Power boats...windy...Abbate....??

[dino_dino]

Hi all

I am new here and hope some can help me.

I do live in Switzerland and are seeking for a power boat to use on the lakes in the south, Ticino.

When it comes to boats, I need some help.

Quality on boats, what/witch maker???

I was told by a local dealer to go for ; windy, performance marine or Abbate Tulli. The Windy being the most expensive one here.

I am looking at a 24-28 foot boat.

What is the best? Yes, I know, some say that and some like that. But, when it comes to quality, witch maker is the best?

I do not need a large indoor space, the boat will be used for day trips, MAYBE, a sleep over, but not much.


All help and tip are welcome, I need it.

Thanks for looking.

 

[PowerYachtBlog]

Tulio Abbates while having a good hull may be even better to a Windy, will surely be short to the finishing of a Windy
If you want an Abbate I would look more to the other Bruno Abbate company. IMO it is more serious and more of a solid back ground. TB I think have a record for going in and out of buisness. But I still say that in the smaller sizes the Windy would be better finished.
All of the three makes I mention here are well built. Could also look for an Airon Marine the small ones are pretty nice, though they dont ride as good as a Windy or Abbate (flatter forward vee) but finishing is quite good. Forum member Mapis had one of this size so he can tell you more.

 

[TiernanRoe]

You could try one of these

Hi Dino-dino,
You could try one of these custom built to your requirements. www.roeboats.wordpress.com

 

[ReneJK]

Have you considered Cobalt ?
really beautifull and well made power boats , they're USA boats so they may not be what you were looking for
http://www.cobaltboats.com/index.php

 

[dino_dino]

Thanks all for the information and help to me. I need it

The more I look, the more I learn, and the more boats I find...ai ai. Nimbus 30R, Fjord HERITAGE, 606 Riviera Frauscher, just to name some that are for sale around me.

Windy, Fjord and Nimbus looks to be of a higher quality, finish, well the finish on the Frauscher is also high.

I have no idea what to go for, so if there is anyone here who have one or used to have one, I will be very happy for any kind of information, feed back on what to go for.

Have a good weekend all

 

[MapisM]

First of all, welcome to the madhouse.
It's nice to have some new members from these latitudes, for a change against all these British old farts... Whoops, I meant salty dogs!

Coming to your questions, my impression is that you'd better make up your mind about your needs and expectations, before wondering whether brand X is better than brand Y. In fact, there are radically different boats among the ones you mention.

Do you already have any boating experience?
Are you sure about what you will use your new toy for?
Just to make an example, if you're considering to use it also for some waterski, you'd better forget some of those boats. And depending on your minimum comfort requirements when overnighting, possibly some others should be ruled out.
Oh, and since you said "I was told by a local dealer to go for....", don't forget that ANY dealer will tell you that the boat which is best for you is, surprise surprise, one of those he has for sale.

I am often around Lake Como, not far from Porlezza (which is on Lake Lugano, where by the way one of the builders you mentioned - Performance - is based). If you're interested to try some lake boating to make up your mind, I can offer you a ride on my boat, whose size is in the range you're looking at. But not before the end of Mar - beginning of Apr, because she's stored and winterized at the moment.

 

[AndieMac]

First of all, welcome to the madhouse.
It's nice to have some new members from these latitudes, for a change against all these British old farts... Whoops, I meant salty dogs!

Mario please.......I'm quite shocked!.....

 

[spannerman]

I can't comment about the other makes but I work for a Nimbus and Windy dealer and having tested them all from 25ft up to the 52ft Xanthos I can confirm the build quality of these Scandinavian boats is first class, partly due to the fact that our boats up here get used a lot more than average and tolerate wear and tear, 1 in 5 has a boat here in Norway and almost everyone has been on boat trips since they were a kid which is more than can be said for most countries.
The down side is that they are more expensive but then in life you usually get what you pay for, the upside is it will retain its value better.
There are several things that stand out in my mind and that is the practicality and handling of these boats.
Hope this sheds some light and helps with your decision, good luck and welcome to boating.

 

[gjgm]

somewhat depends what you want to do. If you want a fantastic day boat,fast nimble great sea handling, with the genuine possibility of short onite stays for two people, then get the Windy Ghibli Its one of those rare boats that when you come to sell it, you immediately wonder why you didnt keep it.
No need to look any further !

 

[dino_dino]

Thanks all for the help.

I will use the boat as a "toy" fun around the lake, go swimming, bring some food and eat at a beach and now and then stay the night in it, no more than 2 adults.
It will not be used for water sports, like water skies and so.

The Windy Ghibli looks great. How is the Performance when it comes to comfort and quality? Is it "just" a sports car on water?

MapisM, what boat you got? I say thank you for the offer, take you up on that one. When I do live close to the yard where Performance is made, I am thinking more and more of it......But, the Windy is nice to. And I know it got high quality and also not bad on comfort...Hmm.....

Thanks for looking all

 

[gjgm]

top performing!This is a grown up sportsboat, not a toy! If you are looking at earlier models, the Kad 300 would be preferable, and dont bother with twin installations.. a single big engine is fine.Build is top quality, and personally the blue Sunbrella and teak looks the business. The canvas is a bit of a fiddle for overnighting, but you cant have everything. I did once write a review on this forum. You might find it under Search.
Only downside is cost, but then resale is usually ok too, so its not lost money.
Someone on here bought one last Spring; he was also delighted with it!

 

[tetleys]

I bought a 2003 Ghibli last summer. gjgm gave me some great advice on what to look for and i can honestly say she puts a big smile on my face every time i take her out. Single kad 300 gives fantastic performance without all the electronics of the later series engines, frugal fuel consumption, and low running costs being single engined. What more can i say! BUY ONE you wont be disapointed.

Cheers

Tetleys

ps have a look on you tube there are a couple of really good videos

 

[Nick_H]

The only issue I found with the Ghibli is the very low windshield, the top of it wasn't even chest height on me, though I am quite tall. I've never driven one, but I imagine it would be uncomfortable to drive for long periods standing up, with all that buffeting from the wind? Perhaps you drive more sitting down on a lake, but I always prefer to stand, especially if water is even a bit rough.

 

[dino_dino]

Hi all

Thanks for all help and info.

Well, I do love the look on the Ghibli. Looks great. Also it feels so well made. Yes, the wind screen is a bit low....Hmm. Also Nimbus got a great R boat, same feel when it comes to quality to. Then there is Fjord Heritage 28, looks good and the same feeling.

Anyone here have a Fjord HERITAGE? What are they like?

Then there is the Performance, they look soooo great, but not sure about quality and comfort.

So, guess I am down to the Ghibli or the Fjord HERITAGE, if some here have any information on it.


Thanks all