Anyone know how the two compare?? Cockpit space, Freeboard, Cabin Space, Handling, etc. etc. etc.

Thanks in advance!!

Took me 3 wives to get that one figured out...

VV that's some funny chit...

As for DK's questions:
I have not seen a VR up close but it does look like the deck is lower therefore there is less freeboard and less headroom in the cabin.
I read somewhere that the reverse chines are removed on the VR for some reason.
One thing I like about the newer VR vs. the 280 is the swim platform being part of the mold instead of a bolt on.
My guess is that a turnkey 280 can be had for a lot less $$ than a turnkey VR...

Are you only talking the VR or the SC also which is the VR with a raised deck?

VR1 but, Nevermind gentlemen.......... Not paying that much for insurance!!!!

I pay less than $600 per year on my 280.
Is the VR1 that much more?

I have my boat through Allstate and they will not touch it at all. They gave me a ballpark from an outside insurer and it was not pretty. I was honest on HP and speed, which didn't help, but better than being dropped when you have a claim!!!!

Here is a stripped VR, looks like it has a lot less freeboard

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2003-...item3ca653a827

The Insurance Company I've used for my last three boats, Progressive, will only insure the boat if it has a power plant the factory would have installed. They have known exactly what the boats speeds would be with the given power.
I paid like $800 for my 1997 24' Super with the 415HP/502 and they knew the boat would go 75mph. With the 415HP/502 in the Velocity 280 they agreed with me when I said about 65. I’ve asked about with a 500HP/502 and they agree it will go 75. They won't insure the 99 280 with more than a 500HP. With a 500 vs. the 415 the cost goes up about 25%. If I build another engine for my boat, it will likely only be 500HP.
It seems to be all about how fast the boat will go and you pay for over 65mph. I can only imagine if you have a boat that goes 80. My bud with a 525sc in a 1997 29 Fountain pays more than double what I pay.
I agree with you DK, if you don't tell them the truth you may as well not have insurance.

I think if you look at some of the high performance boat insurance agencies your chances of getting a reasonable quote are much better. I found standard company's who mainly write home owners and car insurance policy's generally don't like/want to deal with any high performance boat policy's. I have insured a 29SC with a 525, agreed speed of 80 mph for not much more than your 28 cost. Definitely pays to shop around.