anybody out there?

Rbsgfd578 · #1 November 21st, 2005, 01:49 PM

Just wonderin if anybody else out there had 1 of these boats?

I have a 1985 17' Bonito center console.

w/ 1985 90hp Johnson V-4

phatmanmike · #2 November 23rd, 2005, 06:00 PM

i have a 1986 16 foot ceneter console with a 1978 inline 6 1150 115hp. very fast, down right fun and scarey.

the build quaility of mine is pure garbage, but its a hoot to drive !

Rbsgfd578 · #3 November 23rd, 2005, 06:12 PM

Mines built pretty good..Need to get a keel gaurd for it years of trailering has rubbed the keel pretty raw..But like you said it is fast even with that little 90hp..She will give me 55- 60 mph.Wish she was a little wider.

Duug · #4 February 2nd, 2006, 11:50 AM

I hava '69 16'Bonito walkthru with a 90 Yamaha on it. I replaced the deck, glassed it in and filled the bilge area with 2 part foam. The boat is rock solid and is a blast in the Indian River. 3 to 5ft seas are no problem unless it starts blowing 30 knots.

Toddo · #5 March 5th, 2006, 04:57 AM

I finally found others that own Bonitos. I just purchased a 1981 16ft Dual Console from a dealer up here in Pa. It has the original 1981 Johnson 70hp still on it. As it is March (and still cold up here) I havent had the chance to run it yet. The whole thing is pretty clean for its age. The construction is a bit rough on the inside but the gelcoat is in really good shape. The motor compression is good and it ran at the dealer with earmuffs on so.....Hope I get alot of fun out of this one also!

Cookiemonster · #6 March 14th, 2006, 01:35 AM

Just recently picked up a Bonito Calais 685. 22ft Fibreglass halfcab with a Mercury 225hp EFI. All 2000 model.

Use it as an all round fishing/family cruiser. Managed to get it upto 53mph on flat water with 4 adults and full fuel.

Haven't caught much fish with it yet.. having too much fun with the wind in my hair.

Toddo · #7 March 14th, 2006, 02:56 PM

I don't think this is the same Co. that made our Bonitos! Ours were made in Orlando Fla. and probably cost much less when new.

Cookiemonster · #8 March 14th, 2006, 03:41 PM

Our Bonito's are made in New Zealand. Been a New Zealand manufacturer for 30 years. Exceptional build quality.

www.bonito.co.nz

Bonito Boats Ltd

50 Main Road

PO Box 534, Kumeu

New Zealand

Rbsgfd578 · #9 March 16th, 2006, 01:58 PM

We have the poor mans Bonitos...lol.

Cookiemonster · #10 March 16th, 2006, 11:08 PM

Well Im poor.... now.

Rbsgfd578 · #11 March 19th, 2006, 02:44 PM

tashasdaddy · #12 May 30th, 2006, 08:20 AM

have 79 18' bowrider 71 merc 1350. great boat. bonitas were a take off of the popular cobia also made in central florida. some say that the bonita were seconds off the cobia line.

bhile · #13 June 5th, 2006, 05:12 PM

Mine is a 16ft bass boat with a 150 Merc on it.

Rbsgfd578 · #14 June 8th, 2006, 04:50 PM

I would love to find a new set of the decals for the hull for mine.I got it cleaned up good, it would just make it look that much better with a new set of the original decals.

Toddo · #15 July 13th, 2006, 10:04 PM

I'd like to see some pics of these Bonitos you guys have. Since I'm stuck making this 25 yr old boat of mine nice (or nicer) again, I'd like to see how other boats are set up interior wise.

Rbsgfd578 · #16 July 17th, 2006, 09:48 PM

Ill try and get you some puctures of mine up on here in the next week or so for ya Toddo..