Rapid Craft 22’ Twister Questions

[gedward44]

New member here; first post. I have the opportunity to buy a 1998 Rapid Craft 22’ tunnel hull/ catamaran boat. From what I have learned in the past few days from other posts, it must be a Twister? It has a Chevrolet 454 I/O. From the pictures that I’ve seen of this boat, it looks pristine. The owner says that it’s been garage kept. The owner is asking $15k for it. What can anyone tell me about these boats? I’ve been performing internet searches all week, and can’t find any information other than on this site. But, it seems most of the posts I’ve seen on here are owners of the outboard motor version?
Is this really a Rapid Craft Twister, or another model?
Does anyone know how many of these I/O models were made?
Are they rare?
What are they worth?
Is the owner asking a fair price?
Does it appear original?
Are these good boats to own?
Would you recommend buying the boat, or walk away?
The owner says it runs 65 mph. Does that sound accurate?
As you can see I’m looking for all of the information I can get! Thanks in advance!

[Euroski]

Post the HIN(hull) number

[gedward44]

I’m sorry, Euroski. I don’t have access to the Hull Identification Number (HIN). I haven’t seen the boat in person. I’ve only been corresponding with the owner via messaging. The owner is over 100 miles away. So, I’m trying to determine if it’s even worth my time to drive that far!

[gedward44]

I just noticed that I accidentally posted this in Marketplace, instead of the discussion area!

[fastwhitecat]

I bought that boat brand new. Went right up to Rapid Craft and picked it up. I was told it was the only solid white Rapid Craft Twister made.
It looks like a lot has been changed since i sold it. Not many Twisters were made. The price is pretty reasonable. 65mph sounds close. I liked that boat so much i bought another one and still have it.

[gedward44]

Are you sure it’s the same one? This one is purple exterior, but white interior. The owner told me that he bought it from a guy in Tennessee. I saw a solid white one posted for sale. I think it was in Florida?

[fastwhitecat]

I assume that's a wrap. that's It. I sold it to a guy in Des Moines, Iowa. He then sold it to a guy in Florida and he sold it to the guy in Tennessee.
I tried to buy it back from the broker that had it listed in Florida but found the one I bought 20 hrs closer to me the same week.

[gedward44]

Oh wow. So, it’s been around the country. What all can you tell me about this one? And, these type boats?

[fastwhitecat]

It was perfect when I sold it, but that was about 15 yrs ago. They are a light, strong and fast hull.
I had that boat right at 130mph with different power and drive.
It never once got out of sharp or scary.
The interior looks like it did when I sold it but nothing else does.

[gedward44]

So, fastwhitecat, you’re saying that the boat I posted is the same one as this one, just repainted or wrapped?

[fastwhitecat]

That is correct.
by the way the flames on the first picture are decals, it was solid white when it left my house.

[fastwhitecat]

Here are a couple of pictures from when I owned it.

[gedward44]

Fastwhitecat, thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions! This is fascinating to learn the whole history of the boat!
1. Is that the engine and drive that you had in it when you ran 130 mph? What was in it?
2. Please educate me on how you can tell that it’s the same boat, since it’s now a different color?
3. How was the boat configured and what options on it did you order from the factory?
4. I’m assuming that when you sold it you installed the original engine and drive back in?
5. Do you think the engine and drive on it now are the ones from the factory?

[fastwhitecat]

1. NO! I had a 509ci Stroker motor, Whipple supercharger topped with a little shot of nitrous and a Mercury Blackhawk drive with custom cut props.
2. Just look at the dash. I had that crossover and thermostat housing custom made on the engine also, they're aluminum, not stainless steel.
I cant believe there still on it.
3. From the factory the only options were swim steps on each side, blower engine hatch, IMCO steering and IMCO silent choice.
The far left gauge is a clock, it was the only Twister built that had a clock in the dash.
4. You are correct. When I sold it, it had the original 7.4L/bravo that came in it new. With 20hrs on them both.
5. I have no idea on this one. Looks like the engine but also looks like a few parts have been changed.
The outdrive I cant see good enough to make a call on.

It's definitely my old boat.

[gedward44]

fastwhitecat, thank you for taking the time to provide all of this information! That sounds like one wicked motor you had in it! I have a couple more questions, if you don't mind?...
1. How well does the boat handle (stability, ride smoothness, handling) wake from other boats, and choppy water? I live in Alabama, and in close proximity to a couple of large river lakes. So, if I buy the boat that is where I will use it.
2. How many people would it comfortably carry?
3. At 52 years old, divorced, and both kids grown, I'm finally looking at purchasing my first boat. The divorce judge bent me over and violated me, so financially is why I'm looking at buying an older boat. LOL I've always performed the mechanic work on my own vehicles, and have built an engine before, so I would be comfortable working on an inboard engine. Someone told me that if I ever buy a catamaran/ tunnel hull boat that I'll never buy anything else, because they ride and handle like nothing else. I've never driven or even been on this style boat before. I've driven an I/O ski boat, but I have no idea how a tunnel hull/ catamaran (not sure which is the technically correct term for the Rapid Craft design?) handles and rides. Your thoughts on this as a first boat purchase?