Single engine 26 velocity .twins are more to maintain if your on a budget and new to speed. Plus a big block can be a platform when you need more power and want to up grade.

YUP,

And I know where he can get one, but gonna cost a little more than I think he wants to spend.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-_4V9zkVgQ

Man you guys are on it! Thanks for all the replies.
Couldn't find any 24' panteras near me on craigslist. Are there any regional classified adds you guys suggest?

I was looking for an alpha driven boat from the suggestion of my bud but after some reading today volvo is back in the running. Thanks for the recomendation.

Again, LOVE this site!

-Sebastian

If you are lookin for speed on a budget. I would consider a 24x7 boat such as the Pantera or a Sunsation Rocket / Agressor. These boats are 24 foot long with a 7 foot beam and ride great in the rough. You can get 70 out of one with a relatively mild big block such as a 454 mag. 365 h.p.

Or 60+ with a super reliable outboard

Still doing my homework every night. Thinking a single big block would be the most cost effective as far as upgrading down the line. I like redundancey with everything but bills, and doubling every go fast part and maintenance item sounds lame.

What makes/models/years started using bravo drives over the alphas?

Nothing I own is stock so I don't see HP figures staying where the factory put them. All the bravo swaps I've read about where aroung 5K and then the prop shaft sits to low unless you want to throw another 3-4k on a shorty lower.

Am I venturing out of my "budget" boat by wanting a BB/Bravo combo out of the box? If more money spent now can save me 7k later I may just save some more to get the better platform now.

My post sounds like rambling lol. Just thinking out loud. All the input I'm getting here is great! I can see the addiction coming and don't like spending money twice. Research, research, research.

Outboards... The price tags on them give me the willies. Original purchase to maintenance is higher right?

Any old, easy to work on, reasonably priced O/B's I should read up on?

Honestly I'd start with a SBC/Alpha combo. easy to work on, common, etc. Get whatever you buy really dialed in... if you have the need for speed, sell it, and get something else.

I was in the same boat as you, so to speak. I live about 15 minutes from Dana Point, too. I ended up buying the 26 foot Sutphen you see in my user icon. She was a twin 300hp SBC / Alpha combo. Just small enough to tow with with an F150. To be honest, you really have to pic your days and timing in Socal. Catalina would be a long way if the wind picked up. A 35 footer would be ideal, but that's a whole different game.
Make sure to check out Long Beach Harbor, too.There's a frickin' 10 mile long sea wall that stops the waves, there's no speed limit, and there's some great watering holes with public docks. Anyway, good luck in your search.

Do you go around Lake Boca? Thought I've seen an older Pantera with outboard a few times.