Hi Guys,

New to the site, thinking of buying Wellcraft Panther or a Spyder 26 to buzz between Newport RI, Block Island and the islands. Any words of wisdom? Both boats are in great condition, just wondering what your thoughts are as I have no experience with these two boats. Thanks

Tell us more about what year for each boat and what power

Hi,

The Spyder is a 1989 with twin hi performance rebuilt 454's the boat has been restored with captains choice and bravo 1's The engines have about 50 hrs on them. repainted with newer interior. All gauges work. The Panther is original except for the rebuilt 454's with TRS drives. Boat is extremely clean. I like the cabin of the Panther better, it appears to be bigger/ longer than the Spyder. Please keep in mind that I have never been on either of these models yet, but I do know that it will be one or the other.

I forgot to add that the Panther is a 86 and has been talked about on this site with pics as well.

It sounds like the “Spider” May be a Nova II. Nice boat, rides great, limited on value and top speed without adding insane power. I have owned one, enjoyed the boat, you have to give them away though. I currently have a 1988 Scarab Panther with twin super charged 496’s.
real nice boat, if I had it to do over, I would not have waisted time and money on the Nova knowing I would step up to a bigger , faster boat. Hope this helps.

The panther is 30 long so it will be a much nice ride cruising around, kept in mind both boats are from the 80's so lots of wood used to build them have it surveyed.

When I bought my Panther almost 20 yrs ago I had almost the same dilemma, 261 Liberator or 30' Panther. I am so glad I chose my '86 TRS Panther. The cabin will sleep you alone or up to you and 3 girls comfortably. The floor pulls up and makes a nice bed between the couches.
Also, the Panther has some of the best old school lines of any old school boat.
.

Yes that does help thanks

Yep, we have an 86 panther... rides nice, cuddy is roomy, don’t sleep there but nice for storage etc. We have stock 454/330’s and that’s all my wife wants, hah.

At Smith mountain here in VA that gets your past the pontoons and bow riders and single engine powerboats, until the big boys come out. Usually anytime we dock somewhere get a compliment, or at least comments on year etc. and shape of the boat.

The velvet drives are nice and smooth, had to rebuild ours, otherwise as mentioned I’ve always loved the lines of the panthers. Only downfall we don’t have a house on the lake, so finding a good 30’ lifted slip vs smaller slip would be the only advantage.

personally I prefer the old school look. panthers are great looking and nice running boats. we had one way back with 420's and #IV's that ran great, had another years ago with 330's and trs which also was great just slower. I prefer the panther to the spyder just on looks and style. but that may just be me.