Osprey Vipermax 7M 'V' Tornado 695 - help needed !

[1978SeaRider]

Hi everyone...

I need a bit of advice please... I have a dilema (a nice one).... I am interested in two boats but need a bit of impartcial advice... I'm stuck

Boat One;

2004 Tornado 695
2004 200hp Mercury Optimax (300 hours)
17.5k

Boat Two;

2004 7m Osprey Vipermax
2004 200hp Honda 4 stroke (300 hours)
16.5k

Both boats are in great nick and look the part... but I'm not sure about the difference in hulls ?? I have a Oxprey 5.85 which I'm impressed with, but I know the pedegree of Tornado is also excellent...

I use the boat for diving, wakeboarding and trips out... after RIB'ing for 15 years I go out in any weather and I'm after a boat that will handle big swell and chop very well.... i often go around Anglesey and I'll be looking to do Dublin this year.... 'Out the hole' performance and top speed is also quite important... Fuel consumption is not an issue.

I've recently been told that I should look for a hull with 24 / 25 degree pitch.. and I have know idea which each is...

Does anyone have an opinion please ?

THanks !!

[Hightower]

Does the Tornado have PVC tubes?

I would go for something I knew and go for the Osprey. As you've said, you've owned the 5.85 and were pleased with it. I have the 6.2 Vipermax and never thought I'd made the wrong choice.

As for the engines. A 2004 Optimax is getting on in terms of age for such a high tech bit of kit. Even if it's been properly serviced and has only done 300 hours, I might question it's reliability and have heard stories of air compressors failing and the like. But might give you more of a buzz in terms of off the line performance and noise.

As for the Honda. It's going to heavier than the Opti, more fuel efficent and quieter. But might well have the reliability factor over the Opti.

What are the dealers like in your area. Honda, Mercury?

The osprey is also £1k cheaper too.

It's your choice though!

[willk]

If the Osprey has been well rigged (e.g. not a botched homer) I'd go with that - on a rig that big, the touch of lard from the Wanda isn't gonna make THAT much difference, and it's gonna be cheaper now and in the long term...

[1978SeaRider]

Thanks guys, my main concern is that the osprey will be under powered with a four stroke... How do the hull V's compare ? Which would be the deepest ?

[BogMonster]

I'd get the Osprey but I suppose I am biased too

[Mollers]

Tornado.

[Mollers]

Originally Posted by willk

If the Osprey has been well rigged (e.g. not a botched homer) ...

OK Twillk.

[willk]

Originally Posted by Mollers

OK Twillk.

What, what? I did a good thing, already!

[willk]

Admit it, it pressed both of your buttons...

[nan-ber]

both good boats and even though i m not really a honda fan , i d take it over an aged opti.