You can't have that river fun without a river gun, and the shooter in this case is a Dana Performance Boats 27 Offshore. The 27 comes with standard features that are optional on most cruisers. Powdercoated billet, hydraulic marine hatch hinges, Auto Meter gauges, Gaffrig controls, pop-up cleats and nav light, billet swim steps, built-in coolers, Imco drive shower, and a stainless four-blade prop are just some of the stock equipment stuffed into this package. Matter of fact, all the hardware rigged to this Dana is top-notch Rex Marine equipment. Fit from the factory with a 496 Mag HO, motorvated with 425 hp and capable of 65 mph, this Dana was destined for greener pastures. First on the list to go was the 496. In its place, a GM 502 was harnessed into position on the stringers before being topped by an Arizona Speed & Marine fuel-injection system. The horsepower bar was raised to a greater level with the current lay-up. Those 502 inches are now handing 502 ponies to the drive. The Bravo XR hanging from the transom is now capable of shoving this 5,000-pound skater across the chop at an easy 75 mph. Inside the engine compartment, the mirrored hatch, chrome CMI headers, and anodized diamond-plate floor complement the polished intake.
Comfort levels are off the charts in the 27 Offshore. This particular model is optioned with the open bow and can easily fit you and eight of your friends. The pure-white Designer Marine vinyl is embossed with just a hint of fiery presence. Deep bolstered buckets are front row and the most supportive for high-speed water assaults. Wrap-around-style seating in the forward open bow is not for the faint of heart at speed, and the rear bench offers high-back headrests for jet fighter-type passenger comfort. If you can't stand the heat, a walk-through under deck area is fit with a more relaxed couch-like resting place. Blue trim and billet add a little style to wherever you plant yourself.
From the open bow to the stern, this Dana is a floating rock concert. Speakers abound and there are no dead spots in this aural destroyer. Cabin-side is the preferred location for the head units, so as to not clutter the cockpit, but a remote control center keeps handy access from outside. Sony leads the way with a pre-amp head unit, locating signals from an XM satellite high above the river skies. If the mood strikes, ear-splitting hair bands are loaded into the Sony CD changer for additional head-banging. Explosive bass resonates from the two Fosgate 12-inch subs located in the forward bulkhead, powered by a Fosgate 1,000-watt amp. Four front and four rear 6.5-inch Fosgate coaxials are streamed power by way of two Fosgate 800-watt power supplies. Safely covering all the speakers are Ron's Custom Detail (RCD) flamed, chromed, billet speaker savers. You can find Ron and RCD in the heart of the heat, Lake Havasu City, Arizona. All stereo components are solidly mounted behind the starboard backrest and are accessed with a simple tug. Once again, Audio Innovations of Glendora was the source for musical installation.
Trailer of choice for hauling chores is an Extreme triple-axle trailer. Extreme builds these trailers for Dana Performance with longevity and class in mind. Full-length stainless steel fenders are highly polished before covering the rubber. Disc brakes bring the weighty Dana boat down from speed. A spare tire is factory equipment as well as diamond-plate steps all the way around. Powdercoated to a color-enhancing hue of the hot Dana gelcoat, Extreme Trailer manufactures a quality product that comes standard with all Dana boat packages.
With his high level of attention to detail and the backing of reputable companies, Michael has built himself a mini fleet of eye-popping toys. Pegging the meter in the fun department, it's all we could do to suppress our envy. Riding high in the saddle with good friends and good tunes on the way to a high-speed aqua-holics meeting is definitely the way to play.