Essex Vortex

I was down at Essex today looking at the 22 Vortex and 23 Monarch. I sure liked the Vortex - so Greg, and anybody else who wants to chime in, give me your feedback on the boat. How's the ride in chop, what power would you suggest, Bravo1 or 3? Fill me in!
O1 http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[BADFISH II]

It's a lexus of boats. It's good in chop and very stable. It doesn't feel scary or unstable whatsoever at any time, even at high speed in rough water. I love the boat. I have the 3, Dave has the 1. Supposedly I'll get on plane quicker and it's better for boarding, but I lose 1 mph on the top end. I can't confirm, but we're going to race on Sunday at Mead to see http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

I don't think you'll ever regret the decision to buy and Essex, but talk to Dave (he may not check in for a few days because he's out of town). He loves his boat, but had some service issues with Essex. I on the other hand have had nothing but a top notch experience with Essex and I highly recommend them and the boat. You won't find many for sale either, which to me is a sign.

You're more than welcome to hook up with us and go for a ride if you'd like too to get the feel. Just let us know.

Thanks for the info Greg. Did you go with the 6.2 or the 496?
I'm sure the hole shot is good with the Bravo 3 - what's the top end? How is the wake for wakeboarding?

[BADFISH II]

I like the wake, but trimming takes a bit of getting used too, and the varying weight (people, keg of beer etc.) changes the wake too.

I have the 7.4l

You won't be disappointed if you go with Essex. I looked at Elim. and Advantage. I would look serious at them both again, but I really liked the Essex product and customer service.

[THOR]

I dont know what it is, but the paint on the Essex seem a little deeper than others. I love what they do to it. It is a damn fine boat.

Just curious, what do new 21-23' Essex go for. Do you have the prices for the Advantage and Eliminators as well. I went out to Eliminiator two weeks ago for a little shopping and was looking at the 25' Daytona. FYI, the 496HO was an 7-8K upgrade, and the 500HP was about 19K. What a joke, 19K for a 10K motor.

[BADFISH II]

I'm not sure about the 23, but the 22 vortex is around 50k (maybe a little less) with custom paint and the bravo three. When I shopped price in 2000, Advantage, Elim, and Essex were all very close and comparable for what you got. I just liked the Essex feel more.

Gregs right, I was quoted just under $51k for the 22 with the 496 and Bravo 1. If you go with the 496 he didn't think you needed the Bravo 3. The 23 was just about the same price with the same power. I would imagine that there is a little room in the price when you're ready to put down some cash, although probably not much.

I've also been to Ultra and Shockwave in the past couple weeks. Shockwave builds a nice boat, but nothing between a 21 and 25 foot deep V. I also like Ultra's 23xs and 247xs. I would say not the same quality, but more in the mid 40k range for the 23.

Thor you are right, Essex gel work is amazing. I have to say that Ultra's gel work is quite impressive as well. http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif

[BADFISH II]

I looked at Ultra, but just wasn't as impressed. I know the owner is a great guy (from what I'm told from CJ with SoCalHotBoats) but I just think it depends on boat preference.

The prices have gone up. I paid 47 for mine with the custom paint and bravo 3 (my only add ons). They don't haggle at all as far as I know - but then I was enamored with the boat so I just signed on the dotted line.

Best wishes with your search.

By the way, if you could find an essex with less than 200 hours on it you may want to check that out. They're really hard to find used though because people keep them so long.

[dave]

Yep, Essex is the way to go. That boat has awsome contours and lines and handles great.
-Dave

[Havasu Dreamin]

I've got a 21 Essex Sterling and it is a great boat!

Greg and Dave are right, you will not go wrong with an Essex. In terms of construction, what's included, it's very tough to beat. Regardless of which one you decide on, even the 21, you will be getting a very well constructed boat. The hull will last for a very long time. There is a reason you do not find many of them for sale.

As far as price haggling, don't count on it. Also, the price for the 21 Sterling has gone up $6k since I bought mine in April of 2000, it's the nature of the industry.

I, like Greg, have had nothing but top notch service from them. when it's time to get a new boat, Essex is the palce I will be going to.

If you get a chance, head out to Havasu for the Essex Regatta, if it's like the last one, they will have models there for you to test drive. http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

Thanks again for all of your feedback. I have always been an Essex fan so it's certainly not hard to sway me. There is no doubt that they are one of, if not the finest family bowriders made. I would love to find a used one but I haven't seen any available. I'm just trying to figure out how to swing the payment on top of my fairly steep mortgage.

By the way HD, I will be at Havasu on the June 22nd weekend, and am planning on coming up Sunday morning for a test drive. (We will be staying at Havasu Springs). I will keep and eye out for your boat - would love to say hello! http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif

[Havasu Dreamin]

We'll be there. http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif