16 Weeks Until Boating Season
 

I was reading through Dave M's winter projects thread and thought it might be getting too long.
So let's start another...

It's dam cold out, so I'm trying to think Spring...

Anyone have new plans to share?

Dave and Sean,
Are you still trying to sell and go bigger?
It seems that a lot of 24' Superboat owners are. I saw another 24' I/O for sale in Mass; that makes 5 that I know of. The market seems to be flooded with them. I wish there had been so many to chose from last year when I was looking.
Maybe you can get JC to take a 24' in on trade toward a new 30'y2k. I have had that thought a time or two...

Hey Formula Jim,
It's been a while since we heard from you. Can't wait to hear about the new 30' you are going to order up...
Maybe JC will have one in the works I could have a look at during our next trip to LI.

Anyone else out there going buy themselves a Superboat?

Hey ZZ, Any bites?
Maybe formula Jim will trade you his cabin cruiser?
I'm sure she will sell come Spring.

Hey Tripps, What's up?

JMK, Snap in carpet and a swim platform for your ride?

Hey Pat, I'm still waiting for that sweet deal on a 27-30 ftr. and a buyer of my 24 to come along . If not I have a list of things that I have in mind. Put it this way, Holden will be busy....

Engine Work (secret)
Hydro. Steering w/new MoMo wheel
New exhaust Tips
New Prop
Stereo
Drive Shower

After this year I'll be a done deal...getting married in Nov. I gotta make a move now or I'll never upgrade or do the mods I want.

I am leaning heavily towards purchasing a new 24. I visited JC at the shop last weekend. He has an unrigged 24 there in colors that I like, but don't love and the price is the same as an ordered boat. I have spoken to him since my visit and need some sharpening of the price on the boat at the factory or else I may order a boat, which is probably the better move anyway. Truthfully guys, is the 24 with the 375 hp 496 MAG a 70 + mph boat or is the HO needed? This is a one shot deal, I am not the type to buy today and then trade up next year. I will put myself out on a limb now to get the boat that I will want for the long term. Also, I am still in semi-love with the Ultra 247, but the arguement that since it is a West Coast boat, it will not have as good a resale value on the East Coast, is a fairly compelling one. Anyway, I am going to California during the week of 1/12 and while there will test drive the Ultra at the factory. I have already negotiated a price that I am happy with. Once the test drive is done, I am finished looking and will purchase one, probably the Superboat. Thanks, Ken

Hi Ken,
You will not be disappointed with the performance and speed of a 24' Superboat.

I have a 1997 24' with a 310HP/7.4MPI. With 2 people and 30 gal. fuel my GPS reads 65mph every day of the week and I have seen 67 a few times.
JMK406 has a 2001 with a 320HP/6.2MPI and goes by me so he is running in the upper 60's.
The word from the guys on this board is that the straight v (1997 and older) 24' runs 73mph(gps) with a 365HP/454mag carb and the stepped hull 24' (1998 and newer) will top out at 75mph with a 385HP/454magMPI.
I would assume that a new 24' rigged with the 375HP/496mag will run between 70 and 75mph depending on how the boat is loaded. A 425HP/496magHO may get you close to 80 with a light load??? 500HP will max the boat out at 85mph...

Speed is not everything though, I run circles around bigger and faster boats when I get out in 2-3' seas.
The narrow beam and deep v of these boats really makes a difference in the rough. I had a 24' Pantera (virtually the same hull) before my Superboat and it gave the same great ride. It is an old school, narrow, deep V design from the late 60's that works...

Good Luck! and Keep us Updated,

Hey Patrick,

I'm thinking more like 14 weeks! Not that I'm counting.

I haven't started on my laundry list yet with the holidays and all.

As far as trading up, I'm still undecided. I'm hoping the market and the tax man will be good to me over the next few months. I'm still trying to work with the numbers to see whether my planned mods or trading up makes more sense.

Ken,

I would go with the HO! You should see consistent 75+ MPH speeds and have great reliability. Of course if you want to spend $$ a 500 EFI would be my dream engine for the 24.

I agree with Dave , but i would go for the lil' extra with the HO. I was content at first with the constant 71-74 range, but now I want more!!. I kick' myself for not getting the 502. I think the 496 is the engine you want for the constant speed and turn key reliability.... However if you want a 2000 with a 454 mag mpi... I can save you at least 15k ..ha ha
Good luck with your decision...

Hey Dave,
14 weeks? Only two weeks sooner than us northerners?
Hell JC was out the first of January, That is really sick...:D
I'm hoping to be ready for the first of May.

hey pat and all

well i have to get rid of my "cabin cruiser" and the wife before i buy a new boat so it will be a while

jim h

Hey Jim,
Sorry to hear about your divorce. Hope it all works out soon...

it's all about dollar's and cents at this point
thank god no kids

jim h

Guys,

I know we are all true boaters when I starring at my coverd boat and counting how many weeks until the weather gets nice again.

Ken--Pat is right. I have the 2001 w/320 and I am quite content running between 68 and 70mph with 2-3 people on board. Most importantly I run from the CT. river to Block Island and back on 3/4 tank of gas maybe $75 at the high end of the gas prices. Were talking solid 50mph cruising. Not many boats out there doing that at that cost.

Unfortunatley, I don't think I will be doing any add-ons this winter due to the cost of the, sore subject, new cuppler.

Hi Pat,we are fine,thank you,and im looking for warm weather :eek: :eek: :eek: and I'm just collecting powerheads and lower units:eek: :D :D :D :D so there should be NO EXCUSES. With all the gas $ i savrd last year,i should be ready to cruise and im looking for a trip out east at least once this year Tripps

Pat, I would like to phone you if you would not mind. I have several questions that relate to your experience as both a Pantera and Superboat owner. Again, if you would not mind, please e-mail your number to me via [email protected].
Thanks very much,
Ken

Well, I am going to California this Thursday, 1/15, for a combination of business and test drive of the 247 Ultra. Although I will probably purchase either the Ultra or Superboat 24, I may have added a third boat to consider, the Pantera 24. I understand that the Pantera is a conventional V with no step, whereas the Superboat has a step. I also see by looking at the specs that the Pantera is considerably heavier than the Superboat. In reading the Pantera OSO threads, the quality and dealings with the factory seem to be unsurpassed. Also, the Pantera 24 with a 496 HO, has been quoted several times with a top speed of around 75. Is this realistic? What are the true ramifications of ownership, top speeds, handling, quality, resale value, etc, between the two, both with the 496 HO motor. I m going to Florida on 2/15 for several days and while there, will visit the Pantera factory and check out their 24.
Thanks,
Ken

75 with a 496 HO sound believable for the Pantera. I know the Superboat will run at least that fast. I have hit 75 with 385 HP. The Pantera is a real nice boat. Whats the price difference between the two?

The Pantera is about $9-10,000 more expensive, but comes with more standard equipment, I believe.
Ken

Hey Ken,

If you would like to rap about Pantera vs. Superboat, give me a call or e-mail. I will say both boats have their advantages vs. the other.

I did put both boats on a scale at a local gravel pit and yes, the Pantera weighed about 350lbs more.
I believe that my Superboat is about 2mph faster than my Pantera was because of the weight difference. The hulls looked like they came from the same mold.
No doubt a 425HP/496magHO will push either boat 75mph.

Unless JC is really discounting his boats this winter, there is not a 9-10K difference in price if the boats are rigged similarly. I had both John and Jo work up prices for a new boat 2 years ago. They came in within 2K. Bringing a boat up from FLA will also add some cost though.

Have a safe trip out West and keep us in the loop. Only boating for us northerners this time of year, is BS-ing on the computer.

Pat, thanks for the reply. I will call you tomorrow evening, 1/12, after 7:30 PM.
Thanks,
Ken

Hey Ken,
Good to talk to you the other night...
I hope I helped and didn't confuse you or raise more questions. I sometimes talk in circles.

Have safe trips out West and down South.
Enjoy the warm weather and your test rides.

When you get back, sit down with JC again. I think you fellows can work out a decent deal.

I recommend 280K-plans, twin piston steering, and race mount for your engine as minimum options.
As for power: Sean and Dave say 425HP/496magHO. I don't think the extra $$ are worth it. I would go with the 375HP/496mag. The 496mag can always be upgraded to a 496magHO with a cam and program change down the road.
If you still have 3k burning a hole in your pocket, add a swim platform, Gafrig gages, and mechanical indicators for your drive and k-planes.

Pat, thanks for your advice and guidance. The phone conversation the other night was more than helpful. I agree with your deal points that I should make with JC regarding options and overall pricing for the boat. I will give you a shout when I get back from CA this weekend. Have a great remainder of the week and weekend and I will speak to you soon.
Ken

What does the 24' weigh? I am looking at a new car and I think I want be able to tow the boat if my trusty 1991 pick-up w140K craps out.

I think it weighs around 3500#. So, with trailer, gear, etc, your probably towing 5K.

JMK,
Weighed mine at the local gravel pit.
Boat, Trailer, Gear, Full Fuel... 4500lbs.
By the way, my 1989 24' Pantera package weighed in just shy of 4800lbs.
Dave is right, you should have a 5000lbs capacity min.
I have been told when buying a new tow vehicle, buy enough to tow the next boat...:D

Hey Dave,
What's up? Anything New?

Hey Pat,

I'm tow vehicle shopping right now too. I don't know if you saw my thread a few weeks ago in the GD about my truck. My neighbor hired some clowns to cut down a tree and they dropped it on my truck and totalled it. I'm going to look at a 3/4 Chevy Crew cab diesel tomorrow. 12K lb tow rating. :D

I don't think I am going to do much to the boat for this season. Between the truck and some home projects $$ is going to be tight. I am taking your advice of getting a vehicle big enough to tow my next boat. :D

Many thanks guys.

Hey Dave,
We just dumped 6K into our kitchen which has definitely slowed my boat part purchasing down.
Need to get some tax money back so that I can buy mechanical indicators...:)
You sound like you are a big truck guy. My wife has 4 brothers that all have big 4x4 Dodge Rams. Me, I just have a little 1992 Ranger V6 I bought new 12 years ago.
Good luck with the truck shopping.:)

my .02...
I bought a 2003 Ford F150 w/4.6 Triton, It tows the Superboat very good, But I wish I had more cubes for pasing gear & Hills. The Diesel sounds like a nice choice, good luck.

Its 90% official..it looks like I'll be keeping my 24, but dumping some $$ into her ...
Marriage plans are getting too expensive for a new boat this season.

Hey Patrick,

Actually my truck is a third vehicle. I would not want to drive it back and fourth to work everyday. The gas would kill me plus it doesn't ride as good as a car. I don't want to settle on a lesser equiped truck now and then have to upgrade in the future. I like to keep vehicles as long as possible. Hopefully this will be it as far as trucks go.

Dave M.

Hey Guys,
I think Ken was going to meet with JC today. We may have a new Superboater soon..:)

The Zuperboat has a new captain born 1/24/04 and already thinking of speed by trying to keep his weight down at 6lbs and 4oz .Time for the bolster baby seat and looking forward to the rumble of a big block.I think his first words will be SUPERBOAT.:D :) ;)

Congrats! The 24th is my b-day too!

Congratulations to you and Mom!
One of each, that is perfect...
What's the new captain's name?

Congratulations!

Contratulationz!

HELLO SUPERBOAT OWNERS, MY NAME IS JOE AND I JUST REGISTERED W/OFFSHORE ONLY AND I JUST POSTED MY AD ON MY 24 SUPER WITH A 2000 MERC 300 PRO-MAX . I DID'NT REALLY WANT TO SELL IT BUT I BOUGHT A 30 TEMPEST LAST SEASON THAT I LOVE. I THINK ITS A GREAT DEAL FOR SOMEONE (SEE AD)AND IF ANYONE HAS ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE E-MAIL ME AT [email protected] HOPE TO HEAR FROM YOU!:)

Dave,

Congrats on the new addition to your family. It is always good to have someone you can demand that they go for a boat ride with you.

Hey JMK,
Zuperboat (Mike) had the baby...

Hey Joe,
Are you the guy in the red and white 30' tempest with twin 300s I have seen buzzing up and down the CT river???

Hey Joe...

Welcome to the board. There have been a few people popping in and out of here inquiring about 24s for sale.
Good luck.

-Sean

HEY SEAN & PATRICK, SEAN I HAVE GOTTEN QUITE A BIT OF ACTIVITY ALREADY SO I HOPE SOMEONE WILL GIVE HER A NEW HOME SOON, THANKS FOR YOUR REPLY.

PATRICK, I DO RUN UP AND DOWN THE CT. RIVER, HOWEVER MY TEMPEST IS'NT RIGGED W/ 300"S, ALTHOUGH I HAVE THOUGHT ABOUT IT,B/C I ALREADY HAVE 1 300 PRO-MAX BUT I THINK THAT WOULD BE INSANE WHICH WOULD BE A GOOD INSANE. I SAW A 1985 30 TEMPEST FOR SALE LAST SEASON RIGGED W/TWIN 300'S IT SAID IT DID 98MPH ASKING PRICE WAS 55K. IF (OR WHEN) I HAVE TO RE-POWER I WOULD PROB.DO 1998 OR NEWER 2.5 OFFSHORE'S AND MAYBE GET 85-90 OUT OF HER. -JOE

Hey Joe (30SUPER),
Got any picture of you ride that you could share with us?
Here's mine...