The best 25-28ft boat - Page 5

Keytime · 11-13-2009, 02:17 AM

I've owned my 28' Checkmate Convincor w/ twin EFI big blocks for 2 years and I'm diggin' it. I boat with some big V's (42 Fountain, 38 Top Gun, 40 Hawk) and it does very respectable on LOTO. Not the same ride, obviously, but I bring some attitude along and the Check does a great job of holding up, ie, I have their respect. I didn't even shop them for a while because the Checkmates typically aren't as stylish, IMO, but after researching them, I liked what I heard. I got a lot of bang for the buck on my boat. $35k, 115 hours, 1-owner, 75+mph, EFI Mags (I wanted fuel injection), very clean Texas boat. The Combs family does a good job of standing behind their products, too. Mike and Kip are still working there and are very helpful.

The other folks on here will know much more than I will. Just sharing my personal experience. If I were shopping now in this range, I'd definitely consider that Pantera or the Saber that's for sale on another site.

http://www.boattrader.com/find/listi...shore-93280075

AIR TIME · 11-14-2009, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smarty

This 28' Pantera is alot of boat for the money,

http://www.offshoreonly.com/classifi...b217_0-en.html

In the OSO classified, Pantera are solid boats....

isn't that the one that sold for 20,000 in aug or its looks like the twin that was for sale back then.

AIR TIME · 11-14-2009, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Griff

28 Pantera--its right at 34' on the trailer.
28 or 25 Active Thunder
288 Sunsation
28 Powerquest
29 Fountain--The 27 is way too small and the 29 is no larger than most 28's on the trailer.
271 Formula fastec

Plain and simple, the lighter boats will be faster and the heavier ones will ride better in rough water for the most part.

28 SABER on trailer 34.5 ft

Griff · 11-14-2009, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AIR TIME

isn't that the one that sold for 20,000 in aug or its looks like the twin that was for sale back then.

Yes, Brad Zastrow bought it and he spent some $$$ updating it.

Griff · 11-14-2009, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AIR TIME

28 SABER on trailer 34.5 ft

Never seen one in person, but I've only heard good things about them.

cmbracer · 11-15-2009, 08:01 AM

Nobody mentions the Donzi 28 ZX?

Dosen't it compare to your Sunsations or Nordics?
I know it's a twin, but at 50grand, it fitts the bill!

Nordic seems to be the pricier alternative to a Sunsation. And Sunsations also has the best fit and finish of the two.
Just my homble oppinion.

Padraig · 11-15-2009, 10:05 AM

My vote is of course the Velocity 280.

1. It is fast, my 280 with 502 mag, lightning headers and labbed prop will do 70mph any time. With some some good chop and light load it will do 72+ mph on GPS. This is a eleven year old boat with the original 502 mag..

2. Deep secure cockpit.

3. Good size cabin with storage.

4. While some people call it a drivers boat I have found that the learning curve is short and no surprises.

5. You call the Factory and you can get someone to talk to and if it is tech stuff it will likely be Steve Stepp himself.

dmaxx3500 · 11-15-2009, 11:32 AM

how about a 26' corsa

bradcrumpley · 11-15-2009, 04:23 PM

Donzi 26ZX, 28ZX or the ZR's

ChristianGott · 11-15-2009, 05:05 PM

though i own an i/o boat, i think the 26 sutphen w/ o.b.'s is the way to go...great hull, low maintenance, good speed (70's)and economy...although i did consider the sonic 26 for cockpit depth, the sut w/ o.b.'s thinks it's a bigger boat...especially w 380 k planes....one in MD was listed at under $17k...that's a deal.