Help me choose; 252 Islander or 25 Outlaw?
 

Looking at two boats in my area; a 2000 252 Islander and a 2001 25 Outlaw. Both have the 454 MAG, have almost exactly the same amount of hours (upper 300s) and come with a tandem axle trailer. The Outlaw seems to be in a bit worse shape cosmetically, and it is priced about a grand less than the Islander.

Do these have the same hull?
Will one be noticeably faster than the other?
Is the bow seating of the Islander deep enough to sit in while running at speed?

I realize that neither of these will make me the speed champion of my local lakes, nor is that what I'm after. I want a boat that runs well, has decent top speed, and will provide for a good day out on the water for my wife and occasionally a few friends. Sleeping onboard really isn't planned, so I was leaning toward the Islander.

I'd appreciate it if you could give me your opinions.

Thanks

It all depends on what you are intending to do...

If you want more room for people, the Islander is the way to go...

If not, I'd go the outlaw route...In fact I wish I had a cuddy....

I saw a real clean 2007 275 Boss on FB Powerboat swap shop in Dallas over the weekend...It had 120 hours and was priced a little high in my mind, but the seller said she is willing to play with the price.

I'm assuming your in Texas by your screen name.

Not sure if this will work or not...If you want me to try to put you in touch, let me know.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/6797...5&notif_t=like

Outlaw for Ocean and Great Lakes, Islander for inland Lakes and Waterways.

Thanks for the link; looks like a nice, clean boat. However, even if she comes down a bit it's above what I want to spend. Too bad though, b/c I am in Dallas.

Getting back to Islander vs. Outlaw, is the hull the same / handles the same?

They do not have the same hull. Look closely at the back of the boat from a side view picture. Notice the Outlaw has a square transom. The Islander has a molded in swim platform that counts in overall length, but it doesn't really have 25' of hull length like the Outlaw.
The 252 Islander would have a similar hull to the 23' Outlaw.
The 272 Outlaw would have a similar hull to the 25 Outlaw.

Always make sure you use the "same yardstick" when looking at OAL of boats. According to USCG rules, molded in swim platforms are considered "boat length" but they are not "hull length/running wetted surface."

Brian,
I know he's not looking that new, and I don't claim to be an expert, but is it true once you get into the Liner boats with Baja the hulls are the same? Bottoms anyway....

PS - Just biding my time to get into one of those 37' ATs

You never know until you try! She got the boat in a divorce, you might be surprised by what she would take!

I can't say for certain, I know a little about Bajas due to friends that owned them; but not enough to give you a good answer.

I ran a 252 Islander for three years and really like the boat it was easy to seven people on the boat and still have enough room, mine had the bow filler cushion which made the open bow like another sun pad. I ran on a large lake that could get rough at times and never had any issue with ride quality mine had trim tabs so you could keep the bow down to smooth our the ride. If you will have others with you most of the time and are not to concerned with speed I would choose the Islander.