Actually 94.8 GPS started as a 454 Mag added a M3SC ProCharger 7lbs pulley would push 9 lbs at full RPM, built to 468 .060 over, full roller valve train, Edelbrock coated Aluminum Heads, O-Ringed, Custom Grind Cam, EMI Exhaust, Fuel Injected w/Aeromotive Fuel Pump, I don't recall the injectors we finally had. The tune was done by Tyler Crockett made 720 HP and 727 TQ. Ran B-Max with a 1.30 ratio and spun a 30 Bravo labbed prop at 5200 rpm. I ran the boat turn key for 6 years with just basic maintenance and 93 Octane.

Man that's haulin the mail! Shows how well these hulls take power.

Was 90 pmh a white knuckle experience? I keep reading that it takes a while to "get used" to driving a Velocity.( i.e keeping it up on the pad and letting it do its thing...with a few wheel flicks to straighten out any chine walk)

Thanks for the replies...lots of great info!

I will say the overnight thing would only be a few times a year. So if there was a better deal on a 280 or VR1, or there was a weight or performance penalty associated with the 290sc, I would be OK with the smaller cabin.

Actually it was easier to drive the faster you went. The only thing you had to watch was side chop, even then playing with the throttle and a little shaking of the wheel would bring right back where it should be.

Has anyone ridden in or driven both the 280 and the VR1?

I understand the VR1 had a slightly evolved bottom design, slightly longer? lower freeboard, all composite construction, and molded in swim platform.

I don't know if that translated into any noticeable differences in ride and drive?

I also need to check the length for storage. VR1 states 28'6" on the website, can't find an accurate length on the 280 after some googling. Checked with Kenny and didn't recall the exact OAL on the 280.

thx...

Yes that is his, not my favorite paint job but he likes it. The boat runs nice and rides level, running next to him it always seemed to run flatter then another friends 288 sunsation and with a plain 496 in the sunny would eat it for lunch.

His wife just has a hard time getting on the deck when docking and he does to so they are selling for something different.

I presently have a VR 1 and used to own a 1998 280. The VR is a bit faster and IMO the ride is a tad flatter and softer. While you can stand in the VR 1 it is not as deep and more of a sit down boat. When the water gets nasty I ride with my feet braced on the foot rest and my butt halfway off the seat bottom. Sounds funny but actually quite comfortable. The cabin is lower but then the 280 but at 5' 10" I have no problem. The cabin in the 280 is more comfortable and I imagine the 290 is even more so.

As far as speed....All the Velocity boats will be as fast or faster then other boats assuming equal size and power.

Padraig

Thanks for the reply, very helpful since you've actually owned both boats!

I do like the idea of an all composite hull (especially since the boats I'm looking at are all around 14-18 year sold) the slightly softer ride and slightly less weight sound good too....

but let me ask it this way:

If you were shopping now would you hold out for a VR1?

If you found a 280 and a VR1 with the same equipment, in same condition, would it be worth paying more for the VR1?

Is the slight difference in ride and speed worth an extra $$$ (fill in the blank)

BTW - Are you in the Finger Lakes area? I grew up in WNY boating all of those lakes, including the Niagara River, Erie and Ontario. Get spot in the summer!

You'll pay more for a VR1 like for like and yes... would take the VR1 vs 280. As a side note you mentioned a penalty if buying a 290SC. VR1 will run 2-3mph faster than the 280 or 290SC like for like and weighs 300lb less than the 290. Speed wise the 280 and 290 are the same with equal power. The 290 head room is a great option as well. I've been on the 280 and have loved them before I could afford them... great boat. As I sit right now and with the boating I do, couldn't imagine the 280 would compare to my 290 or a VR1. All great boats and tough decision... good luck to you!

Good but difficult question. I bought the VR 1 for a number of reasons. It was newer, it had no wood to rot, and last but not least it was so dam pretty. LOL. If I was looking today I think it would all depends on how the boats were equipped and the condition. I took a look in boattrader.com and they had two VR 1s but would definitely want to get a close look at them. If I remember correctly Kenny has a nice 290SC. Buying from Kenny is a plus. Bottom line is i prefer the VR 1 but would not be closed mind about a 280 or 290 the differences are not that big.

I love the Finger Lakes but live about as far West as you can go and still be in New York State. I live on Chautauqua Lake and keep the boat on a lift. It works out great as I can go out anytime and when the lake gets too crowded I can throw it on the trailer and be launching on Lake Erie in 30 minutes.

Padraig