Old boat is sold and I am now ready to purchase a new 27' Cat Open Bow.

I have short listed the candidates to DCB, Eliminator and Nordic because those are the ones I prefer aesthetically and *have a great reputation. I know that other solid candidates could have been added (Howard, RPM, etc.) but like like said, those are my pics.

I would really appreciate receiving your feedback, especially from owners of similar boats or those who have tested and have input that could help me in my decision. For the record, I have never seen a DCB or Eliminator boat in the flesh. I have just heard of their great reputation and read very positive reviews. On the other hand, I have owned a Nordic and also visited their factory in Lake Havasu. Unfortunately, because of my present location, I cannot visit the other factories and will have to take my decision and place my order only based on the information I am able to gather.

Here is some additional info that may help you understand what I am looking for and guide your input:

-I am not looking for the cheapest boat, I am looking for the best boat and have the budget for it. By best, I mean highest construction quality, attention to details, ride quality, wow factor. I intend to keep this boat for a very long time and I would like it to age well...

- The boat will be equipped with single Merc 700 with NXT Drive for a target top speed of + 100 Mph. Boat will however be used for lots of cruising around at low speed (open bow for additional passenger capacity). This will be a lake boat only for the summer cottage.

With the highest level packages requested for the 3 companies, DCB is offering its 29M, *while Eliminator is going with its 27' Daytona Signature and Nordic with its Thor 27' , all open Bow versions.

Like I said previously, I am not looking at the cheapest boat, I want the best, so I will not discuss pricing here.

Which one would you pick?

Thank you in advance for your feedback.

Jeff

I haven't seen a Nordic up close, I owned a 28 Daytona, and have seen many DCB's at boat shows (LA & Miami), the DCB has no equals his attention to detail is second to none. If you can afford it that is the boat I would get. You say there will be a lot of cruising at low speed, keep in mind that these boats will have tunnel spray below 40mph if it is rough or if there are large wakes. It might not be a big deal in the fresh water but it was annoying as hell in the salt. The 28 Daytona, got the same fuel economy from 40-70mph (twin 496's) and really felt better over 60. If it is calm most the time then the low speed cruising won't be an issue. If you want the best get the DCB.

I didn't see it on your list, but my vote is Ultra.

After the downfall in 09' that many in the boating industry saw, Ultra has now reorganized and started producing 2013 models. Our main focus is the 27' Shadow and the 344 SC. The best advice I can give is going for a ride and comparing against others on your list.

Baby Blue just spent a week at LOTO during the shootout and the new owners couldn't be happier. We also have a new 344SC that is currently being rigged for another customer, but we could start on another build late next week. Ultras are built custom for each customer, so why not have one built exactly how you want.

I actually do not have the luxury to try any of those before I buy. I live in Canada on the east coast and will have to take a leap of faith...

Fresh water only...

Just wanna post some pics of a new 27 Speedster open bow from Eliminator, sounds like everything your looking for... this is definitely a tough decision cause theres no doubt, DCB, Nordic and all the other manufacturers build exceptional boats...but this just seems exactly what you are looking for...

Goodluck,
Brendan
PSIRacing

Here Ya go!!

Damn, that Eliminator is beautiful.

I'd never vote against a new DCB for an inland lake situation. Those boats are on another level from most.

That Eliminator looks awesome.

Hard to get any nicer than that... Wow.!

Great pics. beautiful boat.