With the first two 34 Center Cabin Xtreme (CCX) models out the door with twin outboard engines, Sunsation Powerboats recently finished its third 34-foot center console and delivered it to Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks today.
Sunsation recently finished its first 34 CCX with triple outboard engines that will be used as a company demo model.
The first one powered by triple Mercury Verado 300 engines, the 34-footer exceeded the expectations of owners Wayne and Joe Schaldenbrand, who recently set up a second line of production at the company’s Algonac, Mich., facility to accommodate its sportboat and center console lines.
Joe Schaldenbrand, who sounded like he’s been having a blast breaking in and test-driving the 34 CCX all week, said the company’s demo model has a top speed right above 75 mph with incredible acceleration.
“Putting the third motor on there, for me, made it an even more enjoyable boat to drive because of the acceleration from the third motor—although it’s not as enjoyable at the gas pump,” Schaldenbrand said with a chuckle. “We had a couple of potential customers, who both own one of our 43-footers with twin (Mercury Racing) 700s, and they both made the same comment: ‘This thing accelerates faster than my 43.’ ”
Company principals Wayne and Joe Schaldenbrand test drive the new Sunsation 34 CCX center console.
Schaldenbrand said his favorite part about the boat is that he can take 12 people out with him and have a great time.
“I’m a sportboat guy all the way, but the more time I spend in the center console arena, the more it’s really growing on me,” Schaldenbrand said. “The ease of boating is what’s really appealing. If I’m at the docks with seven people and three of four more show up, I can take them with me. That wouldn’t happen in a performance boat. We’ll always build sportboats, but it’s nice to have both options.”
According to Schaldenbrand, the next two boats coming down the line from Sunsation are two 28-foot sportboats with 430-hp MerCruiser 8.2 Mag HO engines. He also invited everyone to come see the complete line of Sunsation models at the company’s open house from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on June 22 and 23.
“At our open house, we’ll have our sportboat line and our center console on display,” Schaldenbrand added. “Anyone who attends will get a tour of the shop where they can see the production process. We’ll have demo rides available as well as hors d’oeuvres and refreshments.”
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