Speed vs. Luxury Looking for a new bowrider, can't find a fast one

[xxpilot]

I currently own a 2000 Sea Ray 210 Signature (BR) Bought it new, enjoyed the heck out of it for the past 11 years.

I made a vow to myself my next boat had to be bigger and faster. My current boat does 53-54 mph.

Initially I was looking to move up to a Baja/Fountain which would surely meet my "bigger and faster" requirement, but I don't like the closed bow. Half the boating season I spend on lake michigan and the other half inland at raft-ups/party islands. The small cockpit on the off-shore boats along with the less-than-appealing interior styling (white fiberglass and gauges) is a turn-off.

I like the sea-ray lines/quality. Was looking for a 'luxury' bowrider that had a respectable top-speed.

I fell in love with the 2011 Sea Ray 250 SLX, but even with the 8.2L HO motor they suggest it will only do 56 mph. I'm not sure if I want to drop 100k+ with trade-in differential and have a boat that doesn't go much faster than my current boat.

My first attempt was to ask Sea-Ray if they would install the 525 EFI motor in place of the 8.2L HO. Answer: NO

Anyone else have this frustration?

Anyone have a 250 SLX with the 8.2L HO motor? (or 496 HO)

What kind of top-end do you get from it?

My second question. My understanding of the Mercrusier outdrives is that the Bravo IIIx with its dual counter-roatating props is designed for better handling, mid-range performance/efficiency at the expense of a little top end. The Bravo Ix with its single prop was geared for top-end performance.

Sea Ray only offers the Bravo IIIx drive on the 250 SLX. My next attempt was to see if they would deviate and put a Bravo Ix drive on the 250 SLX to see if that would end up with a boat with more top end.

Anyone familiar with the Mercruiser outdrives have any idea how much speed you'd gain from an identical engine going to the Bravo Ix from the Bravo IIIx?

I talked with Cobalt who was willing to put the 525 efi motor in their A25, but I don't like the lines/style of the A25 as much as the Sea-Ray 250 SLX

 

[Steve91T]

Re: Speed vs. Luxury Looking for a new bowrider, can't find a fast one

Have you looked into Stingray? Those hulls are built for speed.

I'm also pretty sure I've seen speed boats that have an open bow. I remember reading it in a magazine. Baja that'll do 70 MPH with an open bow. Something like that.

Steve

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Speed vs. Luxury Looking for a new bowrider, can't find a fast one

I don't have speed specs for you but I was just at a boat show and Monterey had some awesome luxery bowriders on display.

 

[Steve91T]

Re: Speed vs. Luxury Looking for a new bowrider, can't find a fast one

Did you even look at Baja? After I made my post, I check them out. If you want a fast bowrider, probably doesn't get much faster than this...

http://www.bajamarine.com/islander/277islander.htm

 

[bear_69cuda]

Re: Speed vs. Luxury Looking for a new bowrider, can't find a fast one

Bravo I drive with be faster than Bravo III

What about the 525 efi HO in another Cobalt model other than A25?

 

[emilsr]

Re: Speed vs. Luxury Looking for a new bowrider, can't find a fast one

Have you considered a MCOB (Mid Cabin, Open Bow)? There are a few on the market, mainly from the performance type boat makers.

I looked hard at a Sunsation 288 MCOB a few years ago. It was about a 65mph boat with a 496magHO. If speed is important that's the direction I'd be looking.

 

[1979checkmate]

Re: Speed vs. Luxury Looking for a new bowrider, can't find a fast one

http://checkmatepowerboats.net/Checkmate-Power-Boats-Pulsare-2400brx.html

Check out Checkmate (no pun intended). Although i am biased (see name) they are right what you are looking for i think. They have multiple open bow models, take a look at all of them. They are lighter, stronger, and more unique than baja. Checkmate is a tiny factory in Bucyrus Ohio i believe. All boats are 100% American made and HAND LAID fiberglass with a balsa core making a VERY LIGHT YET STRONG boat. Properly powered, every checkmate will do better than 70 mph (with the exception of maybe the < 19-20 ft models. Customer service is AMAZING as well. I have a 1979 checkmate, and i could call the factory today and ask for a part or just a simple question and THE OWNER would speak with me. Heck they even make brand new interiors for ALL of their boats no matter how old.

 

[Sharp Shooter]

Re: Speed vs. Luxury Looking for a new bowrider, can't find a fast one

This open bow boat hits 110 in about 9 seconds. Keep the size down and you'll keep the weight down.

 

[dsiekman]

Re: Speed vs. Luxury Looking for a new bowrider, can't find a fast one

Bravo I drive with be faster than Bravo III

What about the 525 efi HO in another Cobalt model other than A25?

If I remember right, there was a guy on cobalt.net that had a new 282 with twin 496 HOs. I talked with my local Cobalt guy who said he was not aware of that option...but it doesn't mean they won't do it. The 282 is no longer a current model, but look at the 296 or 302. Both available with twin 8.1s

One point, though, luxury typically equals weight. Weight typically does not equal speed. Which one is more important to you?

 

[Chris-R]

Re: Speed vs. Luxury Looking for a new bowrider, can't find a fast one

Here's a nice top speed comparison of the Stingray 225LR and a bunch of other boats including Sea Ray. Imagine putting a bigger engine in the 225LR! That would be a big WOW factor:

http://www.stingrayboats.com/produc...itial=1&enginemake=SD&defaultyears=5&sorter=2

 

[metriccrescentwrench]

Look at Checkmate www.checkmatepowerboats.net

Look at Checkmate www.checkmatepowerboats.net

I'll second the vote for Checkmate. They've been in business since the early 60's, the founder's 2 sons are still there (Mike and Kip Combs). It's great to be able to call the factory and get help with parts or whatever.

 

[golf101]

Re: Look at Checkmate www.checkmatepowerboats.net

Re: Look at Checkmate www.checkmatepowerboats.net

I've got a 2010 Regal 2500 with an 8.2l. Beautiful boat, and does 65 mph without even really trying. If I were buying again, I'd probably go with the 5.7l as speed is not that critical for me. The fast track hull on the boat just glides over the water.

 

[thesledhead]

Re: Look at Checkmate www.checkmatepowerboats.net

Re: Look at Checkmate www.checkmatepowerboats.net

http://checkmatepowerboats.net/Checkmate-Power-Boats-Pulsare-2400brx.html

Check out Checkmate (no pun intended). Although i am biased (see name) they are right what you are looking for i think. They have multiple open bow models, take a look at all of them. They are lighter, stronger, and more unique than baja. Checkmate is a tiny factory in Bucyrus Ohio i believe. All boats are 100% American made and HAND LAID fiberglass with a balsa core making a VERY LIGHT YET STRONG boat. Properly powered, every checkmate will do better than 70 mph (with the exception of maybe the < 19-20 ft models. Customer service is AMAZING as well. I have a 1979 checkmate, and i could call the factory today and ask for a part or just a simple question and THE OWNER would speak with me. Heck they even make brand new interiors for ALL of their boats no matter how old.

I would have to say checkmate builds a bad *** boat, but it would be nice to see a new design out of em.

Here's a nice top speed comparison of the Stingray 225LR and a bunch of other boats including Sea Ray. Imagine putting a bigger engine in the 225LR! That would be a big WOW factor:

http://www.stingrayboats.com/produc...itial=1&enginemake=SD&defaultyears=5&sorter=2

stingray is one of my favs but they dont make a real high performance open bow. Im in the same boat as xxpilot LOL, Its hard to find a nice HP open bow boat. But if you stick with fountain, nordic, checkmate ect........ you can find em..... at a price

 

[xxpilot]

Re: Look at Checkmate www.checkmatepowerboats.net

Re: Look at Checkmate www.checkmatepowerboats.net

I've got a 2010 Regal 2500 with an 8.2l. Beautiful boat, and does 65 mph without even really trying. If I were buying again, I'd probably go with the 5.7l as speed is not that critical for me. The fast track hull on the boat just glides over the water.

Wow, thats good speed. Especially for the 8.2 Mag. I wonder if they'd put the HO in that boat. I hadn't looked at the Regal yet, I will now.

One point, though, luxury typically equals weight. Weight typically does not equal speed. Which one is more important to you?

Both... I'm not looking for the fastest off-shore boat on the water. (80mph+) If I was I'd just go with the fountain.

But I do want a 60+ mph luxury bowrider.

I looked at the checkmate and stingray boats, but the interior is more sporty/less luxury. That's my impression of most of the boats that are easily capable of the speeds I'd enjoy (Fountain, etc) They just don't look as nice inside.

I'm trying to see if Sea Ray will put the Bravo Ix (single prop) drive on the 250 SLX which I think will put it at or above 60 mph (currently they only offer the Bravo IIIX with the dual counter-rotating props) which I know is better for hole-shot, low speed maneuvers/docking and pulling water toys (which I don't do much of) but limits top-end.

If I could get the Sea Ray 250 SLX with an engine/drive package that would do 60+ I'd pull the trigger on it. I'm hoping the 8.2L HO motor and Bravo Ix drive would do it.

 

[Snobike Mike]

Re: Look at Checkmate www.checkmatepowerboats.net

Re: Look at Checkmate www.checkmatepowerboats.net

Wow, thats good speed. Especially for the 8.2 Mag. I wonder if they'd put the HO in that boat. I hadn't looked at the Regal yet, I will now.

I'm betting that's on the dream-o-meter not true speed.

 

[superpop]

Re: Look at Checkmate www.checkmatepowerboats.net

Re: Look at Checkmate www.checkmatepowerboats.net

I would check these guys out as well. I am biased but I think they are on par with cobalt with regards to quality and build materials, and they make a nice luxury sport boat.

http://www.chaparralboats.com/2011/chaparral/Chaparral-Boat.php?boat_id=12&page=stand_opt

 

[korygrandy]

Re: Look at Checkmate www.checkmatepowerboats.net

Re: Look at Checkmate www.checkmatepowerboats.net

Cobalt 262 with a HO 8.2 L mecr. (430 HP from the factory, ad ons can bump it up even more.)

One thing you did not say, what do you consider to be fast, what is your target speed?

Looks like he wants to get at least 60mph. Heh so do I...but not on these wages!

 

[emilsr]

Re: Look at Checkmate www.checkmatepowerboats.net

Re: Look at Checkmate www.checkmatepowerboats.net

Cobalt 262 with a HO 8.2 L mecr. (430 HP from the factory, ad ons can bump it up even more.)

That is a VERY nice boat. My neighbor has one with a 424hp 496 and BIII drive, 2009 model he bought new in 2010. The downside is that it's heavy; his runs 52-53mph on GPS at WOT. That said, it's one of the nicest bowriders I've ever seen/driven/ridden in.

Haven't seen this brought up, but the new 8.2 has a catalyst and it's (as yet) unproven in the real world. If it was me I wouldn't want to field test new technology in my boat.

 

[CC245]

Re: Look at Checkmate www.checkmatepowerboats.net

Re: Look at Checkmate www.checkmatepowerboats.net

You said in your OP that Cobalt would work with you and put a 525 in the A25. That sounds like a great combo for what your looking for. I think the A25 is a gorgeous boat, have you seen it in person? Sometimes they look different in person than in the pics. The fact that Cobalt is willing to work with you says alot. The A25 has alot of innovations, and the typical Cobalt luxury. That would be my choice. Good luck in your search!

 

[LIVE WIRE]

Re: Speed vs. Luxury Looking for a new bowrider, can't find a fast one

Have you considered a MCOB (Mid Cabin, Open Bow)? There are a few on the market, mainly from the performance type boat makers.

I looked hard at a Sunsation 288 MCOB a few years ago. It was about a 65mph boat with a 496magHO. If speed is important that's the direction I'd be looking.

I would have to agree ... Sunsation has been building performance boats for over 25 years produces around 50 boats a year with a 288, 32 , 36 & 43 in any configuration you want in layout & interior. Also any Mercury racing power packages you want from 425HP - 1300HP. In my opinion Sunsations fit & finish is far superior compared to the mass produced Baja or Fountains ( not putting them down ) . Their factory support is second to none even on second hand 25 year old boats . If you call the factory and the owner picks up the phone every time . Try that with any other manufacturer. I've even had more than a few beers with him on several occasions .

Here are a few pics of my 08' 288 MCOB . It has a custom poker run paint job with all the factory bells and whistles along with a dealer installed custom built RAYLAR SCR700 & XR drive and runs between 85-90GPS depending on how much I ate for lunch not bad for a bow rider .

There are a ton of great deals on 288 MCOB's out there right now from 50K - 125K depending on what market your in. Speed isnt cheap , figure about about a 2 grand for every 1 MPH over 70MPH or $100 per 1 HP :facepalm: .

Here is a link to their site , they have a great forum on there as well. http://www.sunsationboats.com/

Best of luck with what ever you decide , Kevin