Best riding 28' deck boat

[lavish62]

Hey guys I am coming out of a 25 Nordic rage, I need something that rides like a 29' DCB. What is the best riding 28' deck boat that won't completely break the bank.

I have been looking at the magic but after the ride back today I just really need to find the best all around riding deck.

I would love to here your thoughts from deck owners especially ones who have made the switch from a V to a deck.

Thanks

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 4

 

[riverbrian]

I am a little bias, but try them all before you drop any cash. I love my Lavey, because it is so solid. I am sure it will be a preference thing.

 

[G 1]

Most of the builders that build 28 decks all are using the same talon 25 bottom designed back in the late 80's that Talon designed, American offshore made it a 26 back in the early 90's then conquest took that and made a deck boat out of the American offshore cat. Then the list goes on who copied and tooled it from there... Most of the decks are 26 foot boats with 2 feet of swim platform. So really they are 26 ft. Bottoms.


Magic, (single step and double step magic makes) eliminator, conquest, commander, magic, Howard, American offshore, ultra 28 deck (old barracuda) etc etc.

there are probably a few more I'm forgetting but that pretty much shows you that it comes down to who builds a better product between them boys. Cause the running surface is the same on all for the most part.

Hope this helps with choosing the company and the best ride as its a great starting point to know. Good luck...;-)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[plaster dave]

My vote is for the Howard.

 

[FASTJTBT144]

Nordic rides great and turns well the howard is another one that rides and handles well The Next is a great riding boat for a 26 and provides great access
from the water to the inside of boat not the fastest but handles great and the ride speaks for itself.

 

[havasu5150]

My Conquest rides and handles very well.
Does great in Havasu chop. Excellent at low speed manuevering. Corners well at any speed.

 

[Froggystyle]

The company that made BY FAR the best riding deck cratered in 2008...

 

[lavish62]

The company that made BY FAR the best riding deck cratered in 2008...

And who would that be???

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 4

 

[JB in so cal]

And who would that be???

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 4

Trident. Froggy's company.

Did you ever get a ride in a magic? What others have you ridden in?

 

[lavish62]

Trident. Froggy's company.

Did you ever get a ride in a magic? What others have you ridden in?

No not yet. We have ridden in the Conquest and buddy has aDCB, and ridden in the eticket. None that really compare except the Conquest which was nice but would love more free board.

Looked at the new ultra and wasn't horribly impressed to be honest.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 4

 

[JB in so cal]

No not yet. We have ridden in the Conquest and buddy has aDCB, and ridden in the eticket. None that really compare except the Conquest which was nice but would love more free board.

Looked at the new ultra and wasn't horribly impressed to be honest.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 4

Riverroyal and I will be out at havazoo over labor day through Tuesday if you're around.

 

[lavish62]

Riverroyal and I will be out at havazoo over labor day through Tuesday if you're around.

Yes we will be, JB can you remind me what boat you have again?

That would be the weekend I would love to get a few rides and feel the difference in the chop. Seems like the true 29 is absolutely the best but probably not too practical. I am really thinking Howard is the way to go unless someone changes my mind.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 4

 

[JB in so cal]

Yes we will be, JB can you remind me what boat you have again?

That would be the weekend I would love to get a few rides and feel the difference in the chop. Seems like the true 29 is absolutely the best but probably not too practical. I am really thinking Howard is the way to go unless someone changes my mind.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 4

Mines not for sale. It's a magic deck.

 

[plaster dave]

No not yet. We have ridden in the Conquest and buddy has aDCB, and ridden in the eticket. None that really compare except the Conquest which was nice but would love more free board.

Looked at the new ultra and wasn't horribly impressed to be honest.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 4

The Howard SDS has more freeboard then most.

 

[Froggystyle]

Whatever you test drive, do so with the load primarily in the bow area to really see where the differences are.

The whole point of a deck is to carry more people... Which usually involves using the bow seating area.

You will find some of these boats do it safer than others.

All the boats mentioned were modified cats/tunnels which don't have weight up front typically. Most test rides have everyone in the rear, which tends to be the highest performance weighting.

I promise, load the front and you will be cutting the cards on these boats.

 

[lavish62]

Whatever you test drive, do so with the load primarily in the bow area to really see where the differences are.

The whole point of a deck is to carry more people... Which usually involves using the bow seating area.

You will find some of these boats do it safer than others.

All the boats mentioned were modified cats/tunnels which don't have weight up front typically. Most test rides have everyone in the rear, which tends to be the highest performance weighting.

I promise, load the front and you will be cutting the cards on these boats.

Thanks for the word of advice that is a great idea for sure. I would totally agree with you that how the boat is loaded down and the entry of the boat is everything in how it's going to perform.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 4

 

[mobldj]

screw it,just buy 8 bayliners with that much cash and you have your own navy !

 

[BUSTI]

A family friend just purchased a me Hallett 285 deck with the 565 and its the sweetest boat I have been in in a long time. Thing has everything. Cannot go wrong with a Hallett.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[That Guy]

It's a 29 but I'd vote for an E-Ticket :thumbup:

 

[Froggystyle]

It's a 29 but I'd vote for an E-Ticket :thumbup:

An e-ticket deck is my favorite non-Trident deck. Thoughtful and super clean... It's what I would own.

That said, it's the most sensitive to bow loading of the bunch. Hairy actually even with two people. The tunnels hunt back and forth trying to fight over which one gets to bow steer you now.

You would have to accept that passengers ride in the back, and you can spread out when you get there.

But like I said... It's what I would buy.

 

[JD D05]

For me it would be the Nordic or the Howard...

This one was owned by a friend of mine...he traded it in on a SS which he has since sold. This boat had about 8 hours on it when he traded it in 2 years ago. I am not sure if it has been owned again since than but I always thought it was nice. It had a Teague 800 in it for those few hours he owned it.

http://www.powerboatlistings.com/view/23545

 

[lavish62]

An e-ticket deck is my favorite non-Trident deck. Thoughtful and super clean... It's what I would own.

That said, it's the most sensitive to bow loading of the bunch. Hairy actually even with two people. The tunnels hunt back and forth trying to fight over which one gets to bow steer you now.

You would have to accept that passengers ride in the back, and you can spread out when you get there.

But like I said... It's what I would buy.

I did notice that as well I think it's because of the center pod being so understated and makes it feel more like a true tunnel hull.

Too bad my wife won't go for the e-ticket, she doesn't like that it doesn't have a swim step and the twin engine is a problem as well.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 4

 

[lavish62]

For me it would be the Nordic or the Howard...

This one was owned by a friend of mine...he traded it in on a SS which he has since sold. This boat had about 8 hours on it when he traded it in 2 years ago. I am not sure if it has been owned again since than but I always thought it was nice. It had a Teague 800 in it for those few hours he owned it.

http://www.powerboatlistings.com/view/23545

I am not fond of the styling of the Nordic decks I do know they make a great and functional boat but not liking the styling. Just IMHO and it's funny as I am coming out of a Nordic now which I have loved.

Ultimately I have fallen in love with the new Howard sds sport deck but I am not sure price is going to work in our favor. I think I am going to start looking for an older sport deck and see what I can find. I have a feeling it's going to be a challenge though.

Just seems like the Howard will answer all of our needs. It looks amazing, reviews are amazing, and I know that there boats are second to none.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 4

 

[Gelcoater]

Have you checked out the newly restyled Hallett? Tons of freeboard.:thumbsup

 

[RiverDave]

Hey guys I am coming out of a 25 Nordic rage, I need something that rides like a 29' DCB. What is the best riding 28' deck boat that won't completely break the bank.

I have been looking at the magic but after the ride back today I just really need to find the best all around riding deck.

I would love to here your thoughts from deck owners especially ones who have made the switch from a V to a deck.

Thanks

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 4

It's reall going to depend on the budget. The E-ticket is the largest of the 29' Decks and sports twins which drives the price up from a buying perspective / and maintenance / fuel perspective. That being said with semi moderate (700 a side) power they can put up some ridiculous #'s in the 120-140mph range.

The Nordic has the deepest entry and deepest tunnels of all the single engine decks, so it would stand to reason in my mind that it would probably be the smoothest riding in rough water. I absolutely LOVE the looks of the new Nordic's, and we will be having our review of both the 26 and 29 online in the next two boat reviews. If you go and talk to Thane at Nordic he will buzz you through everything they did on the new 29's and subsequent 26's and it is a very well thought out boat from bow to stern..

The Howard... You can read my review of it under boat reviews on the front page. The boat speaks for itself. It's a bad mamma jamma.. Some hard choices out there for perspective buyers in the new market. Everyone is really putting out some nice pieces today, and the prices are more competitive then ever.

RD

 

[lavish62]

It's reall going to depend on the budget. The E-ticket is the largest of the 29' Decks and sports twins which drives the price up from a buying perspective / and maintenance / fuel perspective. That being said with semi moderate (700 a side) power they can put up some ridiculous #'s in the 120-140mph range.

The Nordic has the deepest entry and deepest tunnels of all the single engine decks, so it would stand to reason in my mind that it would probably be the smoothest riding in rough water. I absolutely LOVE the looks of the new Nordic's, and we will be having our review of both the 26 and 29 online in the next two boat reviews. If you go and talk to Thane at Nordic he will buzz you through everything they did on the new 29's and subsequent 26's and it is a very well thought out boat from bow to stern..

The Howard... You can read my review of it under boat reviews on the front page. The boat speaks for itself. It's a bad mamma jamma.. Some hard choices out there for perspective buyers in the new market. Everyone is really putting out some nice pieces today, and the prices are more competitive then ever.

RD

Thanks for the response RiverDave it's great to hear from someone you know has been on a ton of boats.

So if the Howard sds sport deck was out of the running due to price point what is your thought on the sport deck compared to the Nordic and the like?

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 4

 

[RiverDave]

Thanks for the response RiverDave it's great to hear from someone you know has been on a ton of boats.

So if the Howard sds sport deck was out of the running due to price point what is your thought on the sport deck compared to the Nordic and the like?

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 4

This used or new?

RD

 

[riverroyal]

This used or new? MAGIC

RD

fixed it for you

 

[riverroyal]

what do you know about Avalon Pontoons?? with a 300 Verado?

 

[RiverDave]

what do you know about Avalon Pontoons?? with a 300 Verado?

Quite literally nothing.. LOL

 

[Singleton]

Test drive them all. I ended up with the Ultra 26 deck because I liked the layout the best and I liked the way it handled. Added bonus was supporting a San Diego company since I live in Carlsbad

 

[lavish62]

This used or new?

RD

At this point it's looking like used is going to be the only option.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 4

 

[Heavyhauler]

I had a 28 Advantage Party Cat for several years with a 600 horse 540. It was lots of fun, not to bad in rough water, and a handfull to drive over about 65., and the only way it would run faster was to put all the weight behind the driver and get the nose as high as possible.

This spring I came to Havasu during the boat show and Desert Storm to shop for a new or newer deck boat. When the show was over and I was back home, I had it narrowed down to new Howard, new Nordic, or a used 27 Nordic Lightning that was at the Nordic factory. I opted to save 50 thousand and go with the Lightning.

I have put about 20 hours on it since July and could not be happier. Real happy with the handling, the ride is great, especially in rough chop, and I have loaded it every way imaginable, with very little effect to drive, handling or speed. It has a stock 525 with a 26 prop, runs 73 on gps, full of fuel and gear with 4 people, regardless of where they are sitting. Had 6 on board this weekend with 4 in the front and ran it up to 65 and it was still pulling when I backed off, with no ill handling or plowing due to nose heavy, which the Advantage always did. It just drives itself and doesn't require much of the driver, and I like it that way.

You need to ride in everything you can to satisfy yourself to what's going to do the best job for your dollar, because I never thought I would settle for the 27' boat, since I had been in a 28' deck and a 38' V, but I am super happy with the 27 Nordic and now would only want to replace it with the 29 Nordic, if I was considering a replacement.

 

[RiverDave]

At this point it's looking like used is going to be the only option.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 4

Then the logical answer would be it's more about the boats on the market and the bang for the buck then it is about any certain manufacturer..

You could find 2 boats that have similar power / similar options / similar price, but one might have an ugly gel, which would push you to the other one and it would have nothing to do with quality of ride, quality of build, etc..

You'll know the boat when you find it.. But you should absolutely go for a ride in both before you make any decisions, which is another challenge of trying to remember one while you're going in another one. (Part of the reason I film them) Even in my reviews though we don't get the same conditions every time.. Both the 26 / 29 Nordics it was windy as hell when we took them out, and the lake was very rough.

I will say that during my tests of the Nordic, there was some customers that were going out for a demo ride right before me.. They said that they went to a couple of other manufacturers in Havasu to look at deck boats. They were told by all of them that it was too windy / too rough to take them for a ride. Nordic was the only manufacturer that said "Sure no problem" and hit the lake regardless of the rough water. They ended up buying the Nordic.. LOL So you can do the math on that.

RD

 

[lavish62]

Thanks for all the replies so far seriously helpful.

Sounds like the Nordic and Howard have the market cornered when it comes to both ride quality and build quality. I am not sure the Nordic is going to be in my price range at this point so I may have to look out for a Howard. At the end of the day though RiverDave is right it comes down to what is on the market at the time.

I have to tell you though it's going g to be a hard decision for sure especially because I am going to want to wait to see what else comes out even thought there may be a great deal right in front of me.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 4

 

[rivergames]

My dad and uncle have a 02' 27' Eliminator Fundeck. Boat feels like it is riding on a cloud:thumbup:

 

[lavish62]

I have to tell you though it's going g to be a hard decision for sure especially because I am going to want to wait to see what else comes out even thought there may be a great deal right in front of me.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 4

Its just my personality!

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 4

 

[RiverDave]

At this point it's looking like used is going to be the only option.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 4

Thanks for all the replies so far seriously helpful.

Sounds like the Nordic and Howard have the market cornered when it comes to both ride quality and build quality. I am not sure the Nordic is going to be in my price range at this point so I may have to look out for a Howard. At the end of the day though RiverDave is right it comes down to what is on the market at the time.

I have to tell you though it's going g to be a hard decision for sure especially because I am going to want to wait to see what else comes out even thought there may be a great deal right in front of me.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 4

They just are the two companies that are actually building boats right now, and building them for members of the site so they get a lot more "airtime" then some of the other manufacturers.. There's a lot of companies that have put out some great boats over the years.

It would really help if you had any kind of idea on a budget, and power you are looking for..

RD

 

[plaster dave]

Thanks for all the replies so far seriously helpful.

Sounds like the Nordic and Howard have the market cornered when it comes to both ride quality and build quality. I am not sure the Nordic is going to be in my price range at this point so I may have to look out for a Howard. At the end of the day though RiverDave is right it comes down to what is on the market at the time.

I have to tell you though it's going g to be a hard decision for sure especially because I am going to want to wait to see what else comes out even thought there may be a great deal right in front of me.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 4

If your looking for a Howard SDS finding one used will to tough I would think. They haven't been out that long. My buddy just built a SCS "same bottom as SDS" and he loves his boat.

 

[riverroyal]

a used howard, and if you do be prepared to spend a bunch. They do ride good, as RD says, the bottoms are the same for the most part, just 'tuned up' which =s labor, =s price new.

You prob wont find a use Nordic 29, Ive been looking for a year. There was one, but it seemed strange, posted on multiple websites with different motors??? you wont find a 26, sounds like the looks aren't for you anyways. They are deeper and sharper on the bottom, its cuts a bit better in rough, less slap

you might find a eliminator, but they are very heavy hence the smooth ride. A new one will go 60 with a 8.2, so you can do the math on HP to get to your speed

conquest is tried and true, but also dated. Ride is very close to the Magic

Cobra,,eh, they didn't make many deck boats. Looked great when they came out. I haven't seen one on the water in a long time now

DCB 30 deck, they come with billet everything. Also up there in price used if you can even find one

Hallett deck, no idea, they look heavy, never caught my eye

Ultra, no clue.

Barracuda ,Essex, Next, American Offshore, Im not sure if any of them are still building. The 4 combined didn't produce may units. Basically the same rides except the Next. Ive heard it rides nice, just bad timing when they started

What ever you get remember resale some day!!! People have opinions on all boats, the bigger more popular brands (even out of Biz) always carry better resale. Even if your the 2nd or 3rd owned.

see ya soon!!!


RD, can you go find a Avalon Deco toon with a 300 verado and do a report? buy you a 12 pack of BL lime. :rolleyes

 

[lavish62]

They just are the two companies that are actually building boats right now, and building them for members of the site so they get a lot more "airtime" then some of the other manufacturers.. There's a lot of companies that have put out some great boats over the years.

It would really help if you had any kind of idea on a budget, and power you are looking for..

RD

This is very true but the true die hards hang around these types of sites and if these are the boats that keep coming up then they must either be the new and up coming or the best. Of coarse there are always going to be other manufacturers but I am on here to find the majority vote.

What I am gathering is:


Howard- being top of the charts in both quality and functionality (hold their value)
Nordic- top quality and functionality
E-ticket- great built boat, functional, and expensive with the twins and in general
Hallett- not much said but everyone knows great boats in general
Eliminator Fun Deck- great boat, great performer, expensive
Conquest- tried and true, great quality just a step below and not as great of performance
Magic- not the best quality or performance but functional, reasonably priced and popular
Shockwave- not much said but good quality and performing boats

I know there others out there but not too popular or quality boats. At this point I know that there are others out there but I think I have ruled them out for multiple reasons.

Also price comes into play here, I really would like to be in the $55k- 75k range so it is going to have to be a pre-owned boat I would think unless a manufacturer wants to extend me a killer deal???

 

[lavish62]

If your looking for a Howard SDS finding one used will to tough I would think. They haven't been out that long. My buddy just built a SCS "same bottom as SDS" and he loves his boat.

Yeah I think that would pretty much be out of the question unless one happened to pop up but I would doubt thats going to happen for some time. I am coming to the conclusion that I don't think I would even be able to get one in the price range I am going to be comfortable with even if I extended myself a bit.

 

[riverroyal]

This is very true but the true die hards hang around these types of sites and if these are the boats that keep coming up then they must either be the new and up coming or the best. Of coarse there are always going to be other manufacturers but I am on here to find the majority vote.

What I am gathering is:


Howard- being top of the charts in both quality and functionality (hold their value)
Nordic- top quality and functionality
E-ticket- great built boat, functional, and expensive with the twins and in general
Hallett- not much said but everyone knows great boats in general
Eliminator Fun Deck- great boat, great performer, expensive
Conquest- tried and true, great quality just a step below and not as great of performance
Magic- not the best quality or performance but functional, reasonably priced and popular
Shockwave- not much said but good quality and performing boats

I know there others out there but not too popular or quality boats. At this point I know that there are others out there but I think I have ruled them out for multiple reasons.

Also price comes into play here, I really would like to be in the $55k- 75k range so it is going to have to be a pre-owned boat I would think unless a manufacturer wants to extend me a killer deal???

I agree with you,,,,except Magic not being quality. I strongly disagree. My boat is a 05. I have spent a total of ZERO dollars since I bought it new right from the mold. No interior issues, stitches pulling, fading, nothing. No Gel issues. No rigging issues. The only money I have spend is for routine service. Ive never been towed, never broke. Just got sea tow this summer for the 1st time. Now, for performance ,I also disagree. The boat is stable and safe at 70mph. I do have friends with 85mph deck boats, also safe. Just NOT with a family on board. For that matter the cruising speed in a deck with kids and dog and stuff is around 55. Once you hit 65 its a wind tunnel. Wind is wind, no matter your bottom hull. Magics are priced right because 90% of them have 496HO in them. Throw HP in them and they are equal to the rest. If you notice, some other brands have bigger HP, Magic really pushed for the 496HO. They didn't want to be in the the huge HP FAMILY market. Which is why you see a lot of families with them,with mild power

 

[my dixie wrecked]

Also price comes into play here, I really would like to be in the $55k- 75k range so it is going to have to be a pre-owned boat I would think unless a manufacturer wants to extend me a killer deal???




man you have come up one hell of a lot since you inquired on my boat , you were only at 50-55k a week ago looks like reality is kicking in?

 

[riverroyal]

What's a ballpark price of a fully loaded Howard 28 SDS w/ a Merc 525efi/bravo xr/on a triple axle?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

New right? Year? 565 new not 525.

 

[riverroyal]

Yea new? I recently read RD's article on the 28SDS, and the boat was absolutely beautiful.!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

160k plus tax... Just a guess. But you said loaded. My guess is I'm real close. Amazing boat.

 

[JB in so cal]

160k plus tax... Just a guess. But you said loaded. My guess is I'm real close. Amazing boat.

Posting after 9 pm? Coffee day today?

 

[2FORCEFULL]

best bang for the buck right here,... middle 60's

 

[2FORCEFULL]

we ran the boat four seasons, traded it in on a new wild cat with a 525...92 mph boat

 

[lavish62]

Also price comes into play here, I really would like to be in the $55k- 75k range so it is going to have to be a pre-owned boat I would think unless a manufacturer wants to extend me a killer deal???




man you have come up one hell of a lot since you inquired on my boat , you were only at 50-55k a week ago looks like reality is kicking in?

Nothing has set in, you wouldn't shoot me a price and I had to start somewhere. No pics and haven't seen the boat yeah 50-55k seems about right. Shoot me a price and send me some pic's we get together and I see the condition may be another story.

Sorry to insult you but if you don't ask you don't get...

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 4