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This is my first posting to this forum but I have found a lot of useful information on boats that I have been looking at. I plan on going to the Ft. Laud show later this month to buy a center console. I was at the Miami show last year and have narrowed my list but it still can change. The CC will be kept in Ft. Lauderdale and will be used for, offshore fishing (trolling & drift primarily), short trips to Bahamas and canal cruising (wife insists). We decided to limit the search to forward seating models in the 26' to 30' range, specifically Regulator 26FS, Intrepid 289, and Jupiter 27. If there are other recommendations you think I should consider, let me know. Reluctantly I have accepted the cost of the above models and am going to the boat show to purchase one and have the financing arranged. It seemed from the previous show that the dealers did give some discounts for models at the show more so than when I talked about ordering a new one. I would appreciate any tips any of you may have in negotiating at the show. Any savings I make will go toward the lift I also have to find at the show. Thanks John
In my opinion, Ocean Master, Hydrasport, Pursuit, Regulator, Yellowfin, Boston Whaler, Strike, Sea Vee, Contender, Island Runner, Palmetto, Stamas, Fountain, just to name a few, but not in any order.
Wow! I can't fault any of those three choices! I would go Intrepid first, Regulator second, and Jupiter third, although the Jupiter is a great boat, I like the layout on the other two better. Intrepid and Regulator are different from each other, but both are still great for my tastes. The Intrepid I would guess to be more efficient due to the hull design, but the Regulator would be easier to trailer, not that you have to worry about that. Has Intepid replaced the 289 with the new 300? It is not in their current lineup. In that case, I would go with the 300 and max hp in twin config!!
[This message was edited by Alec Thigpen on 10-07-03 at 02:45 PM.]
I would look at an Intrepid, then Fountian, then Sea Vee. Intrepid is by far the most expensive, but you get what you pay for. Fountain definately has the best construction of any center console and has the best performance as well. Sea Vee is the epitome of the center console open fish. If live baiting/drifting/kite fishing is your game, then Sea Vee is the way to go. They're not speed demons, but do provide a nice smooth ride and have top notch fit and finish.
By all means go to the boat show and learn about boats. Then be smart, go out and buy exactly what you want in a used boat. The first 30%+ you pay for a new one gets pi--ed down the dealer's head!
Horse...I agree to the used boat thinking, specially an Intrepid. As long as you can warranty the motors and survey it, it could be the very money for the lift.
Haven't been on many to compare, but I can tell you the Intrepid is absolutely top shelf. They're expensive-but not really in comparison to the others that were listed. Be prepared for an 18 month wait for delivery though-I called last week.
They don't make a 289 anymore-smallest one is the 30 open--BEAUTIFUL!!
They still have the mold and will make on especially($$$$$$) for you, but the guy told me the 30 open wouldn't cost you any more. @ $120k with 225 optis or the likes.
Bought a lightly used 289 in spring. Great boat! Very well made, and boat had all options. The customer service is second to none and I bought used, could not have been nicer people. I looked for about 12-14 months at all above plus others. Can't go wrong w/ Intrepid--I also saw on of the 1st 30's getting prep'd for delivery. Awesome boat. Hopefully my next one.
if you want the best fish/dive creature comfort boat and price is no option then get the intrepid. then you have yellowfin(they have a 34 cuddy coming out with a ton of hearoom), seavee, jupiter, concept are your custom builders, then to regulator, contender, fountain for production boats
also depends if you want a straight center console or mulit purpose.imho
Thanks for all the responses. Yes they do not make the 289, the new 300 replaces but was looking at several used 289's since the wait on the 300 is Feb. 2005!
Buy Center Console At Ft. Lauderdale Boat Show 
