RT930turbo

Tons of options, I'd have to say 24 Cig, but I'm bias 24 Panteras are great boats, and it's hard to beat a 27 Magnum. Not many single mags out there though.

bookshelf

Who makes Martini, and how common are Panteras? I haven't seen many listings for them? I'm assuming a lot of older boats are going to have TRS drives, how reliable are they? Thanks for all the info.

BODYSHOT1

280 (26') Velocity is fast as a single..also the Thoroughbred 26..same hull...bad azz ride...

RT930turbo

Agree! These boats can be very very fast with the right power. Great hull.

KSims1868

I did the same search about a year ago. I wanted a 26-28' single engine boat. I think from my research there are a LOT of boats that are similar in build and function with some exceptions because lots of hulls were splashed from other hulls back in the 70s-80s.

Some suggestions...
Pantera (definitely on top of the list)
Excalibur (i own one...love it) - there is one for sale with a 540ci here in Houston - look in the Excalibur section here on the forum
Magnum (there is a magnum with single engine setup here on the forum - probably could be sold for the right price - look in the Magnum section for Jeff)
Martini - I almost bought 1 of these - cool boats

TexomaPowerboater

I went thru this when I bought my boat. I started out with a 24 python, very similar to the 24 pantera albeit lesser quality. It was good boat to learn on. Problem I had was the lack of space, the cabin was not usable. I also found that the 24/7 boat only like to go above 60mph. Any lower and it was very nimble - lots of side to side, lots of pucker factor.

I upgraded to a 28 and never looked back...........well I say that. I kind of want a yacht now, but for powerboating its perfect It handles superbly at all speeds and in all water. Don't be afraid of a 28ft boat with twins. I burn just a little more gas than my 24ft boat did with single 502. I'd say it may burn 10-20% more gas than a single engine boat. It is balanced much better and much better out of the hole. It is also easier on drives and engines because the engines are splitting the load.

If your really in the market for a 28 mine can be bought for the right price, send me a PM if you want. Just got done redoing the engine bay and putting in new 502's.

30ctsutphen

26 sutphen rum runner. Id putone up against any boat its size.

Theres one for $12K on here right now witha single outboard 300

ChristianGott

ditto!...but it should really have twins....

Uncle Dave

Pretty much all the EAST coast stuff mentioned here is really good.

You may also choose to look at some boat manufacturers on the WEST coast.

In no specific order-

Schiada
LaveyCraft
Howard
Nordic
Advantage
Warlock (year specific a few years bad most years- pretty good)
Eliminator

All make great boats with unique tooling and features.

Schiada, Lavey and Howard have been in business since the 50's

Uncle Dave

rlj676

I'd add Powerplay 25 and 28 as potentials. Great boats!

More 25's than 28's out there, but still not too common.