From a Traxxas Spartan to a Hydro & Marine Drifter XL

[jj2003]

After the Traxxas debacle, I'm looking at upgrading to a real boat like the H&M Drifter XL. Comes with twin drive and capable of 24-64 cell. Anyone tinker with one of these? Also a possibility is the Maritimo, also dual drive. Anyone have experience with large cat's? Some have mentioned that its tough to keep these boats from "digging in". Any help greatly appreciated.

[skellyo]

IMO, if the Spartan is the only boat you've owned, jumping to a large twin drive cat is probably not the best idea. Not saying you're not capable of it, but that's a monumental jump in price/performance/maintenance/etc.

[jj2003]

I totally understand your thoughts. I've asked myself the same question over and over again. Price is OK, its only about $200 more than what I paid for the traxxas and nearly twice the size. I want something reliable to last for awile. Performance is a deal and I dont want her to sink, and I do wanna run fast. I'm on lake Erie and the traxxas seems a bit small at times even with a slight chop although it handles well and jumps a wake with ease while landing flat every time. With that in mind, I would like to give it to my son to run her (with ease) while I take on something more my style. My thinking is if I go bigger, I wont worry so much about the chop and I dont plan on taking her out in rough seas, but I have seen some posts on some other sites reguarding it nose diving or "digging in".Also, there is no one around here (Buffalo N.Y.) who has one like it so I can brag even if its just a little. I'm a bit unsure about the maintenece of it though. I'm an auto tech by trade so dismantling and repair is not much of a concern, but rather cost's in setting one up. The one I'm looking at comes with single and dual prop setup's and I really like the dual prop style, and it also comes both gas or electric. Electric seems to be the way to go as I see alot of guys swapping over to electric in just about every style of boat there is, but I'm just not sure which is easier to maintain. I was hoping there would be someone who has one with a bit of insite on maintenence costs and such. I've also considered the Drifter L which is shorter by about 15 inches, also comes both ways but I have a hard time getting my hands getting in and around the transom area of the traxxas. Bigger may make it easier to handle when needed. Anyone else have 2 cents on my thoughts?

[BLAZE WON]

hi jj 2003, where do you do your boating in buffalo? im in amherst and there are a few good ponds in the area. send me a pm and we can discuss some of your questions.