New guy, Need help

[brigbooth]

I've been a fisherman my whole life and love running boats, mostly smaller inshore/nearshore boats. I go offshore a few times a year on different size center consoles etc.
Been thinking about taking a break from the fishing and getting into the cruising/poker run scene.
Got a few questions if ya'll don't mind.
1)Do any of the high performance boats have some sort of sun protection (radar arch w/ canvas etc.) I realize this is a speed killer.
2) For the size, some of these boats don't seem to have much room for seating. Dont think I want to get into the express/cruiser type but are there some makes that crossover between performance and cruising?
Thanks, Brig.

[phragle]

Depends on what you want to spend.... from putting a bimini on a pantera to a fountain 48ec with tripple yanmars....

[Buoy]

from putting a bimini on a pantera

Welcome to the board Brigbooth.

Tell us more of how you want to use the boat and on what waters, and the members here will certainly chime in with some opinions and pros/cons on damn near everything out there.

There is plenty of sun protection in a SVL...

[brigbooth]

Guess my question is too vague, basically because I don't know chit about non fishing boats. Prob looking for something with a few hours 100k - 150k? Twin engine.
BTW there's a 48 Fountain near me, surface drives, Yanmar's I think. Been for sale for a while, prob not a good starter boat (400k anyway)

[BY U BOY]

SHADE? If your hot you aint going fast enough

You can put a bimmini on anything. If your looking for usable cockpit space a Baja 38 special has a ton of room. Where will you be boating?

[t500hps]

Just like asking what CC is the best boat....you need to narrow your field a bit. Budget? Size your willing to tow? Speed requirement (if any)?


Most of these boats are closed bow, I/O power, that you can add a bimini to but most think that's sacriledge .

[Buoy]

Just crossed my mind... an old 36' Cig. wide fricken beam boat=plenty of cockpit. Need to power it up for any speed... Heavy wave crusher... And you have a classic piece of history.
OR, go APACHE!

Brig - don't mind us if we sidetrack a bit on your thread, we tend to do that around here, and there are lot's of inside jokes that you will get to know. I promise that if you weed through it, you'll get some good info from the bunch here.
I'm serious about an old 36' Cig, gotta be great for space with the wide beam, and still have plenty of everything else as long as you aren't looking to break the century mark.

[fund razor]

I read the gentleman's post and think Formula. Like an SS. Faster than a cruiser, more space and accomodations than most perf boats. But I guess those are express cruisers.

Lots of guys carry an Anchor Shade and set it up when they are docked or moored for relief from the sun, but run with nothing up.

btw.... welcome Brig

[brigbooth]

U guys are awesome, have ALWAYS admired the Cigs & Fountains from a distance. I live way up a river off Lake Pontchatrain in Louisiana, got enough depth for almost anything. Got BIG plans (in my head anyway). Thinking of loading up every so often and heading to ALA/Fla coast, not staying on boat. A poker run here and there, and just hauling ass sometimes. Although I've always fished, have always tweaked whatever I've had for the most speed, actual MPH not that important to me.
What is a SVL... ?

[rchevelle71]

You could always get a PERFORMANCE ceanter console with a T-Top, andhave the best of both worlds!!!

http://www.midnightboats.com/

and others

[fund razor]

What is a SVL... ?

Super Vee Light, a racing class.

[JETJOCK]

Welcome!

[Davidmnc]

Welcome to the site.

[Magic Medicine]

You could always get a PERFORMANCE ceanter console with a T-Top, andhave the best of both worlds!!!

http://www.midnightboats.com/

and others

[Ratickle]

If you lay out the requirements of what your priorities are, we'll steer you in the right direction.

Speed in a big cruiser/performance boat, Black Thunder is my choice....

[BY U BOY]

U guys are awesome, have ALWAYS admired the Cigs & Fountains from a distance. I live way up a river off Lake Pontchatrain in Louisiana, got enough depth for almost anything. Got BIG plans (in my head anyway). Thinking of loading up every so often and heading to ALA/Fla coast, not staying on boat. A poker run here and there, and just hauling ass sometimes. Although I've always fished, have always tweaked whatever I've had for the most speed, actual MPH not that important to me.
What is a SVL... ?

Brig, what river are you on? I grew up on Bayou Lacombe. Still keep my Proline out that way.

[PARADOX]

U guys are awesome, have ALWAYS admired the Cigs & Fountains from a distance. I live way up a river off Lake Pontchatrain in Louisiana, got enough depth for almost anything. Got BIG plans (in my head anyway). Thinking of loading up every so often and heading to ALA/Fla coast, not staying on boat. A poker run here and there, and just hauling ass sometimes. Although I've always fished, have always tweaked whatever I've had for the most speed, actual MPH not that important to me.
What is a SVL... ?

Welcome to the offshore/performance boat nut house.
Based on your notes, I think a Donzi 33, Baja, (not my first choise) or a Formula 353, even a Sonic, will be ok for you. Nice creature comforts, planty of head room, and you be ok on the Poker Runs. I have a custom made bimini top on my Avanti, (which is up for grabs BTW, see classified) and I never used it yet. In general performance/offshore boats will not stand on the son too long. Party on the beach, party at a hotel, party at the docks and go like hell from A to B. I been cooked, broiled, drenched, lobsterised, soaked, and burnt, and I would do all of it again for 2 more MPH on the rig. Get a ride with one of us in a Poker Run and you will be hooked like the rest of us crazy nuts.

Then get a pilot's license, you will need at soon enough.

[brigbooth]

Liking what I hear so far, thank's so much guys. Think I'm gonna put my Yellowfin on the block soon.
By U Boy, I live on the Bouge Falaya, off the Tchfeuncte. Spent many summers on Lacombe at my grandparents place, right next to the tressels, other side of the tracks from the old shipyard.Back in the day (80's) there was a dude Pat, had a yellow speed hull with the first loopcharged 225 Evinrude, coolest thing ever to a 12 year old. .

[Buoy]

Active Thunder is also a spacious boat, I was pretty surprised when I climbed into one at the Miami show a few years ago.

[BY U BOY]

Liking what I hear so far, thank's so much guys. Think I'm gonna put my Yellowfin on the block soon.
By U Boy, I live on the Bouge Falaya, off the Tchfeuncte. Spent many summers on Lacombe at my grandparents place, right next to the tressels, other side of the tracks from the old shipyard.Back in the day (80's) there was a dude Pat, had a yellow speed hull with the first loopcharged 225 Evinrude, coolest thing ever to a 12 year old. .

I remember that boat very well. He would always wheely it. If I recall correctly he flipped it a few time.
I grew up on the cut directly accross from the house on the hill with all the ski boats.