Magic deckboat, the good and bad???

[lavish62]

Hey guys you have been such a great help on this forum, thanks so far.

I am curious, I have looking to buy a magic deckboat for some time now and have talked to a lot of people. Everyone has something different to say either they aren't good boats, they love them, they rattle, this year and that year is bad.

I thought I would pose the question that I am sure has been asked a bunch of times. The questions are:

What are the good and bad years?

What should a buyer look out for?

Are they rattle traps?

I've heard of some cracking anyone else here this?

How does the 525 perform in general?

And how do they hold yp all in all?

I appreciate any magic owners and non magic owner opinions and experiences.

Thanks again for all the help.

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[plaster dave]

Two buddy's have magics both are great boats and have held up good for both of them. One is a 05' with 525 high 70's the other is 08' with a 540 around 94 mph.

 

[Riverson]

I have 08 with 496ho does 72 with 2 and 1/2 tanks. I really like the boat and it is built good. When Magic closed several of the hulls went to long beach and were left in the elements for months uncovered. I would watch out for those units. Just my .02.
Good Luck

 

[lavish62]

Thanks for the opinions so far guys keep them coming I would love to hear more.

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[OutCole'd]

I had an 04 with a 525 owned it for about 8 years and 250 or so hours. It was a great boat, and I regret selling it. I would not hesitate to get another if the time was right. Not one issues in all those years. Boat did everything it was supposed to. Wen't out this weekend in a buddy's 23V, reminded me how great the Magic road.

 

[TCHB]

There were six on us riding in a 28 Magic Deck Boat. My wife and I had the pleasure of sitting up front on a busy Saturday. We got beat up and noticed one of the doors kept coming open. Not sure if it was the driver or not but we would come off the seats at least 4 inches hitting the Havasu chop.

I am sure it would have been better in the back of the boat.

That is my one time riding in a Magic Deck Boat.

 

[Mandelon]

It is not an exclusive club, every weekend in Havasu is a Magic Deckboat Regatta! :thumbup: But all the owners and their seem to have smiles on their faces. Its a great boat!

 

[JB in so cal]

With tanks on both sides and all of the audio on the port side, I like to keep the starboard side tank full. Keeps an even stance even with butts on seats. As long as hatches and doors are latched, I've never had a rattle problem. I have to say with a 496 and 10 people aboard its like pushing a rope to get it on plane, but once there it goes where you point it and it seems to ride smoother with a couple thousand pounds over empty.

I've had mine since July of '04. Not selling it.

 

[gqchris]

I have 08 with 496ho does 72 with 2 and 1/2 tanks. I really like the boat and it is built good. When Magic closed several of the hulls went to long beach and were left in the elements for months uncovered. I would watch out for those units. Just my .02.
Good Luck

When I was selling them at Lbys, I was repeatedly told they would not even touch high 60's with the 496Ho. I have never heard of one doing 70, only with 525. Thats pretty good.

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[CobraDave]

I have 08 with 496ho does 72 with 2 and 1/2 tanks. I really like the boat and it is built good. When Magic closed several of the hulls went to long beach and were left in the elements for months uncovered. I would watch out for those units. Just my .02.
Good Luck

No way in hell that thing will get to 72 in a stock 496 HO!

 

[Singleton]

No way in hell that thing will get to 72 in a stock 496 HO!

X2. My 26 Ultra Deck sees low 70's at best with a HO.

 

[lavish62]

So I am gathering that these boats are slugs. Looks like either my blown motor or 5:25 Whipple is the way to go? Still not feeling that warm fuzzy with the boat all in all.

I know there are a ton of them out there and so many people I've talked to love them but there are so many people out there that love their Bayliner that's not saying its for me. I would really like to stay in the $55 $65 range and it seems like the magic is really the only one out there at that price range.

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[riverroyal]

No way in hell that thing will get to 72 in a stock 496 HO!

Ive seen 72 mph from day 1 of owning mine. Mid 60s is not issue at all, even with 4 adults and fuel.
I don't have any rattles, no door opening issues. The upper hatches Ive adjusted the latches a few times, but that's it
Now I hit a large wake, then you hear noises, but its not a issues, just the hull slapping the water

.Getting on plane you lose the horizon briefly, but that's with the 496 or 525, its just the way that hull works.

The only hull issues would be a few stress cracks under the front platform, that has been with every magic built. They fixed mine and the crack were back within 6 months. But they haven't changed. same size, same length since new. But it minor. Few small stress cracks near the top step at the battery hatch.

It not different than any boat, every 4th or 5th trip I tighten all the SS hardware. All screws get a check as I have a beer, including the bimini. If anyone has rattles they should be checking that, takes about 5 minutes.

The 'white' on the front of my sponsons has worn down, from beaches. But that's is not big deal, any shop can repair that, I just haven't gotten to it.

The front wash down hose always cracks, I have replaced mine about 3 times. 25$ at west marine.

The trailers are average, There are some crappy weld, IMO, up front. There are 2 places where EVERY trailer they built has cracked welds. I fixed mine on my own. But it tows very smooth.


Have you drove one yet? Im out next weekend, if your there text me. We can take a spin so you know how they feel, or at least have some type of comparison for your search

 

[Riverson]

No way in hell that thing will get to 72 in a stock 496 HO!

72 on GPS. As a matter of fact there was a thread a year ago or so while I was at the river. From pirate den to before the bend at foxes at 8am 72 GPS. I invited those who doubted it to come out. It won't pull 70 full of gas or people but with 2 on board and 1/2 tanks it does 72 every time!

 

[Riverson]

When I was selling them at Lbys, I was repeatedly told they would not even touch high 60's with the 496Ho. I have never heard of one doing 70, only with 525. Thats pretty good.

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Chris,
What is your guess top end is for the Lavey that was in the driveway of my place when you used it?

 

[gqchris]

Chris,
What is your guess top end is for the Lavey that was in the driveway of my place when you used it?

Im either not "getting" the sarcasm of this question or you have me confused with someone else. :tbi Although I would love to borrow your Lavey if needed!

 

[Riverson]

Im either not "getting" the sarcasm of this question or you have me confused with someone else. :tbi

You used my place at the last minute on weekend early this year.
No just wondering what your take on that boat was. No sarcasm! The magic does do 72 may have been the way lbys rigged them?

Just FYI that Lavey is a 95 mph ride.

 

[gqchris]

No way in hell that thing will get to 72 in a stock 496 HO!

Thats what I was under the impression of also. Alot of guys complain that they are heavy.

I do enjoy running with them though at the lake I will give Magic Boats props, they sure made the deck boats sound good with the way the swim step is molded in.

I can outrun most of them running up river (especially fi they are loaded), and I have a stock 496Ho, but my boat is way lighter. With a 28 Pitch I can see 81 on GPS. (Cooler temps, 2 people, half tank)

Chris

 

[gqchris]

You used my place at the last minute on weekend early this year.
No just wondering what your take on that boat was. No sarcasm! The magic does do 72 may have been the way lbys rigged them?

Just FYI that Lavey is a 95 mph ride.

Oh hey Dave!!! I didn't recognize your avatar HAHA! That Lavey looked bad ass! I would have loved to taken her out. I was drooling over it, perfect setup! Open bow, external steering etc. What motor does she have again?

I always forget to put usernames with real Names in my phone. You are "Havasu House Dave" in my phone. hahah, thanks again the place rocked! Havent been out to much this summer, work gets in the way!!

 

[Riverson]

Oh hey Dave!!! I didn't recognize your avatar HAHA! That Lavey looked bad ass! I would have loved to taken her out. I was drooling over it, perfect setup!

I always forget to put usernames with Names in my phone. You are Havasu House Dave in my phone. hahah, thanks again the place rocked! Havent been out to much this summer, work gets in the way!!

525 blown.
That is a partners ride and that dick got it for 50k and added the blower to get 95 out of it. Maybe we can hook up one weekend and air out the Lavey. It

 

[gqchris]

525 blown.
That is a partners ride and that dick got it for 50k and added the blower to get 95 out of it. Maybe we can hook up one weekend and air out the Lavey. It

Hell yes! Would love to. Text me next time your out there. :champagne:

 

[Jersey Mike]

I have a Scepter and really like the boat. I mentioned it in another thread that the fit and finish isn't as good as the Hallett 270 I had, but I haven't had any problems at all. As someone else mentioned I have noticed a few small stress cracks at the top of the rear steps by the battery switch, but nothing to worry about. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another Magic if the opportunity presented itself! :thumbup:

I've seen 105mph gps with some room left to go!

Oh and the NAS trailers are shit! I had Extreme re-do my entire trailer.

 

[lavish62]

Ive seen 72 mph from day 1 of owning mine. Mid 60s is not issue at all, even with 4 adults and fuel.
I don't have any rattles, no door opening issues. The upper hatches Ive adjusted the latches a few times, but that's it
Now I hit a large wake, then you hear noises, but its not a issues, just the hull slapping the water

.Getting on plane you lose the horizon briefly, but that's with the 496 or 525, its just the way that hull works.

The only hull issues would be a few stress cracks under the front platform, that has been with every magic built. They fixed mine and the crack were back within 6 months. But they haven't changed. same size, same length since new. But it minor. Few small stress cracks near the top step at the battery hatch.

It not different than any boat, every 4th or 5th trip I tighten all the SS hardware. All screws get a check as I have a beer, including the bimini. If anyone has rattles they should be checking that, takes about 5 minutes.

The 'white' on the front of my sponsons has worn down, from beaches. But that's is not big deal, any shop can repair that, I just haven't gotten to it.

The front wash down hose always cracks, I have replaced mine about 3 times. 25$ at west marine.

The trailers are average, There are some crappy weld, IMO, up front. There are 2 places where EVERY trailer they built has cracked welds. I fixed mine on my own. But it tows very smooth.


Have you drove one yet? Im out next weekend, if your there text me. We can take a spin so you know how they feel, or at least have some type of comparison for your search

Thank you for the informative post super helpful. I just went and looked at a boat fairly clean typical scratches from wear and tear I did see the stress cracks under platform. Problem with this boat rusty, trailer was rusty all around the stainless was rested bummer because it was a nice boat. And the search continues

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[lavish62]

You used my place at the last minute on weekend early this year.
No just wondering what your take on that boat was. No sarcasm! The magic does do 72 may have been the way lbys rigged them?

Just FYI that Lavey is a 95 mph ride.

Man I am really going to miss 95 in the Nordic, super sketchy ride but a ton of fun.

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[riverbrian]

Lots of other deck boats out there, my Lavey is by far the most solid deck boat I have been on. I shopped all brands before I bought in 06' , not one stress crack, not one rattle, yes I bolt the Bimini together...

Howard did not have their deck boat out when we bought, but if I had it to do again the Lavey and Howard's would be top two.

 

[riverroyal]

Thank you for the informative post super helpful. I just went and looked at a boat fairly clean typical scratches from wear and tear I did see the stress cracks under platform. Problem with this boat rusty, trailer was rusty all around the stainless was rested bummer because it was a nice boat. And the search continues

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you wont find one with out the rust around the bunk hardware. Mine has it. Bunk replacement is on my radar this winter, theres a guy here that does it for good price Ive heard. Drop the boat in the water, enjoy the day, he brings it back like new!

 

[lavish62]

you wont find one with out the rust around the bunk hardware. Mine has it. Bunk replacement is on my radar this winter, theres a guy here that does it for good price Ive heard. Drop the boat in the water, enjoy the day, he brings it back like new!

No, the entire boat was rusted the latter under this one step, the entire trailer, they were stains from rust around the handrails and the hardware for the bimini top it was clearly a salt water boat and they did not do a good job of washing it down when done.

I know the bunks typically rust due to the moisture in the woods but not like this. I just can't believe how many people either do not take care of their boats or think they take care of the bills but really don't.

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[lavish62]

Lots of other deck boats out there, my Lavey is by far the most solid deck boat I have been on. I shopped all brands before I bought in 06' , not one stress crack, not one rattle, yes I bolt the Bimini together...

Howard did not have their deck boat out when we bought, but if I had it to do again the Lavey and Howard's would be top two.

From everything I've read it sure seems like Howard is the way to go it's just too bad that they are so proud of their boat I can't justify spending that kind of money with two young kids. Maybe for the next boat.

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[riverroyal]

From everything I've read it sure seems like Howard is the way to go it's just too bad that they are so proud of their boat I can't justify spending that kind of money with two young kids. Maybe for the next boat.

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I looked at them also.....

Im always amazed at how people take care of their stuff. Nashville bound had a amazing deck boat, super super clean with a ilmor, wonder if it sold. It was a some time ago he was selling it. Maybe message him

 

[Lavey5150]

It is my understanding in regards to the LBYS sales, there was a run of hulls with a certain number category that had some issues,
mass produced,yadda,yadda, and they were prone to splitting...I dunno,just what I heard.A buddy of mine bought a LBYS hull open bow,put BIG power in it 1200 HP,and it runs good,when it runs, I've had it up to 105 or so, completely flat water, I've ridden in it in Havie chop, and my .02 is compared to my Sabre in similar conditions, I'd take my sabre ANY DAY.It just felt unstable,unable and loose. And it did rattle.Keep in mind, this is big power and speeds over 90,so In a 60-70 world,prolly a perfectly fine boat for use.Still have my Sabre 4 sale

 

[DogNamedChevy]

No, the entire boat was rusted the latter under this one step, the entire trailer, they were stains from rust around the handrails and the hardware for the bimini top it was clearly a salt water boat and they did not do a good job of washing it down when done.

I know the bunks typically rust due to the moisture in the woods but not like this. I just can't believe how many people either do not take care of their boats or think they take care of the bills but really don't.

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Was this the 2007 with the 525 for $65K?

 

[Spudsbud]

here
in Havasu.

http://www.powerboatlistings.com/view/23361

 

[gqchris]

It is my understanding in regards to the LBYS sales, there was a run of hulls with a certain number category that had some issues,
mass produced,yadda,yadda, and they were prone to splitting...I dunno,just what I heard.A buddy of mine bought a LBYS hull open bow,put BIG power in it 1200 HP,and it runs good,when it runs, I've had it up to 105 or so, completely flat water, I've ridden in it in Havie chop, and my .02 is compared to my Sabre in similar conditions, I'd take my sabre ANY DAY.It just felt unstable,unable and loose. And it did rattle.Keep in mind, this is big power and speeds over 90,so In a 60-70 world,prolly a perfectly fine boat for use.Still have my Sabre 4 sale

Here is the Scoop Lavey5150. What happened was when Magic went out of business, LBYS was appointed by the court to liquidate their inventory. We received close to 100+ boats. This was because Magic just kept turning out hulls, and floorplanning them with the bank. The bank assumed there were motors in the boats. Obviously that was false. Anyways, these hulls ranged from 2007 to 2009 models. The main concern with some of these were just being exposed to the elements. When we got them, alot had burnt interiors, missing hardware, etc etc.

As a manufacturer, Magic could just restamp the VIN number when you bought a boat from them, so that 2007 could be VIN'ed as a 2010 etc. We were not allowed to do that.
:thumbup:

So the hulls have no integrity issues. The only thing I could see is if someone did not get the Xdimension right when they rigged it. ONly a few select boats had the bravo cut out.

If anyone wants to know if a hull was one i remember, feel free to PM. Ill try my best to remember. I see alot of my old customers on the water all the time

 

[NicPaus]

This one new for $85k http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/bod/3982897365.html Or they are offering $75k off on a new Eliminator for a limited time.

 

[gqchris]

This one new for $85k http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/bod/3982897365.html Or they are offering $75k off on a new Eliminator for a limited time.

Well thats interesting with the Bravo 3. Looks like they also utilized the walk thru in it. They just started that when I left the biz. How fast is the Bravo 3 x good too? I know the stock B3 hits a wall at 60 right?

 

[Nord]

Really liking the walkthrough Sceptor. The gel scheme is a little loud for me but the boat itself is pretty cool.

 

[Trim it up]

No way in hell that thing will get to 72 in a stock 496 HO![/QUOTE
X2. My dad swapped his 496 HO for a HP500 and he did 72 in an 04'

 

[Scott E]

From everything I've read it sure seems like Howard is the way to go it's just too bad that they are so proud of their boat I can't justify spending that kind of money with two young kids. Maybe for the next boat.

It's not just a matter of being 'so proud of their boat' with respect to the prices. Sure, all boats are fiberglass, resin, and the assorted hardware, but a lot more goes into making a boat than slapping them together and selling them.

Some builders are at the top of the food chain, some are in the middle, and others at the bottom, just like virtually any industry. Just because builder A has a 28 foot deck boat for sale new at $25k less than builder B does make builder A a better deal. There is a reason for the price difference and it is not solely profit margin. Quality costs money.

 

[lavish62]

Was this the 2007 with the 525 for $65K?

Yes it was and it is sold, not to me though. Probably was a pretty good deal at the end of the day. Saw it today again by chance and it looked pretty nice. The trailer would have absolutely needed to be stripped and redone though.

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