Just curious to learn a little about the Pantera, specifically the 28' in terms of how it compares to my Sunsation 288. What are the basic specs of the boat in terms of weight, LOA, beam etc.? What performance numbers could one expect to achieve with the 496HO?...

Hi Reckless 288,


Our 28 footer is 28 foot in length without a platform.We mount powdercoated aluminum platforms upon customer request which gives the boat a total length of over 30 feet.The beam is 8 and the total weight in a "full pleasure" version is in the 5200 pound range with a single big block.We offer the 28 in a single or twin engine version or with outboards.The entire boat is custom built to our owners exact specifications.

Performance with a single 496 HO will be in the 65- 67 MPH range depending on fuel and passenger loads and conditions.We normally power the single 28 model with a Mercruiser 500 EFI with unlimited power options.I have powered 28 singles with over 900 HP in the past.The boat will handle all the power you throw its way.

If I can answer any other questions for you just let me know.

Regards,

JO

This is a picture of Von Bongos custum built 28 Pantera.I am sure he could answer any questions for you about the ride and performance.His 28 is powered with a single 575 SC and ITS.

78 MPH on GPS in a full pleasure version.

JO

Here is a picture of the cockpit.

JO

I can't compare it to your Sunsation because I haven't been in one, I can compare it to a 27 Fountian which most people have seen or ridden in.

The 28 Pantera is much larger both in length and in cabin space. I would say the cabin has 6 or 7 inches more head room and is about a foot and a half longer, maybe more.

My boat was the first to have the lower floor in the driver and passenger bolsters and gives a nice feeling of freeboard.

The engine compartment is much roomier than the fountain, very easy access to everything and the 575 fit without a scoop. The boat also holds much more fuel, my Fountain held 63 gallons and the pantera holds 140 I think.

The rigging is much, much better than fountain and I was able to custom order the boat with the colors and paint that I wanted, a custom sunpad design, even the color of carpet. Jo designed a cooler and fresh water sink for my boat and also put in shore power.

If you have any other questions feel free to let me know!

cabin

Cabin 2

Engine

Thanks JO and Von Bongo you've got a great looking rig, I'm sure you're very proud. As far as the 27 Fountain is concerned I wouldn't stand that particular boat up against anything larger than a 25. I've always liked the lines of the Pantera just never had the opportunity to see or watch one up close.

Explain to me what the "lower floor" thing is about?...

Von Bongos Pantera has dropped the floor under the bolsters to give more freeboard, about 5".
I have been around both Pantera and Sunsation, They are both great boats. The mold work on the Sun is fantastic, the rigging on Pantera is as good as you will see anywhere. The Sun is probable faster in perfect conditions, with496HO, the Pantera weights approx 500lbs more and no pad or step, but in the rough the Pantera rules. it has a solid glass bottom that makes the boat more comfortable in bigwater. Pantera will also put twin 496HOs in a boat. The Pantera also comes with K-planes not bennet tabs. Check out past Pantera threads(Pantera's latest creation) and you'll see the custom work they do. The Sunsation's strakes and chines are as sharpe as any I have seen, the cabin and dash layouts are great and the boat looks bad ass.
If your in the market for a 28' boat, and I am, you have to look at Pantera, Active Thunder, and Sunsation. Just my opinon but you could not go wrong with any of those boats.

Hugh