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Best Powerboat out there???

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#41 ·
well... having owned a Sunsation 288 for about a year and experiencing their world quality customer service and having visited their plant and seeing forst hand how they build their boat...I'd have to recommend Sunsation :)
 
#42 ·
There is no "best boat".
It all depends what you need the boat for.
Are you on a lake, river, bay, or ocean.
My Pantera is hands down the best rough water 28' boat out there. Yes, there are faster boats on glassy water, I certainly won't deny that.
The 28 Donzi is fast given it's small power, but don't expect a whole lot when you run out in the ocean.
My boat runs 77, and 80 could be had, but I prefer the severe rush of accelleration how she's set up now.
Motors are Totally stock.

You need to tell us more about your situation before these guys can tell you what boat is best.
I would encourage you to drive as many as you can. That's what I did, and that's why I bought what I bought.

Don't focus so much on the paint job... look at how the boat is built, and if it has the good sh*t on it (Ext. steering, K planes, good throttles/shifters, gauges, etc.)
 
#43 ·
I'm very happy with my Sunsation!!! The customer service is something Not heard of in todays time. They live and breath boating over there. I wasn't half way home with my new Sunsation the day I bought it, and my cell phone rang, It was Joe Schaldenbrand himself welcoming me to the family. He then proceeded to give me a couple of phone numbers to reach him at if I ever had any questions. Oh ya, and Dave's ok too :D :laugher: :D
 

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Discussion starter · #44 ·
You make a good point Tim G. I probably should qualify myself a little. I boat only on lakes. The lake I currently boat on, is generally smooth to moderately choppy 1-2' Occasionally, I have been out there when it has been pretty rough and I was pleased with my boat and the way it handled. Just out of curiosity, what power do you have Tim???

I want nice materials, nice workmanship, nice amenaties, TWIN ENGINES, power bolsters, etc. Being the fastest on the water is not the most important, but I also don't want the be known as the guy with a gofast boat that does not go very fast. I would like to be 70+ just to be able to say it mostly. I guess I need to take your advise and drive some boats. I really don't want a doggy boat, but I also don't need a Cig. I think I know what I want, but it is hard to explain. I guess since you have all turned me on to Formula, I have began to look at them harder than Donzi, but I am not discounting Donzi just yet, but I would say I have it narrowed down to the two of them. FIRST I have to sell mine, which could be tough to do for what I need to get out of it to not get hurt on it and still be able to afford a new one.
 
#45 ·
My '99 Pantera has twin stock 502 Mag MPIs.
The power/accelleration that this boat has is fantastic. Time to plane is about 2 seconds...really. :D It'll run up to 77 at the rev limiter.
I just couldn't imagine having a 28' with less power... Although a pair of small blocks dialed in to huff 400+hp would be good, as the *** of the boat is quite heavy. Stock 350 Mags at 300 hp wouldn't fly... :dontdoit:

I boat in mostly rougher water. 1-2' is a rarity. And, those are always rollers, seperated by about 30' between them.
2' "chop" should be nothing for a 28' boat... If it is...Get out the chainsaw and cut it up!
 

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#46 ·
cads03 said:
You make a good point Tim G. I probably should qualify myself a little. I boat only on lakes. The lake I currently boat on, is generally smooth to moderately choppy 1-2' Occasionally, I have been out there when it has been pretty rough and I was pleased with my boat and the way it handled. Just out of curiosity, what power do you have Tim???

I want nice materials, nice workmanship, nice amenaties, TWIN ENGINES, power bolsters, etc. Being the fastest on the water is not the most important, but I also don't want the be known as the guy with a gofast boat that does not go very fast. I would like to be 70+ just to be able to say it mostly. I guess I need to take your advise and drive some boats. I really don't want a doggy boat, but I also don't need a Cig. I think I know what I want, but it is hard to explain. I guess since you have all turned me on to Formula, I have began to look at them harder than Donzi, but I am not discounting Donzi just yet, but I would say I have it narrowed down to the two of them. FIRST I have to sell mine, which could be tough to do for what I need to get out of it to not get hurt on it and still be able to afford a new one.
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cads03

Susation is having a Dominator special at this years rally. 32 Dominator with twin 496 HO's $99,999. That's pretty much unbeatable when you think about the McCloed interior, Shore Power, Fridge, etc..... And thats a solid mid 70's boat.

We will be there, and I'm sure Dave would love to have you come up and spend the weekend. Bring your boat and join in, or ride with in one of the many boats that will be there.

Just give him a call..

my .02
 
#48 ·
"Susation is having a Dominator special at this years rally. 32 Dominator with twin 496 HO's $99,999. That's pretty much unbeatable when you think about the McCloed interior, Shore Power, Fridge, etc..... And thats a solid mid 70's boat."

Just a tad off - the 32 Dominator $99,999 Breakout Package consist of;

twin 6.2MPI's, 320 hp ea = 640 HP =72 MPH
McLeod II Bolsters
GPS Speedo
Depth Sounder
Raised Color Bezels
Upgraded Gaffrig steering Wheel
New Logo Rear Hatch
Pick Your Standard Graphic & all accent colors

The Dominator with the Mag HO's runs low to mid 80's

Please feel free to call me with any questions

DaveSunsation
810-794-4888
 
#50 ·
Besides, what boat manufacturer makes trips hundreds of miles away to their dealers lots and then goes out for crabs and beers with the customers who happen to be in the office... Sunsation, that's who! :D
 
#54 ·
CGO said:
FORMULA RULES!!! But I do need to look into a SUNSATION, Does anyone sell them at LOTO??
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Confirmed! Big Thunder is the dealer. They have a location at LOTO and one off hwy 94 in St. Charles. Unfortunatley, they don't have any on the lot in St. Charles.

Hey Dave, you need to get on to them for that. They don't even have a Sunsation Sign out front. :dontdoit:

So far there are only three Sunsations on the River, Mine, a 28 footer and another 32 that runs close to the triple digits. Between our three, there are people wanting to check them out, but Big Thunder doesn't have any on the lot close by :angry1:

It's frustrating when so many folks walk up to you on the beach and say "Nice Boat, where can I look at one?" and you have say, "well that's a good question".

Anyway, I'll get of my soap box :sb: .
 
#55 ·
Big Thunder does carry our line and I also believe this weekend they're having a small in water show for those who'd like to demo any of their lines.

Thanks Karen (Greeneyed sweetie) for the defense on the bow tie - was kinda funny though. As much I give it out I'm pretty good at taking it back. It's all for fun.

Hard Drive -
Thanks for the call this morning - great to hear you're coming up for the rally - it was great last year and this year is already on pace to blow last year's awesome event out of the water.

Any one that has any questions on our world-class powerboats or would like information send to them, pleaes do not hesitate to call or email me and I'll have the information on your doorstep in three days. I can be reached through any of the contacts listed below.

Hope everyones season is treating them Sunsational!

David Hare
Chief Operating Officer
Sunsation Powerboats
810-794-4888 Plant
586-615-2276 - Personnel Cell
david@sunsationboats.com
 
#56 ·
DaveSunsation said:
... Thanks Karen (Greeneyed sweetie) for the defense on the bow tie - was kinda funny though. As much I give it out I'm pretty good at taking it back. It's all for fun...
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No problemo... gotta stick up for family! :D I never saw you as the bow tie-kinda guy anyway! Besides, it's fun to see Red Stripe dish it out once in a while - it gives me a chance to scold him for being bad! :winker:
 
#57 · (Edited)
crackerbox said:
27 MAGNUM, if it wasnt for that boat, there would be no others
Click to expand...
You are so right! That's were Tim G's Pantera hull came from. But Tim G. hit the nail on the head. The best boat is the right boat for you and your boating conditions. If there was one perfect boat in each size range for everyone, then there would be very few different boats on the market today. Instead, there are literally hundreds in each size range.
 
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