First TUFF 28 in the country!!

[WILDMAN]

Well, I met Mark from TUFF Marine at the Canadian border crossing this past Wednesday. I decided to get a TUFF 28 just cuz it's BADD-ASS! I told him that if he got the boat through customs, I'd buy it. I didn't want to go through all the hassle of getting a passport etc. Anyway, we had a few little issues at the border, mostly with the paperwork, but after a couple hours I was headed out. I flew to a friend's of mine in Syracuse, NY (where I'm from) Then we drove his truck and got the boat in Buffalo and towed it back to Syracuse. Then on Thurday morning I had a guy pick it up at his house to tow it to Fl. It will be here late this afternoon. Here's a few pics I took.

[Greg G]

.......................

[noli]

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very cool boat!

would luv to see more pics, especially the rigging when it starts!





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[Dave Strong]

What is going to power it?

Dave

[WILDMAN]

300XS motors. Should run 100. It ran 91 with 250's.




What is going to power it?

Dave

[diernosaj]

a pair of 400's, a pair of 400's, a pair of 400's, a pair of 400's, a pair of 400's, a pair of 400's, a pair of 400's, a pair of 400's, a pair of 400's, a pair of 400's,

edit: dang

[WILDMAN]

You put up the money and it will get 400's

[largecar91]

I absolutely love that long deck. That is sharp!!

[specboatops]

How long are you going to keep this one Randy ? Do you ever get attached to one ? That's my problem, I never want to get rid of one, only ADD to the stable :)

Can't wait to see what you do with it !!!

[gman]

I guess I will have to come down there and show you how to drive it..because I don't see a tunnel..and I agree with largecar91 love the long deck

[rsess]

I see from the tuff website they built a twin 400 28. What's the story on that one. How did it run. Where is it now.

[JPEROG]

I guess I will have to come down there and show you how to drive it..because I don't see a tunnel..and I agree with largecar91 love the long deck

I think you have the wrong guy in mind. He didn't give his nickname "Wildman" to himself. He has very few customers that can drive their checkmates as fast as he takes them on their test rides. I can assure you that he will get the most out of it after he gets a Porta bracket to play with motor heights at the push of a rocker. Hopefully he will spend some money on good props.

Joe

[Greg G]

The first USA Tuff 28 should be rigged with something else, that would be a "first"... The magazine/photo exposure, advertising potential, resale, performance, factory interest as a first, profile image, etc..., would be truly unique. A Seven Marine 627-S single.

Did you ever work for a guy named Don Aronow. It sounds to me like you are going to broker a deal where Seven Marine gives Randy a free 627-S to use. After all, the photo exposure, advertising, and brand equity that Seven Marine would benefit from would be easily 10x the cost of the motor they supplied him to run on the Tuff.

[panther150]

Are you sure your'e busy enough Randy??? when do you have time to sleep? lol

[gman]

yeah he is always picking on me about buying a real boat..and Ive bought a new 20BRX from him for my son and yeah he can get a lot out of about anything he drives and yeah he is a wildman

[WILDMAN]

Yeah, getting very hard to keep up with things. Selling boats faster than I can put them together! I just measured the deck on the TUFF. 16ft 8" from the nose to the top of the flip-up. IT'S BIGGG!!

[Dave Strong]

Yeah, getting very hard to keep up with things. Selling boats faster than I can put them together! I just measured the deck on the TUFF. 16ft 8" from the nose to the top of the flip-up. IT'S BIGGG!!

Glad to see your still a 2 stroke man. :thumbsup::thumbsup:;)

Dave :)

[282]

Those 28's are nice. Good luck with it.

[Donat]

Randy. Go wild! Make all the skaters look silly next to it! "It doesn't matter how fast you are. It's how COOL you look".

[goneby]

Is there any cabin seats or bunk under the front deck,or is it justs open space.

[WILDMAN]

It's carpeted and really big, but just open space. It's too low profile for seats.

[AZMIDLYF]

Nicely done with the entry arrangements!! Gorgeous lines on this hull.

[CUDA]

A stabbin cabin...

[Dave Strong]

A stabbin cabin...

On your hands and knees ;)

Dave :)

[joneill]

Awesome, I can't wait to see the progress.

[mikesufka]

Sweet project !!!!

[Dave Strong]

Sweet project !!!!

Your know you want it. ;)

Dave :)

[mikesufka]

Your know you want it. ;)

Dave :)


LOL - I think I'm good

[Scream And Fly]

Looks awesome Randy, can't wait to see the progress.

Greg

[Chaz]

A stabbin cabin...


That's what they tried to say about these back in the 80's ... :eek: :nonod: :D

http://theboattrader.net/wp-content/uploads/2005-midnight-express-37-sport-deck--3.jpg

[tux974]

;)
That's what they tried to say about these back in the 80's ... :eek: :nonod: :D

http://theboattrader.net/wp-content/uploads/2005-midnight-express-37-sport-deck--3.jpg

Sure but getting it a cross the gulfstream for other reasons......:D;)

Randy, nice boat, should run well with XS's....:thumbsup:

[AZMIDLYF]

Rigged a few of those delivery vehicles for Midnight in the 80s. :leaving:

[Jimboat]

300XS motors. Should run 100. It ran 91 with 250's.

Wildman - that 28 Tuff is a GREAT looking boat! the 2X250 should be capable of 92mph, and the 2X300 should do 101+ mph if the weights are all the same! What a great performing boat! Keep us up to date on your first runs!

[noli]

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Curious what the base price is for the Tuff 28





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[John S]

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Curious what the base price is for the Tuff 28





.

It's Canadian, so it would be some combination of beaver pelts, jelly beans, and Tim Horton gift certificates. Those Canatards really know how to build a kickass boat.

[Spinelli Propellers]

Randall don't skimp on the props..... Let me know when you are ready.

[whytey]

It's Canadian, so it would be some combination of beaver pelts, jelly beans, and Tim Horton gift certificates. Those Canatards really know how to build a kickass boat.
Canatard! hahaha As a proud Canatard I love that! We also accept maple anything as currency

[panther150]

Canatard! hahaha As a proud Canatard I love that! We also accept maple anything as currency And Beer.....

[Dave Strong]

And Beer.....

Real bear not that low alcohol stuff.

Dave

[AZMIDLYF]

I think you have the wrong guy in mind. He didn't give his nickname "Wildman" to himself. He has very few customers that can drive their checkmates as fast as he takes them on their test rides. I can assure you that he will get the most out of it after he gets a Porta bracket to play with motor heights at the push of a rocker. Hopefully he will spend some money on good props.

Joe

Will it have Porta brackets?

[WILDMAN]

It has a big notch in the bottom and will have one big 17" Porta bracket. 42" wide. Motors will be 26" on center

[Superbender]

Lookin fwd to seeing this go together

[DoktorC]

It would look deadly with 15" XS's on that Porta...

I'm excited to see how it all works out..very cool boat.

[DoktorC]

It would look deadly with 15" XS's on that Porta...

I'm excited to see how it all works out..very cool boat.

[donmac]

Randy now that you've seen the hull in person can you see any difference in deck/cockpit design than the Aronow Squadron other than the high performance bottom and surely much lighter?

[WILDMAN]

I have no idea what the Aronow squadron is

[hydroo]

Romper room! Lol

A stabbin cabin...

[powerabout]

cut a mono in half length wise, put a tunnel in it and call it a cat = squadron

[hometown45]

This is gonna be gooood

[John S]

I have no idea what the Aronow squadron is
DEA surveillance equipment hidden in the bow, cocaine hidden in the stern.

[DoktorC]

cut a mono in half length wise, put a tunnel in it and call it a cat = squadron

I think he's referring to the "Cigarette" Squadron 27'...similar idea from the late 70's.

[AZMIDLYF]

Liking the bracket/motor dimensions! Do you know the weight of this beauty?

[WILDMAN]

I don't know the weight yet I will find out

[donmac]

squadron X11http://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/bb404/donmac1/squadron%20X11_zpswphzstyo.jpg (http://s1204.photobucket.com/user/donmac1/media/squadron%20X11_zpswphzstyo.jpg.html)

[WILDMAN]

I was told that he designed this from scratch on a cad program

[DoktorC]

I was told that he designed this from scratch on a cad program

It was...it was something to see...

[donmac]

I've never seen the 28tuff in person ,but whenever I see a pic. it reminds me of the squadron XII which I believe was 27' and I always thought it was a stretched 21' linder. I think they were built around 1980, but I don't remember the "cig" name on them thought it was a company started after cig!

[DoktorC]

I've never seen the 28tuff in person ,but whenever I see a pic. it reminds me of the squadron XII which I believe was 27' and I always thought it was a stretched 21' linder. I think they were built around 1980, but I don't remember the "cig" name on them thought it was a company started after cig!

Squadron came after cigarette...but people still associate them with Cigarette. But this is a Tuff thread not a history lesson on old school wave crushers lol.


I still remember seeing the scale model of the Tuff28 for the first time...Mark was still tweaking the lines before having the plug cut. It was/is a big deal for us boat nuts in the neighborhood..

[donmac]

not putting down the tuff! the squadron was one of my all time favourite looking hulls. and now the tuff has the look and performance!

[dnelson964]

Boat looks awesome !....Is this the Demo boat we all heard was for sale? or a new one ?

Sorta reminds of a boat called a "speedster" from the old days.

Good luck with her ..:cheers:

[Just Tool'in]

Congrats Randy! That is a TUFF boat! I will have to look you up next time I am in Ormond to check it out! Awesome lines!

[Ing]

Dude, should have hit me up when you got to 'Cuse. Could have had some awesome ethnic food and drink! Good luck with this project.

[noli]

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would be awesome if Randy becomes a Tuff Boat Dealer/Distributor in USA.





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[JerseyChris]

Following this one. Going to be a great package.

[Baja170]

Can't wait to see how this turns out. Sweet looking boat for sure.

[WARLOCK]

I'm not a big V-Bottom guy, that is one good looking boat! Later, Dave

[activator22]

Are you thinking the Excalibur 27 that Wellcraft picked up the molds for and called it the 27 Speedster ? (The molds which I understand were used to build the Activator 27)



Boat looks awesome !....Is this the Demo boat we all heard was for sale? or a new one ?

Sorta reminds of a boat called a "speedster" from the old days.

Good luck with her ..:cheers:

[johnmiffco]

magnum based Excalibur went to welcraft to activator to menage overseas
were very narrow boats 6' wide at transom with a 24deg deadrise ,,,great wave crushers for their size
these tuff hulls are more of a lake boat design very wide 7'8' and low deadrise 20-22 with cockpits pulled back to give it a very light bow
with a pretty wide pad on bottom
will produce great speeds as was designed for,,,not a wave crusher with the bottom design and very low sides
looks to me like an 18-21' closed deck ski boat of the 80s like a checkmate,ect just stretched to 28'
very good looking boat ,,,,,,and know randy will make it even cooler 1nce hes done

[dnelson964]

Are you thinking the Excalibur 27 that Wellcraft picked up the molds for and called it the 27 Speedster ? (The molds which I understand were used to build the Activator 27)


Yes, That is what I was thinking. Then there was also the 27' that signature made, another long deck wave crusher that was heavy and had a deep deeprise. Needed alot of HP to make them move but what a sex look !


magnum based Excalibur went to welcraft to activator to menage overseas
were very narrow boats 6' wide at transom with a 24deg deadrise ,,,great wave crushers for their size
these tuff hulls are more of a lake boat design very wide 7'8' and low deadrise 20-22 with cockpits pulled back to give it a very light bow
with a pretty wide pad on bottom
will produce great speeds as was designed for,,,not a wave crusher with the bottom design and very low sides
looks to me like an 18-21' closed deck ski boat of the 80s like a checkmate,ect just stretched to 28'
very good looking boat ,,,,,,and know randy will make it even cooler 1nce hes done


Last edited by johnmiffco; Today at 03:28 PM.

Nice explanation of both designs styles right there....

And Randy bought it the right way too......right at the border !

[Scream And Fly]

Awesome thread - watching every day.

Greg

[DoktorC]

http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z377/DoktorC/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_0310_zpsxxzasyra.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/DoktorC/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_0310_zpsxxzasyra.jpg.html)

Here's a pic of the original scale model...if anyone is interested....I always wanted to grab it and try a K&B 3.5 on it lol.

[fichrman2]

Cool model, how long is it ?
Oh and no KaBoom - the new OS stuff is a much better package for it :p

[WILDMAN]

The TUFF 28 is 28' 4" long, 7' 11" wide, and has a 22.5 degree deadrise.

[panther150]

You planning on a full size model on Day Rick? replacement for the SRV???
http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/z377/DoktorC/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_0310_zpsxxzasyra.jpg (http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/DoktorC/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_0310_zpsxxzasyra.jpg.html)

Here's a pic of the original scale model...if anyone is interested....I always wanted to grab it and try a K&B 3.5 on it lol.

[noli]

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Any pics of the interior as it came from the factory?

would like to see pics before/after interior is completed.





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[LongShot]

Just curious. I am not a big boat owner put am casting an eye toward a 28' of some sort for lake use. It was mentioned this boat would have capability of 101 mph with twin 300 XS. How does that compare to a tunnel of comparable length and weight?

[CptAJ]

Just curious. I am not a big boat owner put am casting an eye toward a 28' of some sort for lake use. It was mentioned this boat would have capability of 101 mph with twin 300 XS. How does that compare to a tunnel of comparable length and weight?

This boat might break the 100 but under very tight conditions. Don't expect it to do it out of the box without a lot of setup and knowhow. A tunnel of the same size and gear is probably 10-20mph faster under normal conditions, but again breaking 100 on outboards requires a bit of setup (Easier on the cat but still not entirely trivial for beginners, IMO)

[specboatops]

^ Though I respect your opinion, let's sit back and see what Randy does with this, I have marveled many times at what he is capable of doing. Agreed on the Set up, which Randy is no stranger to.

[CptAJ]

^ Though I respect your opinion, let's sit back and see what Randy does with this, I have marveled many times at what he is capable of doing. Agreed on the Set up, which Randy is no stranger to.

I don't doubt that the hull can do it. I don't know Randy but his rep here seems solid and he sounds like the guy to do it.

My message above was responding to LongShot. I'm just saying that this hull will very likely NOT do 100 without some serious setup and driving. Which, like I said, I'm sure Randy and other experienced folk around here can do given the proper time and funding. But its not gonna be the normal performance of this boat for everyone.

[Baja170]

I am sure Randy can rig and setup this boat to get the best top end numbers while still maintaining maneuverability that anybody can. Can't wait to hear how it turns out. I am sure it will be a fun and safe boat and drink about half the GPH that the Shadow does.

[Greg G]

Hasn't Tuff has been making the 28 foot model for 10 years now? During that time I'm not sure how many hulls have been built or if they have had slight changes to the bottom design.
Not sure what year Wildman's specific 28 is, but if it has 22.5 degrees of dead rise and an 11" wide delta pad, he will easily hit the 100mph mark with the twin 300XS on a Porta IMO.

11" is a wide pad. It would also be interesting to weigh it before any rigging starts to verify 3400lbs without any gas.

[carlton ruth]

http://www.tuffboats.com/

Make sure you guys check the website out. some cool videos and info on the boats. The flyby of the 21 with the 570 Ilmor is just beautiful

[Dave Strong]

That 28 Flys nice with a sterndrive, can't wait to see it with a couple 300XS's. :D

Dave :cheers:

[Dave Strong]

That 28 Flys nice with a sterndrive, can't wait to see it with a couple 300XS's. :D

Dave :cheers:

[Powerplay25]

Great thread. Looking forward to the finished product.

[AZMIDLYF]

This ever make it to FL?

[WILDMAN]

YUP! Got here two weeks ago!

[AZMIDLYF]

Well then...what's the good word on it?

[Dave Strong]

Well then...what's the good word on it?

Your will hear all about it when he finishes all the many other projects he has on the go.

Dave

[AZMIDLYF]

He definitely has a few irons in the fire. :cheers:

[RBT]

I don't doubt that the hull can do it. I don't know Randy but his rep here seems solid and he sounds like the guy to do it.

My message above was responding to LongShot. I'm just saying that this hull will very likely NOT do 100 without some serious setup and driving. Which, like I said, I'm sure Randy and other experienced folk around here can do given the proper time and funding. But its not gonna be the normal performance of this boat for everyone.



91 mph with 250xs motors and the old sale 5800 rev limiters
the 400 xs boat cruises at 100
the boat with an 700 hp illmor runs 120
Ypur uninformed or a hater

[wickedwitthestix]

91 mph with 250xs motors and the old sale 5800 rev limiters
the 400 xs boat cruises at 100
the boat with an 700 hp illmor runs 120
Ypur uninformed or a hater
Agreed. I'd bet it's at 100 set up conservatively. If i had to guess with the previous speeds posted for that hull 105 is prob where it's gunna be. That being said the hulls with the 400s and the ilmor are new hulls. If I'm correct the hull randy bought is nearly 10 yo. I don't know what the weight difference is from the early to late models. But based on the stated #s I'd be happy with 105. That being said I don't think it will be a great big water hull like similar sized v bottoms granted it will b faster than those but if I were buying I'd much rather buy a 28 skater. It's faster and faster in the ruff. I think this hulls hype is the fact that no one in the us has one. Don't get me wrong it's strait georgous but it would get eaten up by a activator or kryptonite in the ruff and smoked by a skater in any condition. I think it's more show than go. A 28 v bottom should b a beast in the ruff stuff and to me it's just a stretched out Linder 21. Again georgous but more of a lake boat. And most people buying 28s want some ruff water capability and that remains to be seen. Don't get me wrong I'd love to see it and would get all the props in the world. But I just don't see it. But if anyone can prove me wrong it's prob him. Good luck.

[frank jackson]

Hi Randy I was curious , how did your dealings go with Tuff Marine ? Any issues with dealing with the company ?

[WILDMAN]

I have not really had many dealings with Tuff other than buying the 28. Mark came across as a very nice and knowledgeable man. I'm sure I will be talking to him a lot more as I begin to rig the boat

[frank jackson]

thank you Randy ..........

[CptAJ]

91 mph with 250xs motors and the old sale 5800 rev limiters
the 400 xs boat cruises at 100
the boat with an 700 hp illmor runs 120
Ypur uninformed or a hater

Not a hater at all. I think you misunderstood what I was saying.

[noli]

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Sweet TuFF28

http://i1238.photobucket.com/albums/ff488/Noli1012/TUFF/28_TUFF/tuff28.jpg (http://s1238.photobucket.com/user/Noli1012/media/TUFF/28_TUFF/tuff28.jpg.html)

[WILDMAN]

I'm going to be custom painting it. Anyone interested in this boat can pic their colors

[Greg G]

I'm going to be custom painting it. Anyone interested in this boat can pic their colors

For sale before it's even rigged?

[WILDMAN]

It will be for sale right away. Gonna take a ton of money to do what I want on this boat. At least another $80K not counting any labor.

[Greg G]

(2) new 300XS.................$50k
(1) new Porta lift..............$5k
100 mph Eye Candy .........Priceless

[AZMIDLYF]

What ever became of this?

[WILDMAN]

I sold the 4 21 Liberators I had and am trying to put together 4 more. I'm pretty much sold out of all the boats I had in stock. Once I get a couple rigged up, then I'll start on the TUFF 28. I like to try and stay on a project until it's done, so when I start it I'm hoping it will got pretty fast.