I'm looking for a 26-28' with a single engine that runs about 75mph. It must be robust enough to handle those 3-5ft waves in high speeds.

I have found some Scarab Excel 28's that seems to be able to fit me, but I would preferably get something more classic race looking... Pantera, Warlock, Outlaw etc.

My limit is $30k

Anyone know of anything like this that's for sale?!

30k might be tuff, would have to be something from the early 90's but it can be done. :

Yup, somewhere around 1990 should probably do it, as long as it's in good shape and the engine is big and healthy

You should find some nice 28' checkmate's. They make a full 28' with no swim platform.

Velocity or Thoroughbred. Of course, I'm biased...

Don't go with a 28 Excel if you want to run in 3 to 5's. There's not enough freeboard and the hull design will make for a rough ride.

I know this because a friend of mine owned one and put a 540 in it. It was a spine banger in rough stuff. I opted for the 29 Scarab which I currently own right now. Its a great boat and has good freeboard and rides the rough stuff well for the length.

Evereyone will have there own opinion, this is just mine. I would find one who owned these other types of boats your interested in and go for a ride in those types of condition to assure of the ride. There is a huge difference in what someone says compared to actually being out there in it. I have been in mine in 3 to 5's with following and head on seas and quartering waves. It did great in following and head on, but the nose is light and in quartering seas and the waves try to push the nose to the side, but it can be helped by dropping a trim tab to adjust for it

Good luck in your search!

you'll have a tough search........even the newest single engine boats in thatsize range have a tough time seeing 75 with 500hp.......a couple year old single step 29 Fountain will barely run 75 with a 500efi and they go for like 75 grand.......so youd have to find an older boat with probably 600 to 700hp.....tough......yeah,maybe an early 90s velocity.....or a big inch 27 Fountain.......maybe an ex raceboat......keep us informed of your progress

Bruce Seroff might still have his 28 Pantera Race boat available...

how bout this one

http://www.boatquest.com/Power/Manuf...ats_specs.aspx

hope im not stepping out of bounds here!! sorry OSO, delete if needed!!

I'm happy as long as it WOT's in the 70's, and I'm not expecting to find anything much never than early 90's.