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Some 43 SC Questions

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s022mag

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I have seen some 99 43 SC's with and without a set of windows above the bed, was that a option or are they actually different years? How much does the 43 SC weight dry? What kind of speeds can I expect with 502 MAG's 26p Bravos, cruising and top end? Last but not least, what can I do to wake up the 502's without breaking the bank.

Been going back in forth between a Donzi 38 ZX and the 43 BT. The safer bet for me is the 38ZX but there's just something about the BT.
 
I have never seen one with windows but my Black Thunder build contact says the windows were cut in after. Boats are otherwise identical. The three models were the EC the SC and the Gt (flat deck). Boats weighed between 11500 and 12500 depending on options like generator, flush toilet, etc.
 
I think he is looking at one in particular for sale too.
Maybe you guys recognize it if he shares that with you all.
 
No firsthand experience with either, but personally I favor the BT myself.
That is why I was hoping there would be some "persuasion" in that direction
 
I guess it depends on what you want to accomplish boating. Is your first goal condo amenities or is it Euro type styling.
 
I just like the overall fit and finish of the ZX, that and it seems like it will be easier to tow and maintain around the docks. Plus the one I'm looking at has 500EFIs and I'm not sure I will be happy with the 502MAGs on a bigger hull. There's a bunch of other little things but it all adds up in the end. There's a good chance that my boating this summer will be the type where I'm in and out in the same day and the ZX just seems easier to deal with.

Here's the link to the one I was looking at.

http://www.boattrader.com/listing/1999-Black-Thunder-43-SC-101946690
 
That is as cheap as you will ever see a 43 stepped BT in good running condition. There is a 38ZX in Michigan for sale that is also a good deal and the guy seems to be looking for offers. http://www.powerboatlistings.com/view/24179

My opinion on any boat, make a list of the pros and cons of each and all else being equal, pick the one that fits the most bullet points of what you want to do with the boat. There is no perfect boat, (that's why I ended up with 4 and still looking). You are looking for your best possible compromise on all of your bullet points for what you want to do with the boat.

I'll shoot a email out to get the Donzi gurus to review what you're looking for. The Black Thunder guys, (me too), can help you with the BT's. There is no overall better water condo available period......
 
I have spent some time in a friends 38 zx with 525sc's and I have also had a few rides on a BT. My sisters ex also has a 43 BT. In my nonprofessional opinion it really comes down to what you want. They are both great boats with lots of room. The BT is bigger and rides better but will be a little slower, The Donzi will be a little faster, it has a variable deadrise and will not be as nice a ride when it gets bumpy. Not that its a bad ride but there is defenitly a difference. The bilge in the Donzi is tight I have seen a full grown man in the bilge of a BT with room to work. On the Donzi, I hope you have a mechanically inclined 5 year old son you can hold upside down by his ankles to do anything. Modern style points go to the donzi, My friends had the power foot platforms whch are nice. Depending on the balance/acrobatic ability, line handeling while dock, the BT has the advatange. They both have nice deep secure feeling cockpits.


The BT is comfort

The Donzi (while the bt is no slouch) is speed.

The BT is easier to handle on the water

The Donzi is easier to handle on land.
 
I've loaded and trailered bot, they both suck not one is better than the other. They both have good and bad points but not one is overall better. They are both large boats.
 
phragle said:
I have spent some time in a friends 38 zx with 525sc's and I have also had a few rides on a BT. My sisters ex also has a 43 BT. In my nonprofessional opinion it really comes down to what you want. They are both great boats with lots of room. The BT is bigger and rides better but will be a little slower, The Donzi will be a little faster, it has a variable deadrise and will not be as nice a ride when it gets bumpy. Not that its a bad ride but there is defenitly a difference. The bilge in the Donzi is tight I have seen a full grown man in the bilge of a BT with room to work. On the Donzi, I hope you have a mechanically inclined 5 year old son you can hold upside down by his ankles to do anything. Modern style points go to the donzi, My friends had the power foot platforms whch are nice. Depending on the balance/acrobatic ability, line handeling while dock, the BT has the advatange. They both have nice deep secure feeling cockpits.


The BT is comfort

The Donzi (while the bt is no slouch) is speed.

The BT is easier to handle on the water

The Donzi is easier to handle on land.
Click to expand...

The bilge area in the BT is impressive and coming from a 311 with TRS drives I've became accustomed to tight bilge area. One good thing with the ZX is there's no tranny fluid to check and that was a p.i.t.a leaning over the motors to check it.

My biggest concerns with the BT are the speeds I'll get out of the motors compared to the ZX. I think the cabin in the Donzi is enough for what we do. It's obvious that it will take a little extra to get into bed but if I was worried about that I'd go cruiser. Another big concern is how much I'll get to over night in it. I have split days off so some of my boating will be same day and that means more trailering. Docking was a concern but if you say it's easier ill take your word. I just beg to differ when the when kicks up.

I think both boats will make me happy just got to decide what I want more, speed, comfort, ride quality.

Just for clarification, I'm moving up from a Formula SR1 311. Both boats are going to ride better because of length and the stepped hulls, right?
 
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