Cafe vs Playboy [Archive] - SeriousOffshore.com

Frequency

07-04-2009, 03:19 PM

Considering these two boats.

Cafe
Solid ride
Predictable deep vee
Full Cabin

Playboy
Better top end for the same power
Updated styling

These are my assumptions. What are the real positives / negatives comparing these two types?

Tank

07-04-2009, 07:36 PM

You pretty much sum'd it up right there. I"ve spent lots of time on both boats and loved them both.

Only other thing I can say is the Cafe feels like a bigger boat, possibly because it has more free board and is heavier. There's some great deals on Cafe's. Only a handful of playboys (35 T/S's) built.

JupiterSunsation

07-04-2009, 08:25 PM

The price can be double between a Playboy and a Cafe due to age differences.......

Frank A

07-05-2009, 07:36 AM

I love both boats, but I think it comes down to money. The Playboy will cost more but will have better resale and the Cafe comes in at a great value. My advice if you buy the Cafe find one that has already been gone through and spent all the money already then you can get a smoking deal. But then again the playboy's are already 80 mph+ boats.

Seafordguy

07-05-2009, 04:14 PM

Not alot of people cross-shopping a Cafe and a Playboy because of $$$ in my opinion.

Determine what is important to you for YOUR boating experience. Is the full cabin with enclosed head important enough that you would sacrifice top speed and hull efficiency? Are you comfortable with having a stepped bottom boat (ie is this your first HIPO boat?).

I know when I was shopping the cover-girl cabins didn't work for what my wife and I were going to be using the boat for so we ended up in the cafe, but I would certainly love an extra 10++ MPH I'd get in the stepped hull....

Frequency

07-06-2009, 04:01 PM

My current boat is an 80 mph boat, but I have to pick the days to be comfortable. Besides, 60 mph is a nice cruising speed for me. An extra 3 feet and 2000 pounds would make a difference.

I'm comparing the cafe to the playboy based on length only. 35' is about as long as I want to go. I've given up hauling 14 people with me wherever I go, so my interest has turned to ride comfort with classic styling. I want to like the cafe because of the practical cabin and standard vee I am familiar with. I'm not sure if a cafe with 525's will be a bravo eater though.

Tank

07-06-2009, 08:17 PM

I want to like the cafe because of the practical cabin and standard vee I am familiar with. I'm not sure if a cafe with 525's will be a bravo eater though.

The cabin layout on the Cafe (and the gun) is one of the best I've ever seen, layout wise. I love ours in our Gun.

A Cafe with 525EFI's and Bravos will run 75 or so. Not a bravo eater that I've seen, if you know how to run it (i.e. easy on plane, get off the throttles when aired out). A buddy had this combo on his Cafe for many years and blew maybe one or two drives in that time. The bravo is definatley a week link, but I think you'll be fine if you dont beat on it.

clayinaustin

07-06-2009, 08:49 PM

Both are really nice boats. IMHO, you can't beat the layout of the 31-foot Bullet. Because of its weight and deep V, it rides like a much bigger boat.

Good luck! :cool:

Frequency

07-07-2009, 11:04 AM

Clay,

I had considered a Bullet as well, but thinking the Cafe will give me a noticeably better rough water ride and a little more room in the cockpit and cabin. :)

Seafordguy

07-07-2009, 01:35 PM

The number of Bravo's you will break will be DIRECTLY correlated to your right hand...

JupiterSunsation

07-07-2009, 02:04 PM

Both are really nice boats. IMHO, you can't beat the layout of the 31-foot Bullet. Because of its weight and deep V, it rides like a much bigger boat.

Good luck! :cool:

How would you ever know how it rides? I am convinced you idle to the mooring position and just make use of the special seat all weekend! :sifone:

Frequency

07-07-2009, 03:50 PM

How would you ever know how it rides? I am convinced you idle to the mooring position and just make use of the special seat all weekend! :sifone:

Exactly..... What he meant to say is "You can't beat MY layout."

MattBMiller

07-07-2009, 10:08 PM

Speaking of Cafe Racers....anyone know this boat? I really wish my boat would sell right now!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/35-CIGARETTE-CAFE-RACER-1992_W0QQitemZ170353326305QQcmdZViewItemQQptZPower_Motorboats?hash=item27a9 d978e1&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245&_trkparms=65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C72%3A317

Frequency

07-07-2009, 10:13 PM

Tommy Gun

07-08-2009, 10:39 AM

I'd go for the Playboy...T/S; fewer built; better resale; faster.

Frequency

07-08-2009, 11:00 AM

But does the Playboy offer the same ride quality at the same speed as the Cafe when the water gets rough on a holiday weekend at LOTO?

BDiggity

07-08-2009, 11:58 AM

Well it looks like I'm leaning toward a Cafe. The Mrs. likes the idea of a/c in the cabin. I've checked the more popular sites for ones that are for sale. Should I be afraid of Hawk 525SC's? About 200 hours on rebuild.

Maybe its time to start a "looking for a cafe racer" thread. :)

i have the hawk 525sc in my cafe & havent had any major issues. this winter i am hoping to crack them open & check the top end out.

Tommy Gun

07-08-2009, 02:29 PM

But does the Playboy offer the same ride quality at the same speed as the Cafe when the water gets rough on a holiday weekend at LOTO?

I can't speak specifically to the Playboy since I haven't had the pleasure of riding in one but I can say that my T/S doesn't have any problems at all...but then again how can the Cafe possibly offer the same ride at the same speed as the Playboy when it isn't as fast?

BDiggity

07-08-2009, 03:35 PM

I can't speak specifically to the Playboy since I haven't had the pleasure of riding in one but I can say that my T/S doesn't have any problems at all...but then again how can the Cafe possibly offer the same ride at the same speed as the Playboy when it isn't as fast?

i thought he meant like at some sort of cruising speed (40-55) instead of top speed.

Tommy Gun

07-08-2009, 03:56 PM

i thought he meant like at some sort of cruising speed (40-55) instead of top speed.

I know what he meant...but for me to run at 40 I have to have the drives all the way in and the the tabs all the way down. So what is the point...do you want a smooth ride at 40-55 or a smooth ride at 70-75?

Frequency

07-08-2009, 03:57 PM

i thought he meant like at some sort of cruising speed (40-55) instead of top speed.

<That's what I was after. I run the Envision down the lake around 40 mph when its really rough. I see longer boats moving comfortably faster. Would a 35 T/S or Playboy ride as well as the Cafe at say, 60 mph under those rough conditions?>

I have no experience in a larger boat at LOTO, I was just assuming that when a 35-40 ft boat passes me around 60 mph it's because they can, without getting the crap beat out of them. I am simply trying to balance amenities and performance in a 35 ft hull. The Cafe cabin looks functional comparied to the Playboy, but the Playboy will have newer power that is less maintenance intensive (and its faster). I just want to make sure I know what I'm getting, and giving up, when I make my selection.

Thanks....

Tommy Gun

07-08-2009, 06:32 PM

The difference in weight between the two is about 600 lbs. (8,800 PB vs 9,400 Cafe) if that is any help. Regarding the cabin, that is up to you...we never use ours for anything other than stowing gear. The head is still a virgin.

Fact is the T/S boats are much faster and once you learn how to drive them can be relatively comfortable at speed in water most would not even try to boat in; including LOTO on a Sat afternoon. I rarley run under 60 mph.

Frequency

07-08-2009, 06:38 PM

Good information - Thanks!

Seafordguy

07-08-2009, 08:49 PM

In my opinion both are CIGS and NEITHER is going to have comprimised ride quality in the rough.

It boils down to what is important to you - the extra speed/efficiency, or the cafe cabin and looks?

The way we use our boat - I absolutely LOVE the cabin, but will be the first to admit I'd love an extra 10-15+ mph for comparable power - in the end the cabin is more important to me (not to mention I am on a budget)

Frequency

07-08-2009, 10:35 PM

It sounds as though I need to look at both the Cafe and the 35 T/S. Does anyone know of any available for sale at LOTO? We'll be down there late next week.

Thanks all for your input.
Greg

inbetween

07-08-2009, 10:46 PM

My neighbor has a 35 TS he talks about selling. It's not LOTO though, North East Ohio

http://seriousoffshore.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=34973&d=1246934132

Frank A

07-09-2009, 07:29 AM

Sea-Dated

07-09-2009, 11:53 AM

Weight of the cafe is 10,400lbs.

9,000lbs according to my Cafe' owners manual........

Tank

07-09-2009, 02:52 PM

My neighbor has a 35 TS he talks about selling. It's not LOTO though, North East Ohio

http://seriousoffshore.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=34973&d=1246934132

That's a really nice looking 35. What's he thinking of price wise?

Chris

07-09-2009, 02:56 PM

9,000lbs according to my Cafe' owners manual........

That's optimistic at best. And that's BARE. Probably without drive lube, let alone everything else.

Tank

07-09-2009, 03:26 PM

That's optimistic at best. And that's BARE. Probably without drive lube, let alone everything else.

Yea, maybe with out drives!!:sifone::sifone:

Sea-Dated

07-09-2009, 05:12 PM

That's optimistic at best. And that's BARE. Probably without drive lube, let alone everything else.

I am not arguing. I figure mine is close to 12,000 with fuel, water, coolers and all the crap that my wife brings everywhere we go......:sifone:

I was just showing what Cig said they were.

It does say standard boat. Maybe that means no motors or drives....

Tommy Gun

07-09-2009, 10:30 PM

Must be one hell of a cooler!!!!

Sea-Dated

07-10-2009, 01:49 PM

Must be one hell of a cooler!!!!

They are and I did say coolerS.....

Plural.......:sifone::cheers2:

Tommy Gun

07-10-2009, 05:00 PM

They are and I did say coolerS.....

Plural.......:sifone::cheers2:

I know how you cowboys like to roll! :cheers2:

Chris

07-10-2009, 05:31 PM

I am not arguing. I figure mine is close to 12,000 with fuel, water, coolers and all the crap that my wife brings everywhere we go......:sifone:

I was just showing what Cig said they were.

It does say standard boat. Maybe that means no motors or drives....

Now we all know that no reputable boat company would say or publish anything that wasn't 100% accurate, right? ;)

inbetween

07-10-2009, 06:01 PM

That's a really nice looking 35. What's he thinking of price wise?

Our conversation didn't get as far as price. Out of my budget. I'll ask him this weekend.

Oh yea, it does look great! Fast too.

Frank A

07-12-2009, 09:18 PM

Okay maybe we are both wrong

Seafordguy

07-13-2009, 08:39 AM

To add to the discussion

Chris

07-13-2009, 08:58 AM

It's rare to see a guy pull his boat onto a scale and leave without a look of surprise on his face.

Seafordguy

07-13-2009, 02:55 PM

It's rare to see a guy pull his boat onto a scale and leave without a look of surprise on his face.

I believe it. Even if my boat was 9400 the day it left the factory as per that sheet I just posted, if I start adding up the weight of "other stuff" it really packs on the pounds. I am talking about stuff I would consider true running gear, not other essentials - External Steering, Nose Cones, Tie Bar, Swim Platform, Blowers, Sea Strainers, you start closing in on 10k REALLY fast.

Brad

07-13-2009, 03:16 PM

The Playboy are much faster especially on acceleration, they run very well in rough water. Huge difference in cabins, Playboys cabins are rather bare!

Quinlan

07-13-2009, 04:25 PM

It's rare to see a guy pull his boat onto a scale and leave without a look of surprise on his face.

You got that right! Hit the scales Memorial w end with my 38 T/S. Total rig was 22880lbs. Trailer was 13480. That was full of gas and on a steel Manning, With 15 cases of beer in back of truck, and some hotdogs for nutrition!! .
Told wife to pull truck manual said my 07 3500 SRW Crew Chevy was rated at 22K.
Damnit man I need that F650 like GL !!

Frequency

07-13-2009, 08:43 PM

The Playboy are much faster especially on acceleration, they run very well in rough water. Huge difference in cabins, Playboys cabins are rather bare!

On the one hand, I really like the idea of an efficient stepped hull powered by newer EFI's. On the other, I'd enjoy a built-in cooler the size of some third-world countries. :cheers2:

Tough choice!

Chris

07-13-2009, 10:01 PM

I believe it. Even if my boat was 9400 the day it left the factory as per that sheet I just posted, if I start adding up the weight of "other stuff" it really packs on the pounds. I am talking about stuff I would consider true running gear, not other essentials - External Steering, Nose Cones, Tie Bar, Swim Platform, Blowers, Sea Strainers, you start closing in on 10k REALLY fast.

Ropes, fenders, anchor, big stereo, extra battery, jackets, tools, spare parts, cooler, ice, towels, clothes bag, wash stuff, and then 140 gallons of fuel. 10k becomes 12K real quick. 20 lbs at a shot.

RebarBox

07-14-2009, 04:26 PM

...On the other, I'd enjoy a built-in cooler the size of some third-world countries. :cheers2:

Tough choice!

I'll be your huckleberry. :26::26::26:

Frequency

09-28-2009, 11:59 PM

Thanks everyone for your input, and thanks to those Cafe owners who provided info on their rides. In the end, this one followed me home.....

DAREDEVIL

09-29-2009, 12:03 AM

Thanks everyone for your input, and thanks to those Cafe owners who provided info on their rides. In the end, this one followed me home.....

Nice !!!! CONGRATS:driving:

cosmic12

09-29-2009, 06:32 AM

We will probly need a few more pics than that:drool5:
Looks good and congats!

cigdaze

09-29-2009, 08:22 AM

Thanks everyone for your input, and thanks to those Cafe owners who provided info on their rides. In the end, this one followed me home.....

Congrats! Look forward to more pics and seeing you guys in Ft. Myers!
:cool:

Magic Medicine

09-29-2009, 11:25 AM

Thanks everyone for your input, and thanks to those Cafe owners who provided info on their rides. In the end, this one followed me home.....

ah very nice, where'd that one come from?

cigdaze

09-29-2009, 12:48 PM

ah very nice, where'd that one come from?

Good question. I don't think I'd ever seen that one either.

Frequency

09-29-2009, 01:05 PM

The boat was on Texoma. A member on the other site got in touch with me because a relative of his was thinking of selling her. She's a '91 with a little over 120 total hours on her - almost all in freshwater. At around 100 hours new Zul motors were installed, new cockpit vinyl, new gages and wiring. The cabin was essentially unused. All of the updates were handled by Phil.

I have always like the looks of the Cafe, and this essentially new one I just could not pass up. :)

Frequency

09-29-2009, 01:10 PM

If anyone has history on her I would be interested. From what I understand the original owner was from Ohio. A few years back it was sold to someone on the East coast of Florda where everything was updated in 2006. He never used the boat and sold it in 2008, when the boat went to Texoma. Phil was very helpful as he handled the previous transactions and had done all the work.

Frequency

09-29-2009, 01:15 PM

More pics to follow as I prep the boat for Fort Myers.

cigdaze

09-29-2009, 01:18 PM

Very nice, and very clean looking for sure. Enjoy her.

cosmic12

09-29-2009, 01:35 PM

That is beautiful......................in my dreams:drool5:
Good find!!!!!

Dreamer

09-29-2009, 02:46 PM

playboy vaccuum bagged layup... and will out run a cafe with 600+ in smooth or the rough.....

just ask SKramer:rofl:

Seafordguy

09-29-2009, 06:19 PM

Nice Boat Frequency........ENJOY!!

Tank

09-29-2009, 08:31 PM

playboy vaccuum bagged layup... and will out run a cafe with 600+ in smooth or the rough.....

just ask SKramer:rofl:

I think it's kind've a moot point now bro.

Freq, nice buy...I remember when Phil had it. She's real nice!

Frequency

09-29-2009, 08:47 PM

playboy vaccuum bagged layup... and will out run a cafe with 600+ in smooth or the rough.....

just ask SKramer:rofl:

Nice, I just get her home too. Oh well, my first official Cafe bash! :rofl:

Thanks Dreamer......:biggrinjester:

OldSchool

09-29-2009, 08:53 PM

Nice, I just get her home too. Oh well, my first official Cafe bash! :rofl:

I wouldn't let that bother you, at least you have a boat!! :):rofl::rofl:

Congrats on the purchase and welcome to the Cigarette Family!!:) Looking forward to seeing it soon!

Craig

inbetween

09-29-2009, 10:17 PM

That's sweet! Very nice, frequency.

phragle

09-29-2009, 11:04 PM

Nice, I just get her home too. Oh well, my first official Cafe bash! :rofl:

Thanks Dreamer......:biggrinjester:

Skramer has a sweet cafe (boat)
Dreamer has a sweet cafe (resturant)
:sifone:

Dreamer

09-30-2009, 06:51 AM

Sorry didn't go thru the thread and didn't see u bought a boat congrats... They r tanks and great cabins.....

LEOPAJM

09-30-2009, 02:00 PM

Sorry didn't go thru the thread and didn't see u bought a boat congrats... They r tanks and great cabins.....

Nice save there buddy ....... good thing you've got your chocolate shoes on!:biggrinjester:

Frequency

09-30-2009, 03:22 PM

Nice save there buddy ....... good thing you've got your chocolate shoes on!:biggrinjester:

No offense was taken. My other boat had some "special" features, but all I heard was bowrider and windshield. Gave me thick skin... :biggrinjester:

LEOPAJM

09-30-2009, 03:28 PM

No offense was taken. My other boat had some "special" features, but all I heard was bowrider and windshield. Gave me thick skin... :biggrinjester:

Ha ...... there ya go !