Own a 292. Can confirm. Most of the stickers came off. Boat is just that fast.

Just to confuse matters, you may want to consider a Velocity 289 or 290. Roomy for the length with a deep cockpit to keep the kids safe. The 290 even has an enclosed head. Runs nice and fast and will easily meet your speed goals with a 496 or 502.

Padraig

Thanks for the input! I bet that Apache was sweet! Definitely dream of owning one some day. I sort of feel the same way about the twins. I don't mind working on the boat, I grew up pretty much taking care of our family boat, all the cleaning, prep work and maintenance in our smaller 20 footer I grew up with. I half thought of buying a project boat but know I don't have that kind of time or resources either. I do keep coming up with the fact that between the 26zx and the formula I can get almost the same benefits as the 28zx with a lower entry cost. The X-factor though like you mentioned is the 2nd engine for stability and power. I do like the idea of twin small blocks then a single big block.

The fastech 292 is enticing but they definitely seem out of my budget.

I completely missed velocity for some reason, looks like a cross between a sonic and a formula. I don't know much about velocity. Will have to do some digging, how are they in rough seas compared to the formula and Donzi? The speed certainly seems up there and the price point is nice. What's the catch? Lol.

I had a 1998 271 with a 502. Was a great boat and engine. Formula quality and ride are very good. At the time, we had two young kids and would spend weekends on the boat, either at a marina or anchored overnight at a beach. Had full camper canvas. Had a filler cushion made to fit between the bench seats for extra sleeping space. Was enough room until the kids grew. I don't have anything negative to say about the 271.

How useful are the cabins in these size boats? Do they just get hot and stuffy when parked or do the vents five enough air movement that it's still useable?

have a 292 w/350s. cabin is useless without A/C. I'm not 20 anymore and I'm over trying to sleep in there.

ive had a velocity 290 sc, a fountain 29 fever wich i have for sale and i just bought a 292 fastech wich i havnt drove as of yet. velocity is roomy, the sc has tons of room in cabin and very fast. it had the 496 ho. fountain has the 496 ho, lots of room in cockpit, not as much room in cabin as velocity but definatly a better ride. runs out to about 62 and velocity would run about 67. both nice boats no complaints with either of them....

Single vs twins:
Got a fastech 292 about 30 engine hours ago. In that time I've already come back to the dock on one engine twice. One time was cheap, the other time was expensive. Very expensive. The allure of twins has lost its luster with me after paying the mechanic bills but my wife is very happy to have been able to make it back with one engine both times, not sure how many thousands of dollars that's worth.

I tow it on a triple axle trailer with an F-150 with the max tow package (12,700lbs) and I would recommend it. There's only about 450 lbs tongue weight so it rides level. The brakes are surge and it's just okay. Have towed it an hour and a half on the interstate so far and it tows very well - no swaying, no gear hunting, and plenty of power to merge etc.

The gentleman's comment about their wife not happy with trading family time for boat maintenance time is spot on - probably a selling point for single engine and drive. Not that there isn't tons of other maintenance you can't get away from - electrical system, trailer tires brakes bearings winch lights etc. Washing, mopping, vacuuming, scrubbing.

500 EFI in a fastech 271 looks real good to me! Same usable space as the 292 in my opinion - though losing even one inch of cockpit space can be significant.

Sonic 26 prowler is a great looking boat but that cockpit is tiny! We bump into each other enough as it is.

Sunsation 25 aggressor has an even tinier cockpit but I really like the fit and finish and something crazy like 4 mpg. Tiny fuel tank effectively limits you to about 100 mile range with butthole puckering. Very fast.

Is the cabin useful? Somewhat. We always ride with the hatches cracked and the cabin door open. At anchor open the hatches all the way and it's pretty good airflow so yeah it's usable. My toddler takes naps in there and we store everyone's towel bags and inflatables in the v berth.

Hey Turtles, I have a 292 as well, and I also came back on a single several times now across 2-3 seasons, and even once or twice after new short blocks. (Fuel Pump).

getting home at 6 mph is still getting home. I don't think TowBoat could could have hauled us in any faster anyway.