Still looking for a fun and reliable yet fast toy. Came across two very different boats and want some thoughts and feedback.

First one is a pretty standard and stock 25 Nordic Rage MCOB with a 496. Nice boat, no issues with a Bravo One X drive. Probably a 68-70 mph boat? I'm sure a Whipple would get it to the low to mid 80s?

Second is a wild card. 1987 Chris Cat 33' with triple 2.5 Mercs. I know this boat is no joke and claims 115mph. Not looking to get killed but I'm sure getting to the mid 70s or low 80s wouldn't really be pushing this thing too hard.

I'm pretty comfortable with the Nordic yet realize I'm not breaking any speed records or leading the poker run. Seems like a nice boat that the family could enjoy as well.

What about the Chris Cat? I feel like it could be a ton of fun providing I'm not pushing the limits.

Sounds like a strange comparison but I get it…🙂

My last boat was a Donzi 27ZR with a 496, similar style to the Nordic. Great boat but small, selfish and a bit useless for anything but running around in nice water burning gas.

For family reasons, I’m out of boats at the moment but my next boat may be something like the Chris Cat. In Australia, there’s a few 32’ cats which aren’t fast like Skaters but faster than fishing boats. Outboard power, super practical and respectable 60 something mph with 300’s. Tons of cockpit space, double berth and toilet up front, very stable platform at all speeds and can handle the rough. They’ve been raced successfully offshore.

The Chris Cat would be my choice if you can find one in beautiful condition. Nordic Rage seem to be plentiful but a nice cat may be hard to find.

Happy shopping. 🙂

Pics of the Aussie equivalent attached. 🙂













RR

I like that Copy make it a walk thru bowrider and have a great boat for a large group I wish more company made performance dual console style with windshields, Much better sitting then a CC in my opinion.

If you’re leaning toward the cat style of boat, check out this trinket just listed…..

https://www.powerboatlistings.com/photographs/73319





RR

You'd better have lots of experience with, and knowledge of 2.5 Mercs if you plan on owning a triple 32 cat with them. Those are by no means "family boat" motors.

+1 What's the rebuild time on those 2.5 Mercs........like maybe 100-200 hours?

Wouldn't buy unless OP like's to wrench on boats more than he likes to drive them.