22-25' boats
 

I need some advice...

I'm looking to upgrade to a faster boat and just recently sold an bowrider baja. I'm looking for something in the 22-25' range that fits in my budget for under $20,000 built in 1990 or newer.

I'd like good hull with potential to add power to it in the future. I dont mind something that comes with a smallblock, but obviously a bigblock would be nice! I understand that you generally get what you pay for which is why I'm willing to settle for a little less power if it means getting a better hull.

Boats that I've seen that fit into these requirements are generally: 22 Pachanga, 22 Scarab, 23 Wellcraft Nova, Pantera.... Help me out... I need to know what boats I should be looking for and what I should avoid. I've looked in the classifieds here and at other sites but I mainly see boats priced above my budget.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Re: 22-25' boats
 

I would look at Checkmate, they build a variety of boats that fit into that your catergories. They are also a great boat. Baja would also be a good choice. I think you will be hard pressed to find a pantera for the kind of $ you are trying to spend. Are you financing or paying cash, that makes a difference. Alot of lenders don't like giving much $ for smaller older boats, I ran into this when purchasing my first boat.

Re: 22-25' boats
 

Here are a few boats in the 22-25 range that I would look at....
All these boats have pros and cons. The Outlaw and the Thunder will have a bigger feel than the rest. The Nova and Pachanga are nice boats but they will never be fast.

22 Donzi
22 Velocity
24 Pantera
24 Superboat
25 Sunsation (actually the same size as the two above)
25 Outlaw
25 Active Thunder
25 Powerplay (might be hard to find)

Re: 22-25' boats
 

Used Pantera.

Re: 22-25' boats
 

for under 20k i would go with a 25 checkmate. i still love these boats. i think that the older ones are built better then the newer ones.

Re: 22-25' boats
 

22' Donzi. Go to www.donzi.net and see what they have there on the classifieds.

Re: 22-25' boats
 

Site is down right now :(

Re: 22-25' boats
 

You should buy my Chaparral Villain for $13k. Would leave you $7k for fuel!

Check it out -> click here

Re: 22-25' boats
 

You can look at 230SX Stingrays as well, but its a sit down boat, and really only good on a smooth lake. They come with everything from a 305 to a 496/former 502.

Re: 22-25' boats
 

Talk to Waterfoul. He might have a boat that would fit your bill nicely.

Re: 22-25' boats
 

Donzi 22ft Classics are great boats! had one for a few years with a merc 350 in it and ran in the low 60's. with a 454 or a 502 (blackhawk edition) they really scream!

only downside is no cuddy at all, not much storage space, but they are classy and distinctive boats

my .02

Dan

Re: 22-25' boats
 

I can only speak from my experience, but last summer I bought a clean '91 27' Fountain (most poeple accuse it of being 25') for $20,000. It had a base 300hp dog motor, but will handle anything I want to throw at it. I've since put in a 630hp 555.
Just take your time, and the right deal will come along. I didn't modify my last boat since I didn't feel that the hull was designed for big power or speed. If you buy a solid base, you'll never regret it.

Re: 22-25' boats
 

A guy on Hotboat has a white one and it's a sexy lil *****.

Re: 22-25' boats
 

22 donzi or a 22 scarab also a 21 baja hammer , you can find them in your price range everyday :drink:

Re: 22-25' boats
 

You Can Find A 1991 21 Scarab Excel On Boattrader.com For That Kind Of Money. I Own One My Self I Just Bought I July That Runs Low 60's And Great In Chop The Scarab Is Located In Texas

Re: 22-25' boats
 

It depends on what kind of haul you want. A modified vee or deep vee. What kind of water do you plan to boat in.

Deep vee under $20 grand. You might have to go alittle older for a nice one or maybe have to do some work to it for a 90 and up. I'm in the same boat. I feel like a underdog here but its cool and this site is awesome.

Deep vees;
Baja 240 sports(nice) and outlaws (that need work).
25 Checkmate Convincors(nice)
24 super boat(?)
24 Pantera (that needs work)
27 Fountain(that needs a lot of work)

There are more but I'm not sure in that price range.

Russ

Re: 22-25' boats
 

22' Velocity or Thoroughbred...

Re: 22-25' boats
 

I'm biased but I love my Formula 242LS. It's really more like a 26ft boat by the way some manufacturers measure. I any event, it's very smooth and has a great fit and finish. It also has a good-sized cabin. The only drawback is it's not terribly fast but you can hit 60 without spending too much $$$.

Re: 22-25' boats
 

Excellent! Thanks for all the helpful replies... I'm printing this out.

Re: 22-25' boats
 

If you like the styling, the Donzi Z24 is the boat for you.

Check the boat at the following link:
http://www.boat-world.com/displaypic...663774&picno=2

If not, then: Donzi 22, Baja 24 Outlaw, Sutphen 21 are good choices.

Good luck...

Re: 22-25' boats
 

interior

Re: 22-25' boats
 

If you can find one ....

Re: 22-25' boats
 

I sure like my Python! It has been a solid boat and look good too.

Re: 22-25' boats
 

I'll sell my 92 24 outlaw on a 2001 trailer for 20K.
454 mag
halon system
stainless silent choice
all new in interior 2005
dual batteries/1 new this year
Boat needs nothing and is in exelent condition, no dock rash/scratches ect

Re: 22-25' boats
 

Not quite in that price range but I thought you guys might like to see just how nice a 24 can be. You don't have to have a huge boat to be in the elite. This is the new 2006 V24 built by Adrenaline Powerboats. We are going to do a press release on it within the next week or so.

Re: 22-25' boats
 

It is pushing on year but I had a 1990 23ft Wellcraft Nova and I loved it. It had a 454 with just mild upgrades prop and some outdrive and carb work we had her doing 70mph and it was a very smooth ride. I loved the boat and wish I still had her. They are hard to find but if you do, you can pick them up for around 10k-15k

Re: 22-25' boats
 

Not taking anything away from any of the other boats listed, but I would seriously take a look at 24 Panteras They are a time proven boat that will take any abuse or water you have the gutts to run in. Mine is for sale in the classifieds (the yellow one with custom paint) It is for sale only due to the fact I am buying a 28 Pantera. Just my 2 cents worth

Re: 22-25' boats
 

I'm having a hard time finding alot of those boats mentioned for sale in my price range... but with the summer winding down I'm in no hurry. I thank you all again for your help!

Re: 22-25' boats
 

I have a 25' Active Thunder and this boat is amazing. It will handle just about any water condition you throw at it and it has more cuddy room than most of the others. It will be difficult to find one for $20k or under. Active Thunder used to be manufuctured under the name Cannon pre 1995 (I believe) before Pat bought the company and if you can find one of those, you may meet your price point

Others have also mentioned the Pantera which would be a great boat as well.

Re: 22-25' boats
 

What mold is the V24 Adrenaline built from? It sure looks a lot like the 23 Scarab from the profile. Where are they being made and where can we find the press release?

Re: 22-25' boats
 

The Adrenaline V24 is being built from original tooling made by us. The hull design is somewhat traditional in that it has a knucle line on the side and is 24degrees at the transom.

We are waiting to get our website updated and video shot on the boat before getting it out on the wire. We will more than likely release it here on OSO as well as everywhere else.

When you see the video of this boat running you'll love it.

IT's truly a hotrod.

Re: 22-25' boats
 

OOOOOHHHHH ,,,,,, thats sharp !!! I want one with a 525 in it !!! :evilb:

How much ???? And with one of them cool trailers too !!!!

Re: 22-25' boats
 

You base this on what?

Re: 22-25' boats
 

I base this on facts, some of those mentioned in this thread. The point is is that some hulls are faster than others. Take Factory 1 racing for example. All boats have the same power. There are many boats manufactured that would simply not be competitive, thus you don't see them on the race course.

OK, I guess if you drop in some ridiculous engine, any boat can be "fast". I see by your avatar that you have a Pachanga. I didn't make that comment to offend anyone.

How fast does your boat go, and with how much HP? With EQUAL power, I bet there is a 10-15 MPH difference between some of the boats mentioned in this thread.

Re: 22-25' boats
 

I'm finding alot of Baja 232's, 240's, and 22 Scarab's in this price range.... any thought on comparison between them? The Baja's seem to have much larger cabins, but other than that do they have similar potential? I'm looking for something that can go mid 60s for now and low 70s with a nice 502.

Re: 22-25' boats
 

Another vote for a 27' Fountain. Again, it's really closer to a 25' when you chop off the beak (had a 2003 27' for 2+ years and now have a 38' Lightning). Nice boat and will handle quite a bit of power. Agree with other posts that you may have to go back into the 1980's to get one that's in good shape at your price point, but with Fountains you can usually update them to look like the newer models with some minor changes to the cockpit (white vs. black dash, etc.). Just my .02. Some other good boats mentioned herein. Probably will come down to personal preference. Good luck in your search.

Re: 22-25' boats
 

It looks Awesome! How is the big boy coming along? That is the one I am interested in.

Re: 22-25' boats
 

Drop a 502 in my Chapparal Villian III and you'll run mid 70's easy. It runs low 60's with a 330hp bone-stock Merc 454. Upgrade the carb, cam, and intake and it would be a legitimate 70mph runner.

Re: 22-25' boats
 

I have an VERY clean '87 pachanga that I am selling. It only has the 350 mag BUT the motor only has 58 hours and upper drive only has 20 hours....2 custom covers and a custom built matching 03 trailer....Let me know if you are interested...I have it listed for WAY below 20k which would leave you lots of left over for a hp500 or a 496ho and bravo