If I could have the ride of that boat and a gps speed of 75 I would be very happy!

What kind of power does it take to get a Cafe to 75? I'm guessing 1000hp total, does that sound right?

Thanks,
Frank