Advice on next boat (stepped 32-35')
07-11-2022, 03:07 PM
#11
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i would argue that a 33 Active Thunder with 525's is by far the best all-around boat in that size/power range. Runs 92-93 with 525's, deepest/biggest cockpit/biggest cabin and is probably the best riding boat in big water out of all the boats listed. A 35 Twin Step Cig would be on my short list too....
Last edited by 302Sport; 07-11-2022 at 03:10 PM.
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07-11-2022, 03:27 PM
#12
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I'm on my second year owning a 2002 Formula 353 FasTech with 496HO's. We normally just cruise 40-60 MPH so not too much experience running top end. Had it topped at 74 MPH once. I've owned a few boats; none I've owned had match the quality of Formula. The customer service they still provide me on a 20 year old boat is crazy awesome. Factory has been very helpful and they stock many parts. We ran the boat for a week in July at LOTO last year. She took it very good - I was impressed. We ran over 400 miles for the week with no issues. Nothing against the other options - Formula is just very nice.
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Plowtownmissile (07-12-2022)
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Smarty (07-11-2022)
07-11-2022, 05:06 PM
#14
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Last edited by fasthawk6; 07-11-2022 at 05:08 PM.
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Menage_Aqua (07-11-2022)
07-11-2022, 05:16 PM
#16
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i would argue that a 33 Active Thunder with 525's is by far the best all-around boat in that size/power range. Runs 92-93 with 525's, deepest/biggest cockpit/biggest cabin and is probably the best riding boat in big water out of all the boats listed. A 35 Twin Step Cig would be on my short list too....
07-11-2022, 06:50 PM
#17
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What do you want to spend and why is 35 your limit? If it’s towing, there’s really not much difference between a 32-35ft or 39ft vee bottom and I think the 37-39 segment of the market has lot better offerings at just about the same price point because now you’re also throwing 38 Cigs, 37 Outerlimits, 37 Active Thunder, 38 Powerplay, 39 Nortech, etc… into play.
Also are you going to overnight? If so the TS Cigs are pretty much not even an option with how sparse the cabins are…
Also are you going to overnight? If so the TS Cigs are pretty much not even an option with how sparse the cabins are…
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07-12-2022, 04:43 AM
#18
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Thread Starter
I know you stated stepped, but in your backyard depending where you are in Central, IL (I'm in Bloomington so this is 15 minutes from me).
https://www.offshoreonly.com/classif...ob-o81776.html
Have a lot of time in a couple of these on LOTO. Other than lacking freeboard of the SS/SSR/XRT/Innovator, cockpit is identical. Nothing wrong with the vented chine/pad of these in terms of ride quality in the rough and this is a legit 80 MPH boat with HO power. You'll appreciate the forward seating if you have more than 4 on the boat at any time.
https://www.offshoreonly.com/classif...ob-o81776.html
Have a lot of time in a couple of these on LOTO. Other than lacking freeboard of the SS/SSR/XRT/Innovator, cockpit is identical. Nothing wrong with the vented chine/pad of these in terms of ride quality in the rough and this is a legit 80 MPH boat with HO power. You'll appreciate the forward seating if you have more than 4 on the boat at any time.
That and the Donzi 35ZR were two I forgot to list that I'm considering.
What do you want to spend and why is 35 your limit? If it’s towing, there’s really not much difference between a 32-35ft or 39ft vee bottom and I think the 37-39 segment of the market has lot better offerings at just about the same price point because now you’re also throwing 38 Cigs, 37 Outerlimits, 37 Active Thunder, 38 Powerplay, 39 Nortech, etc… into play.
Also are you going to overnight? If so the TS Cigs are pretty much not even an option with how sparse the cabins are…
Also are you going to overnight? If so the TS Cigs are pretty much not even an option with how sparse the cabins are…
32-35ft is the sweet spot for me from what I've seen. I really prefer twin 496HO's due to low maintenance and most I've listed will run 80mph with that power plus handle occassional LOTO trips. Most of the time for the main lakes I'll be going to again, even 32ft is overkill.
07-12-2022, 04:47 AM
#19
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Thread Starter
i would argue that a 33 Active Thunder with 525's is by far the best all-around boat in that size/power range. Runs 92-93 with 525's, deepest/biggest cockpit/biggest cabin and is probably the best riding boat in big water out of all the boats listed. A 35 Twin Step Cig would be on my short list too....
