Wondering about the Howard 255? Here ya go!

[Let It Ride]

Yep... definitely not a fan! IMO I think it looks better on the trailer then in the water. Cool concept but that's where it stops for me

Same here, kind of confused the concept behind it, it’s either one or the other.

 

[Scott E]

Seems like the first one built for sale, is now for sale due to the buyer backing out? Not sure how many have made it out of the mold at this point

The buyer did not back out, he was unable to obtain financing for the balance of the purchase which is why the boat is currently for sale at a special price. If anyone is interested, give Gene a call for the details on the price as this boat is ready to go.

There are currently 4 255's in various stages of production. So far, a total of 5 255s have been sold. All 5 have been sold to people after taking a demo ride. The best thing to do if you're interested in how the 255 rides is to contact Gene and arrange for a test ride. 661-257-9275

 

[Husqy510]

I was at Howard a couple weeks ago and got to see the boat up close. I liked the looks and layout. I was skeptical before I saw it because it reminded me of the x-flight, which I don't care for, but this design is very different. Looks like a great boat for the family.

 

[Raffit78]

How many people can it hold? Comfortably?

8-10? Or more or less?


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[wsuwrhr]

I ride on all the boats sir......all the boats

Okden. It is usually more comfortable to ride in them sir.

 

[wsuwrhr]

Nice, that is what I like to hear.

Cash money baby!!

 

[Husqy510]

How many people can it hold? Comfortably?

8-10? Or more or less?


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I think 8 comfortably, 10 might be a little crowded.

 

[the510]

Seems like the first one built for sale, is now for sale due to the buyer backing out? Not sure how many have made it out of the mold at this point

The #1 hull is pictured in the first page of this thread. That boat is still owned and operated by Mike who is Genes (Owner of Howard Custom Boats) son. I rode in the #1 hull last year during the regatta. It was absolutely mind blowing. I did not spend much time on it. I did not even get to operate it. However I can tell you it was amazing. The boat was outfitted with the standard choice of power which is the 350HP mercruiser. The ride was amazing. There was a decent amount of chop on the lake that day. The 255 VTX just floated right over the top of it. The hull is a master peace. He zipped to 60mph in seconds. at low RPMS the boat just plows through the water creating a decent wake that could be surfed. He cranked the helm over and it cut through the water with ease. The smoothness of the turn, and how sharp it turned was impressive. I have a 25 bullet and am 100% in love with it. Compared to my bullet the 255VTX is much smoother, and if I had the money I would upgrade with out any hesitation.

The #2 hull was built for someone who unfortunately needed to back out. Its practically the same boat that is listed in this thread. This boat was intended to be an all around family performance boat that was aimed to be watersports friendly. It does all of that while managing to keep the HOWARD CUSTOM BOATS signature looks, and quality. This boat was intended to be more of a cookie cutter boat. But I did not get that feeling at all. Its 100% custom badassness.

 

[the510]

I was at Howard a couple weeks ago and got to see the boat up close. I liked the looks and layout. I was skeptical before I saw it because it reminded me of the x-flight, which I don't care for, but this design is very different. Looks like a great boat for the family.

the X-flight is one of my least favorite boats. Its a interesting design that just doesn't look good to me.

The 255 is my favorite boat in production today.

I wouldn't even mention them in the same sentence. No comparison.

 

[WhatExit?]

The #1 hull is pictured in the first page of this thread. That boat is still owned and operated by Mike who is Genes (Owner of Howard Custom Boats) son. I rode in the #1 hull last year during the regatta. It was absolutely mind blowing. I did not spend much time on it. I did not even get to operate it. However I can tell you it was amazing. The boat was outfitted with the standard choice of power which is the 350HP mercruiser. The ride was amazing. There was a decent amount of chop on the lake that day. The 255 VTX just floated right over the top of it. The hull is a master peace. He zipped to 60mph in seconds. at low RPMS the boat just plows through the water creating a decent wake that could be surfed. He cranked the helm over and it cut through the water with ease. The smoothness of the turn, and how sharp it turned was impressive. I have a 25 bullet and am 100% in love with it. Compared to my bullet the 255VTX is much smoother, and if I had the money I would upgrade with out any hesitation.

The #2 hull was built for someone who unfortunately needed to back out. Its practically the same boat that is listed in this thread. This boat was intended to be an all around family performance boat that was aimed to be watersports friendly. It does all of that while managing to keep the HOWARD CUSTOM BOATS signature looks, and quality. This boat was intended to be more of a cookie cutter boat. But I did not get that feeling at all. Its 100% custom badassness.

I assume you're not a relative nor do you work for Howard Boats so I am impressed with your review and comments

 

[92562]

I assume you're not a relative nor do you work for Howard Boats so I am impressed with your review and comments

He isn't/doesn't. I was going to post basically the same information but he beat me to it. I also saw it at the regatta and it was amazing!!!

Also, I'm not on the payroll either, just a very happy customer!

 

[the510]

I assume you're not a relative nor do you work for Howard Boats so I am impressed with your review and comments

Hahah nope, not related, and not on their pay roll. Just a believer in the product.

 

[RiverDave]

Anybody that has any doubts on the boat, go drive it. I did and was thoroughly impressed!

here's the review with video to back it all up.

https://www.riverdavesplace.com/for...tunnel-crossover-the-ultimate-dual-sport.485/

 

[Scott E]

<-----not on the Howard payroll or a family member either. Just fortunate to call Mike and Gene friends.

 

[JD D05]

Anybody that has any doubts on the boat, go drive it. I did and was thoroughly impressed!

here's the review with video to back it all up.

https://www.riverdavesplace.com/for...tunnel-crossover-the-ultimate-dual-sport.485/

I think it is pretty awesome boat, that turning video looks different with the front forks leaning like that.

 

[02HoWaRd26]

So I’m curious! Is this just a Bullet with some sponsons grafted onto it for more seating space and to create some lift by packing air?
I’ve seen that Advantage X-Flight a hundred times but always with in the channel on a beach or on the trailer, never seen it at speed.

 

[Scott E]

So I’m curious! Is this just a Bullet with some sponsons grafted onto it for more seating space and to create some lift by packing air?

No, it is not a Bullet with sponsons added. It's 3 years of design and testing, all done in house by Mike Willen including making a running plug, utilizing and melding together the best of the 25 Bullet and the 288 Sport Deck.

 

[RiverDave]

So I’m curious! Is this just a Bullet with some sponsons grafted onto it for more seating space and to create some lift by packing air?
I’ve seen that Advantage X-Flight a hundred times but always with in the channel on a beach or on the trailer, never seen it at speed.

The hull front is a bullet, but then they added the sponsons in the front, and it all kinda tapers into itself towards the back. If you look at it from the front it looks like the tunnels go all the way to the back. If you look at it from the transom it's a Vee that flares out kind of straight. It's a really unique concept that's capturing air and then kind of bleeding it out the sides towards the transom. When you drive it you can feel the boat lifting up at higher speeds, but it has all the versatility of a Vee Bottom.

RD

 

[Stayin'ontop]

No, it is not a Bullet with sponsons added. It's 3 years of design and testing, all done in house by Mike Willen including making a running plug, utilizing and melding together the best of the 25 Bullet and the 288 Sport Deck.

I would say that's exactly what it is. the bullet hull that has been tooled and sponsons added. obviously there's more to it than that, but essentially that's exactly what they did.

on another note....any word on this years regatta??

 

[Husqy510]

I assume you're not a relative nor do you work for Howard Boats so I am impressed with your review and comments

Not sure if you were referring to me, but no, I'm not family, nor am I on the payroll. I've never spent a dime at Howard, although I did recently purchase a 26' Howard cat. My dad and I stopped by unannounced a couple weeks ago and I was amazed that they stopped what they were doing to talk about our boat and then showed us some of the boats they were building.

 

[Scott E]

on another note....any word on this years regatta??

No regatta this year is my understanding.

 

[Stayin'ontop]

ah

No regatta this year is my understanding.

really? that's a bummer

 

[OldSchoolBoats]

No regatta this year is my understanding.

ah


really? that's a bummer

I was kinda figuring this since the announcement would have been made by now. Total bummer because we missed last years Regatta and were hoping to attend this year.

 

[92562]

No regatta this year is my understanding.

Rats, we missed 5 years in a row due to marching band and with the nest empty we made last years' and were hoping to make them from now on.

 

[Stayin'ontop]

I was kinda figuring this since the announcement would have been made by now. Total bummer because we missed last years Regatta and were hoping to attend this year.

we've owned our for 2 years and couldn't make it to either so I was pumped to finally get out there this year. Bums me out to hear. I'm going to have to call and give Gene a hard time. playfully, of course.

wonder if he's closer to selling the company

 

[OldSchoolBoats]

we've owned our for 2 years and couldn't make it to either so I was pumped to finally get out there this year. Bums me out to hear. I'm going to have to call and give Gene a hard time. playfully, of course.

wonder if he's closer to selling the company

Gene is also getting up there in age and doing the Regatta really takes a lot out of him. He's like a machine from the first moment he set foot in the Nautical to make sure everything goes smooth. There also seems to be a lot of stuff going on the weekend that they usually hold it on so I am wondering if that had anything to do with it.

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[OldSchoolBoats]

They added a windshield too it!!

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[LargeOrangeFont]

They added a windshield too it!!

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Is it another $3K now

 

[Hondo-407]

Is it another $3K now

$3K per side I bet...

 

[the510]

They added a windshield too it!!

View attachment 669327 View attachment 669328

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Looks cool with the windshield. Not my cup of tea. Notice the other 255 next to it doesn’t not have the half cap.

 

[OldSchoolBoats]

Looks cool with the windshield. Not my cup of tea. Notice the other 255 next to it doesn’t not have the half cap.

Yeah I know. Kinda sucks for the price. I wouldn't buy a cat without a half cap.

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[steak&lobster]

They added a windshield too it!!

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yawn. . .

 

[Scott E]

The 255 VTX was sold and is going to Wyoming. The customer has decided to change the to a 502HO. Additionally, a windshield and ski pylon were added.

For those interested, the next available delivery date on a new build of any Howard (regardless of model) is now March/April of 2019.

 

[OldSchoolBoats]

Here is a link to FB with pics of the latest 255 with a 520.

80+ MPH and the colors on this one are stunning.

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10160894974845582&id=144607500581

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[steak&lobster]

It's a V bottom with sponsons. Like an X Flight, but obviously looks way better.

It looks small, IMO. Wife and I are going up to Valencia next week to see it in person.

you must be bored. . . 150k buys a lot of boats

 

[steak&lobster]

If it is $150k, I'll pass. You can get a few other nice pieces for cheaper than that.

you can get a lot of RZR's for 150k LoL

 

[steak&lobster]

When I talked to Mike at the 2015 Regatta about this boat, he said that it was supposed to be their entry level offering and priced under $100K. They wanted to make something that could compete with the wake boat industry.

Now that I think about it, those stupid wake boats are easily $150K....lol.

YOU ARE A LIAR!!! Mike doesn't speak. . .LoL

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

you can get a lot of RZR's for 150k LoL

That is true. The only thing that depreciates faster than a custom boat is a custom SxS!

 

[OldSchoolBoats]

That is true. The only thing that depreciates faster than a custom boat is a custom SxS!

He should know........guy is the only person that can buy a boat, use it and sell for more money a few weeks later.



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[stonehenge]

This thread is only dated slightly.

But what cracks me up is all the posts flaming 100k or even 150k for this boat. Try 200 to 230 plus for this boat. And they sell the snot out of this boat, a year to two year wait list. Yea I know, the cost is up on everything, but seriously read some of the early posts, they are hilarious. (nothing against the original posters, everyone has a right to their opinion)

For the record, I think this is a beautiful boat at any price. Wish I would have bought in 17' for a measly 100k. lol

 

[OldSchoolBoats]

This thread is only dated slightly.

But what cracks me up is all the posts flaming 100k or even 150k for this boat. Try 200 to 230 plus for this boat. And they sell the snot out of this boat, a year to two year wait list. Yea I know, the cost is up on everything, but seriously read some of the early posts, they are hilarious. (nothing against the original posters, everyone has a right to their opinion)

For the record, I think this is a beautiful boat at any price. Wish I would have bought in 17' for a measly 100k. lol

A little over a month before my last comment on this thread, we purchased our Havasu house for $299k, with a 55 × 22 newly constructed garage, full remodel and fully furnished.

 

[stonehenge]

A

A little over a month before my last comment on this thread, we purchased our Havasu house for $299k, with a 55 × 22 newly constructed garage, full remodel and fully furnished.

And now its worth 5 million, right? lol

Just pointing out some humor, thats all.

I even put a disclaimer on my post to help with any unintentional butt hurt.