As most of you, I'm having fun trying to find my next boat for the coming years. Unfortunately I came to the conclusion the perfect model I want isn't out yet.

Here are my criteria. Sport boat with a full cuddy cabin, aft sunpad, can go at least 55+mph gps, around 29' LOA. Bonus would be permanent sleeping bed for guess, kids.

The Cobalt 303 is nice. But I find the bow isn't long enough to give it that go fast look or have enough room in the cabin.


The Formula 310SS is also nice. The bow seems a tad longer. But the look doesn't feel enough sporty. If only they would back the windshield up.


More in my price range would be the Monterey 318SC. I though I had find it. Until I notice my girlfriend would have to sit in a backwards recline position while we drive?

I can't find lots of pics of this boat. So I don't have a on plane profile view. Only this shot.


This is the pics that first got me exited.


Then I found this hiding in the cabin of a 298SC. Which from what I can see is the old 318SC? Not bad seeing this isn't a cruiser. I like.


The big mistake for this boat in my opinion. The co-pilot facing the wrong way. What are they thinking?

In Monterey's cockpit layouts one needs to see what is inside the same place in the cabin. Usually the cabin gains if the cockpit loses, and vice-versa.

In this case, check the headroom in the mid (or aft) cabin berth. It should be more generous because of the lounger in the cockpit. Check it for yourself.

I knew the Monterey pro would chime in.

I realize one can't have everything. This is more of a question of beam then depth. They could of had two bucket seat instead of one huge captain bench and one lounger. There's already a place to lounge on the sunpad at aft or on the bow sunpad. Most girls don't want to be underneath a window frame to tan and most captain don't mind having a co-pilot.

I see what you mean now. But is it really that necessary? It's only a guess bed there.

Get a Fountain then if the Monterey does not work for you. Capt and Co-capt sit side by side in line in most of their models.

click on...

http://www.fountainpowerboats.com/boats/sport/35EX_over.asp

Nice boats for sure. Forgot to say I want Volvo's.

Besides all these true sports boat (Fountain, Baja, Donzi, etc) don't have amenities in their 29' size.

By the time I buy, Monterey will see my post and change their layout.

Brunswick lent/guaranteed Fountain $25 million. They only come with Merc's now.

Also check out...

http://www.fourwinns.com/model/H310

PhatboyC- you and are in the same boat!! Literally and figuratively. Looking for precisely the same thing but the Formula 310 is way of of my price range. So, is the 280ss for that matter unless I go used. At the sametime, I'm relunctant to go twins and that heavy because I tow ALOT! Highest on my list right now is the Chaparral 275ssi. I need to crawl around undernearth but can't find one local. The Crownline 275ccr is second. I've been on it and its nice. A bit tight but what I would expect in that beam and LOA. The Monty (the former 298sc) is on the radar. I would love a generator but will be content with shorepower, AC and a portable unit for those rare occasions.

You're right. The perfect boat is not out there. Then again, the Formula 310 is probably perfect for me but the price isn't.

Cincy, If you get the bigger boat you will need more than the new TV we talked about this week. FYI I can make you a great deal on a 2006 Chevy 2500HD, it has just under 100K. I pulled in the driveway tonight at 99,994 miles.

The 310SS blows all the others out of the water by a long shot!!

The 310 that I have is the same hull, and it performs absolutely perfect in all conditions with the quality I expect from Formula.

You get what you pay for in the boat and try and test the boat on water in 3-5' rollers and you will be amazed!!

Err, 1st mate can sit side saddle. Backwards facing, as shown in photo, is not really a requirement. Most V-drive ski boats have the same side saddle arrangement with lounge seating. I've tried this myself, on a ski boat, not cruiser, and it ain't nearly so bad as facing aft.

Kelly

If only they would make a cuddy cabin version.

Cincy, I have looked at Chaparral 275SSI. I find the bow a bit short to have that sporty look.
275SSI

318SC

275CCR


The Crownline 275CCR definitely has the looks. One of the nicest hull out there! But with "only" a single 425 hp I think it goes 50mph max.


One small thing, the sunpad is there but they made it a bench. While practical, too low to make it look sporty from the back. You also loose storage room.

You are probably correct for ride quality expect for maybe for the Cobalt 303. But with a weight of 9750lbs vs 8500lbs it has a 5mph difference of top speed with same twin engines.

I asked the girlfriend and she said a big no no. Besides I like having a second pair of eyes looking forward for security.

Is this too big?

http://www.regalboats.com/2008/SportCruisers/SportCruiser/3350/Gallery

At 34'.8" and a beam of 11'4" it is bigger than the others mentioned. Strangely at this size it doesn't have a guess bed? No sunpad at the back either. Maybe if I see it in person it wont matter anymore...

She sure is a beauty!

I always forget about sunpads. I guess in the South, we're more concerned about getting out of the sun

Anyway, looks like a nice boat if it fits your needs and budget.