New ICB 28GTB Advice

[VuonaTime]

Hey RDP!

I am a new member here looking for some advice on a new Interceptor 28GTB order our family is about to place. Very have been boating for 20+ years with a 23' Maxum 50 mph beater and we are finally looking to step up to a new deckboat. Since ICB seems relatively newer and I couldn't find much recent content on here, I was hoping to get some recent opinions on the company and the boat.

We were impressed with Andrew and the operation at our shop tour last week. Very knowledgeable and they seem to be making a quality boat that is still reasonably priced compared to the better Howards, Eliminators and Nordics of the world. Howard would be our number 1 choice however we were quoted 18 months build time still for Howard and Eliminator. ICB quoted us 8 months to have the boat ready by June. We also personally much prefer the looks of the ICB to Nordics older design. We also looked at Shockwave, Essex, Advantage and Cobra decks but still prefer the ICB.

Boat/Ride Quality and Company History: Does anyone own an ICB 28 or have riden in one to share on the boat or ride quality? Anything to be concerned about with the company's limited history or boat construction/rigging? Majority of customers seem to be very happy with their boats.

Classic Engine ?: Andrew is recommending the merc 565 and majority of customers have gone that route for the extra reliability/less maintenance, DTS and still decent peformance. Andrew claims the boat will run 80 mph on a light load and can run 10 people with ease. I know majority of the forums recommend the 600 for most 28 decks and I like that route for the ability to upgrade down the road but I am debating if it is overkill for our needs. Does anyone have experience with a 565 or 600 in a 28 ICB?

Appreciate the help guys. It will primarily be a family cruiser for the next 20 years and we typically trip with 6 - 10 people. 80mph is fine for us on the occasional speed run but we will mostly cruise 40-60mph. Not trying to over analyze here but this is our first time spending north of $200k on a boat.

If we go this route, I am happy to post the build process.

Thanks,

Tony

 

[SixD9R]

Spammer reported!

 

[DaytonaBabe]

Spammer reported!

Not spam.

 

[NicPaus]

Have him take you on a test run to verify speed. That seems to be the biggest issue customers have after taking delivery of there new deck boats. Loaded down they do not perform as well as promised. Bigger engine package is the answer.

 

[Englewood]

Something to consider is resale. If they are not listed in NADA guide there are very few sources for future buyers to get pre-owned financing.

 

[n2otoofast4u]

The issue as I see it with the 600s is (1) the rebuild interval and (2) the weak drive behind it. Sure the 600 is cool, but it will be harder on drives (read that out of pocket expense) and when you want to upgrade the 600 to a stage 2-3-4 the drive in my opinion is completely worthless and your “cheap” whipple upgrade is going to come with a $40k drive upgrade at the same time.

Deck boats are made for family. If you want to go fast, buy a fast boat!

If I am building a family hauler in todays world I am 100% looking HARD at some of the LSA based options over the old skool BBC based stuff.

 

[attitude]

I’d say the 565 is fine. Personally I think they sound better than a 600, especially at start up and idle.

80 mph with a 565 seems very plausible, in the right conditions. If 80 mph is its best speed it will run, high 60s will be your everyday beating speed.

565 or 600 with both eat drives so pick your poison in that regard.

I think Interceptor builds a great looking boat, both exterior and interior wise.

 

[sirbob]

I hear they are making nice boats. I like some of the newer ones I see on the water.

Agree with comments on power - family boat w 565 will be fine... 80mph? I'm not saying it couldn't happen but I don't think you'll show that to any friends. It would have to be a very light load coming down river with a tail current of ?knots.

Realistic daily speeds with family in the 60s.

But you're not buying a deck boat for speed... are you?

 

[FreeBird236]

Don't know if it's been modified, but that bottom basically started its life as a 27' Eliminator fun deck, which is about the same as a Conquest or American Offshore, so it should be good in that regard. I don't know anything about the quality or company but seems they have been delivering a few boats as of late and they look pretty good. As far as resale how much are you saving on the initial price? I think I'd expect about 20% below Howard, Nordic or Eliminator, maybe more.

 

[JFMFG]

Seems as if intercepter has come along way. I will say their interiors are looking really good. I know the grey and black boat you can see waves all the way down the side of it. I’d just clarify that that won’t be the same issue if you build one. The ones I’ve seen up close are really nice.

 

[adam909]

This is a interesting subject to talk about. I think for the havasu style of boating a deck boat is the best boat you could get. Its just jaw dropping on how much new deck boats are these days compared to 6 years ago and nothing has really changed except the prices have gone higher then a giraffe's pussy.

If i was in the market for a new deck my thoughts would be the same as yours. Interceptor would most likely be my choice due to price and time frame for a new build. One thing I dont care for about intercptor is there paint/design has never past the eye test when one idles along in the channel. What I mean by that is when a howard or even a nordic cruises by it's colors/design just pops and shines. Intceptor even some eliminators just doesn't have that pop or shine. Looking on interceptors instragram of all there builds and even seeing them in the channel they just have a dullness to the paint and design. Maybe this is just what the customer wants I dont know.

Interior and style I think Interceptor is fucking nailing it!! Im more of a Leather/vinyl and carpet type of guy for interior cause know it last longer then the alcantara suede and seadeck that seems what most are choosing for todays new build. Plus I like the carpet feel on my feet over the seadeck.

As motor packages I think the 565 is the lowest package any of the builders would want in there decks. These newer decks are heavy and getting out of the hole and onto plane with a load of people is the biggest challenge. 80 mph with a 565 on a interceptor might be plausable but I wouldnt count on it. This is also the biggest expense choice. Im a reliability type of guy so the 565 would be my choice and cheaper to maintain over time if you plan on keeping it.

My final thoughts about deck boats. I have a magic deck with your tried and true 496ho. I have been on the other big manufactured decks and I always come back to the thought of is this fancy boat worth 200k more then my magic?

Keep us posted on your journey and your build. What are all the manufactures at starting price for a new deck?

 

[DWC]

Interceptor has some great looking boats out there. Their display at the boat show was very impressive. As mentioned, resale will be a little lower than Howard or some others. If you’re waiting 20yrs I’m not sure I’d be worried about it.
565 with 8 people, full tanks and big stereo isn’t going near 80. Mid-60’s is probably realistic. If you’re searching for more speed find a different platform. Personally, wouldn’t worry about going faster. I’m not a huge fan of flying across the water with people in the front seats.

 

[DarkHorseRacing]

Well if youre going to spend the money on the 600, spend the money at the same time on the imco scx upper and gimbal ring and full hydraulic steering. You can decide to stick with an sc lower until you do Whipple upgrades later and then opt for the scx lower then.

 

[SixD9R]

Not spam.

Sorry about that!!

 

[ChrisV]

Be a man. Do the right thing. Choose the 600. We’re all degenerates.

 

[DMF]

I personally would not build a deck boat with anything smaller then a 600.

 

[JFMFG]

I personally would not build a deck boat with anything smaller then a 600.

I’d really consider the merc 1550 in a deck.

 

[DWC]

I’d really consider the merc 1550 in a deck.

Not 500’S

 

[DMF]

I’d really consider the merc 1550 in a deck.

You do you boo

 

[adam909]

I personally would not build a deck boat with anything smaller then a 600.

I seem to think this is why you see beautiful brand new deck boats with 565's for sale shortly after recieving it. New owners arent happy with the performance especially with the big 29 nordics.

 

[JFMFG]

Not 500’S

Outboards don’t have that big block sound.

 

[JFMFG]

I seem to think this is why you see beautiful brand new deck boats with 565's for sale shortly after recieving it. New owners arent happy with the performance especially with the big 29 nordics.

You need power to push the 29 Nordic. Mine is a heavy sob twin 400s and I see 95 max

 

[Gelcoater]

Not spam.

Are ya sure?
It’s been over 10 hours now.
Not one response from the OP?

A guy seeking opinion or experience woulda checked in by now?

 

[sczagurs]

There is a 26GTD for sale with a 600, he may have some input. Gorgeous boats, I like Their OB boat.

 

[DMF]

I seem to think this is why you see beautiful brand new deck boats with 565's for sale shortly after recieving it. New owners arent happy with the performance especially with the big 29 nordics.

I agree. I have had a deck boat since 2011. Loaded with people, fuel, and gear you really appreciate having the power needed to get on plane and not running it pinned all day.

 

[Joe mama]

I agree. I have had a deck boat since 2011. Loaded with people, fuel, and gear you really appreciate having the power needed to get on plane and not running it pinned all day.

My ex’s uncle had a conquest with a 900hp Pfaff and definitely changed the deck boat experience. When in a situation power out of it. One thing, it’s not fun for long periods of time with your face trying to rip off, and that noise that says your boating today is over and it’s going to take a long time to get back to the launch ramp.

 

[DMF]

My ex’s uncle had a conquest with a 900hp Pfaff and definitely changed the deck boat experience. When in a situation power out of it. One thing, it’s not fun for long periods of time with your face trying to rip off, and that noise that says your boating today is over and it’s going to take a long time to get back to the launch ramp.

All of this could be said with any boat that does not have canopies or a windshield.

 

[ChrisV]

Get a dw32 with 450s. End thread.

 

[NicPaus]

My ex’s uncle had a conquest with a 900hp Pfaff and definitely changed the deck boat experience. When in a situation power out of it. One thing, it’s not fun for long periods of time with your face trying to rip off, and that noise that says your boating today is over and it’s going to take a long time to get back to the launch ramp.

My buddy has a conquest with monster power. I remember cruising at 80 with 12 on board. It was not very pleasant and it had a lot more in it. Now it has even bigger engine with a psi blower. But I have not been in it with current power.

 

[JFMFG]

My buddy has a conquest with monster power. I remember cruising at 80 with 12 on board. It was not very pleasant and it had a lot more in it. Now it has even bigger engine with a psi blower. But I have not been in it with current power.

We typically cruise 60-65. Once you get going faster then that In a deck most people aren’t having fun aside for whose driving.

 

[OC Daytona]

You need power to push the 29 Nordic. Mine is a heavy sob twin 400s and I see 95 max

What props are you spinning at what RPM on those 400s?

Does it get on plane well with 6 ppl and some fuel?

 

[Mikes56]

You guys are crazy going that fast in a deck boat! Ive got a 525 in my Topcat 1 and cruise at 35-40 mph. About 60 everyone in the boat is scared shitless and going over wakes bumps people in the front out of their seats and nearly over the side.

 

[Joe mama]

You guys are crazy going that fast in a deck boat! Ive got a 525 in my Topcat 1 and cruise at 35-40 mph. About 60 everyone in the boat is scared shitless and going over wakes bumps people in the front out of their seats and nearly over the side.

Yep!!!!! I remember we had a load of people on the boat and I was up front, hit a good size roller and when we landed driver backed off throttle and stopped. I looked over the edge of the boat and the whole rub rail rubber was laying in the water around the boat. That boat must have really flexed to do that. I’m pretty sure I’m a couple inches shorter do to that Impact. Lol

 

[JFMFG]

What props are you spinning at what RPM on those 400s?

Does it get on plane well with 6 ppl and some fuel?

I have 28 4 merc props right now. I’ve been doing some research on what’s best to put on it. But all I got from Nordic was every boat leaves with 26s. I think I am going to do 27 pitch max 5s. It takes a minute to roll over with 2 adults and our 2 kids 4 and 2 years old. Full of fuel. It spins right at 6800-6900

 

[DMF]

Yep!!!!! I remember we had a load of people on the boat and I was up front, hit a good size roller and when we landed driver backed off throttle and stopped. I looked over the edge of the boat and the whole rub rail rubber was laying in the water around the boat. That boat must have really flexed to do that. I’m pretty sure I’m a couple inches shorter do to that Impact. Lol

Both of your experiences involve a Conquest...hmmm

 

[Mikes56]

Both of your experiences involve a Conquest...hmmm

Yea there isn’t much inside freeboard for the peeps sitting up front. I didn’t understand why everyone was being such pussies sitting up there, until I did. Yea F that, I’m driving my boat.

 

[Joe mama]

Yea there isn’t much inside freeboard for the peeps sitting up front. I didn’t understand why everyone was being such pussies sitting up there, until I did. Yea F that, I’m driving my boat.

Nothing wrong with the boats just not built to be running around at 100mph with a load of peeps especially up front.

 

[Mikemo_SDS]

This is the saddest thread. Everyone saying they want to go slow. Wow.

 

[DMF]

This is the saddest thread. Everyone saying they want to go slow. Wow.

Not everyone

 

[C_J_J_C]

This thread got me curious and our deck boat has a tattle-tail switch. I just checked, my top speed this summer was 46 MPH. We cruise at 35-40 any faster and my speed limiter goes off..... AKA my wife smacks me.
I want power for emergencies but in my opinion a 565 is more than enough.

 

[DRYHEAT]

You’ve got to have a 100 mph deck boat so you can keep up with the 100 mph jet boats and pontoons.

 

[RiverDave]

I apologize for not fixing your account sooner. I am down in Baja and the service is spotty at best. This is the first time I have had enough service to fix it.

I have plenty to say on the subject but won’t be back until the 18th.

In the meantime I’d say you can’t go wrong with interceptor at this point. He is doing a great job.

I’d like you to revisit some others when you have a hard quote though. You might be surprised at the results!

 

[retaocleg]

in all my years of boat building, i have yet to hear a customer say "i wish i would have went with less power"

 

[Gelcoater]

in all my years of boat building, i have yet to hear a customer say "i wish i would have went with less power"

You ever met 2FF?

 

[DrunkenSailor]

One name I haven't seen listed here is Barron. You should take a look at their deck too it's a good looking boat.

 

[traquer]

Some things I agree/don't agree with:

- Half the fun of having bigger power is hearing the noise when you're idling around, and feeling good about yourself when you talk to someone with a similar boat but it turns out you have more power lol

- The other half is going out for a run with the boys (or just your girl) and just tearing it up for a bit.. Great option to have even if you use it rarely. Or short bursts of power when you want to smoke some foo.. I don't think any boat without a windshield is meant to be run at 60+ for any serious amount of time anyway, passengers will complain lol. kinda like how you're not running around at 120+ on the freeway nonstop in a sports car either

- I've ridden in and have driven a few 28' cats. Nothing Havasu could throw at them I'd consider jarring to my back or butt. But I come from smaller 21-23' boats... I think those conquest boats are shallower hull than the rest so that's not a typical 28' beast like most of em. I bet they're fast tho

 

[DWC]

You’ve got to have a 100 mph deck boat so you can keep up with the 100 mph jet boats and pontoons.

At least the 70mph pontoons.

 

[adam909]

This is the saddest thread. Everyone saying they want to go slow. Wow.

Another 10 mph doesnt come cheap. Sometimes the juice isnt worth the squeeze.

 

[ChrisV]

This thread got me curious and our deck boat has a tattle-tail switch. I just checked, my top speed this summer was 46 MPH. We cruise at 35-40 any faster and my speed limiter goes off..... AKA my wife smacks me.
I want power for emergencies but in my opinion a 565 is more than enough.

Whats kinda boat?

 

[VuonaTime]

Sorry for the delay guys, I was sitting in spam jail over the weekend until Melissa let me back in. Pricing has gotten out of control these days on new builds however I would rather buy something new that could last 20 – 30 years compared to a 20 year old Magic for $100k on the used market. Nothing against a good used deck boat however it makes sense to buy new IMO given the market pricing. ~20+% premium is spot on for a similar decent optioned 565 Howard/Eliminator ($275k-$300k) vs. an ICB ($225k). This includes half cap, level 1 stereo upgrade, 565 merc, extended swim platform, cool touch vinyl custom seats, sea deck, touch screen, billet accessories, underwater lights, triple axle trailer, etc. ICB really seems to build a quality optioned boat at a “reasonable” price level compared to the others. Cobra was in the $250k range and Shockwave $225k range. Both nice boats however I was most impressed with ICB compared to the other options. Howard would likely be my number 1 choice if there wasn’t an 18 month lead time given the quality, ride, resale, etc. however the ICB cost savings allow the possibility for a 600 upgrade and full cap. I am also blown away by ICB’s interior out of the box.

Appreciate the advice and I am glad to hear about the good feedback on ICB. I might be putting the order in this week. The main purpose is a family cruiser deck boat and hell, we might even try to water ski with this thing 5% of the time… I just needed to ask the speed question because there will be a few days a year with minimal people to open her up. The switch from the 565 to 600 will be a game day decision and I might have to choose between the engine upgrade or a full cap.

I need to connect with the owner of the white & green 26’ ICB for sale. That boat has a 600 and Andrew said that owner was putting an order in for a new 28’ with outboards.

Will keep you guys updated.

Thanks,
Tony