What boat for $70-80k used, fast, good in rough water, and sleeps two?
 

This isn't a "wanted ad", but I'm going on a 6 month navy depoyment and I have a lot of time to contemplate upgrading my 22 Donzi Classic.

Bottom line is a bit bigger boat that will handle 3-4 chop easily, go fast (at least 70mph, but more is better), ability to sleep 2, be under $80k used and look good.

As for V-hulls, I really like the Formula Fastec 292 and the Donzi 28ZX.

I know nothing about cats other than they haul ass for the money. How do they do in rough water? Is there room to crawl in and pass out for the night? I don't need a luxury cabin, I'm upgrading from a tent in the sand, but I've never seen the insides of one of these boats. It is tempting to see these 28 foot cats with twin outboards running 100mph though. What's the downside?

I use a boat for romping around the Chesapeake, the occasional poker run, and hanging out at either the local sand bar or pier side bars. No plans for skiing or wakeboarding.

Looking for insight from all of you that have gone this route before.

Re: What boat for $70-80k used, fast, good in rough water, and sleeps two?
 

You just can't go wrong with a Formula. I think the 28 Donzi is a nice boat. An Active Thunder 28 is very nice and very roomy.


Be safe my brother :drink:

Re: What boat for $70-80k used, fast, good in rough water, and sleeps two?
 

If you are not going new i would either get a 28 Pantera or 33 powerplay in that money field. They both handle the rough like nothing and the both will do eaisly over 70 mph

jr mike

Re: What boat for $70-80k used, fast, good in rough water, and sleeps two?
 

27 or 29 Fountain would be my choice.

Re: What boat for $70-80k used, fast, good in rough water, and sleeps two?
 

pink flamingo can be had under 80, does over 70, will handle the wake...could sleep 2, and sure looks nice :D

Re: What boat for $70-80k used, fast, good in rough water, and sleeps two?
 

Sonic 30/31 SS. We cruise ours from NYC to Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard, and Miami to Key West. The wife and I stay on it for ten days + at a time. It has the largest cabin of any gofast for 30 feet, and can take terrific storms with nary a hull creak. Not fun to be in twelve foot breaking waves, but we made it. Lots of 6 and seven footers on our travels. Again, not fun, but we made it. We love our Sonic!

Re: What boat for $70-80k used, fast, good in rough water, and sleeps two?
 

I would SERIOUSLY look at the 33 Powerplay Trick Marine is selling.

It meets all the criteria you mentioned and it is CLEAN !!

I had a 33 and would own one again.....

Re: What boat for $70-80k used, fast, good in rough water, and sleeps two?
 

Ditto, except it can probably be had for 70.
Get it on the east coast and it should sell easier.
But i have the feeling 38 is bigger than you are looking for.

There is a nice 28 saber in the classifieds that would fit your bill for low 40s.

Re: What boat for $70-80k used, fast, good in rough water, and sleeps two?
 

I like my 3100 American Offshore, cabin that is usable in a cat that will sleep 2+, 502 mags will run mid 80's, and can be bought at the price you are looking for. These do great in chop especailly 2-4 choppy stuff. Mine will be back in the classifieds in a day or so, i'm gonna want probably low 90's for it (not sure depending on when all the bills get calculated) but its gonna have brand new 557"'s NA, and should run 110+ ... to give you an idea of a decent priced cat ...

Don

Re: What boat for $70-80k used, fast, good in rough water, and sleeps two?
 

There have been a few 28ZX Scorpions for sale recently in the $70K range. I think they run upper 70's. Here's a ZXO...

http://www.offshoreonly.com/esvon/page-8453.html

Re: What boat for $70-80k used, fast, good in rough water, and sleeps two?
 

Geez, that Powerplay at Trick really does look like a smoking deal.

Re: What boat for $70-80k used, fast, good in rough water, and sleeps two?
 

Go for the Pink Flamingo !

Get it back to Florida where it has spent its life.

LS

Re: What boat for $70-80k used, fast, good in rough water, and sleeps two?
 

What's the pink flamingo?

Nobody knows about the cats? Are they really just fast lake boats for Havasu?

Re: What boat for $70-80k used, fast, good in rough water, and sleeps two?
 

Do you want twins or a single?

Re: What boat for $70-80k used, fast, good in rough water, and sleeps two?
 

Cats? You have any experience w/ one? Good luck getting insurance. :mad:

This is the pink flamingo... 1991 topgun carbon fiber.
http://www.offshoreonly.com/esvon/page-7483.html

http://www.offshoreonly.com/esvon/files/7483_9.jpg

Re: What boat for $70-80k used, fast, good in rough water, and sleeps two?
 

Cats will handle rough water better than a V..........to a point. There is not much cabin room though and right now insurance companies don't like to write policies for them. The Formula is probably the best "wavesplitter" out of all the V's in that size range and they are very nice on the inside as well. They're heavy boats, around 7000lbs dry weight. The Donzi 28ZX is a great ride as well. Has more freeboard than my Fountain, I own a 29' with a 525 Merc. The Fountains are faster but Formulas will have a bit of an edge in rough water in my opinion. And based on my observance of a 28ZX, it seemed to run a little smoother than me, but then again I was close to 70 in messy 3's. If you can find one with Scorpion motors, all the better. The only issue with twins is gas consumption and staying more level when flying off waves, this is why I went with a single. If you're open to a new boat, check out Donzi's new 27. It's really nice and with a single 496 (375hp version), they're claiming low 70's. That boat was priced around 80k. Just do like you're doing now, taking your time, that's what I did and eventually you'll find what you're looking for. Good Luck!!!

Re: What boat for $70-80k used, fast, good in rough water, and sleeps two?
 

30ft Superboat Y2k 496magho 70+ 56k BRAND NEW!!!!!!
www.superboatonline.com Awsome in rough water!!

Re: What boat for $70-80k used, fast, good in rough water, and sleeps two?
 

As fast fun 2 said, check out the 30' superboat Y2K, Great looking, FAST and STRONG !!!!

Re: What boat for $70-80k used, fast, good in rough water, and sleeps two?
 

:cool: :cool: :cool: :cool: My DREAM!! ride!

Re: What boat for $70-80k used, fast, good in rough water, and sleeps two?
 

The Y2K !!!

Re: What boat for $70-80k used, fast, good in rough water, and sleeps two?
 

Cats are fast and fun. They draw a lot of attention. I was cat shopping this spring, but the better half saw the cabins and was not happy. They are hard to insure. Some can have a wet ride at slow speeds. Other than that they are great. I will hopefully own one when my son gets a little older.

Re: What boat for $70-80k used, fast, good in rough water, and sleeps two?
 

the flamingo would save your but out on the bay, 4-6's come up quick and it will handle them fine...if I wanted reliable and nice thats the one...just my .02

Re: What boat for $70-80k used, fast, good in rough water, and sleeps two?
 

agreed

Re: What boat for $70-80k used, fast, good in rough water, and sleeps two?
 

I just put my 31' Scarab on the block. Sweet boat. You need to get as much boat in the water as possible. The Donzi looks like a true 26 footer, not 28. Take a look.

http://www.offshoreonly.com/esvon/page-10563.html

Re: What boat for $70-80k used, fast, good in rough water, and sleeps two?
 

I have a 31 sonic w/525sc's...fast ,solid,reliable.250 hours,fresh water only,boats a '98 with a '01 trailer.MINT! 78k firm.

Re: What boat for $70-80k used, fast, good in rough water, and sleeps two?
 

you could go big 40ft check it out in the clasifieds, id put the link here but i dont know how :drink:

Re: What boat for $70-80k used, fast, good in rough water, and sleeps two?
 

i hope this is the right picture this time :drink:

Re: What boat for $70-80k used, fast, good in rough water, and sleeps two?
 

I would look at the 28' Nordic Heat. I swear by mine in the rough water as she'll dog most 70 MPH boats.

You could buy new or close to it for $70-$80k or a brilliant used one like mine for roughly $55k.

Re: What boat for $70-80k used, fast, good in rough water, and sleeps two?
 

I bet you could find a clean 96-98 35' Fountain Lightning for the money you are looking to spend.

Re: What boat for $70-80k used, fast, good in rough water, and sleeps two?
 

you will get your ass handed to you in the bay.

look at 30' and larger.

Re: What boat for $70-80k used, fast, good in rough water, and sleeps two?
 

pantera 28'

Re: What boat for $70-80k used, fast, good in rough water, and sleeps two?
 

Wow! Thanks for the replies so far. I never even knew superboat made that 30' Y2K. I'll going to look into that further. Also will be checking out used panteras too.

I put 80k as my absolute limit, but a 50k boat is even better- I figure $1000-1200 is as much of a payment as I can swing after I pay off my truck this winter.

I thought I wanted twins, but every time I have engine trouble with my Donzi, I'm so thankful I only have to work on and buy parts for one engine. Also with fuel prices, a single probably makes sense.

Re: What boat for $70-80k used, fast, good in rough water, and sleeps two?
 

That PP from Trick is out of hand for that price.

jr mike

Re: What boat for $70-80k used, fast, good in rough water, and sleeps two?
 

Buy the Pink Flamingo, Florida is home of the Cigarette and the resale in the long run will keep the value in that boat. Especially with the Light Layup, The boat will never go out of style in Florida. Plus, its a great big water boat. Everyone will agree with that.

Re: What boat for $70-80k used, fast, good in rough water, and sleeps two?
 

Yeah, but it will be for sale next year? Doubt it... That's why I said in my original post that this wasn't a "wanted ad", but a research post- which it is becoming. And pink isn't my color...oh and I'm in VA beach now, I need to update my profile.

Re: What boat for $70-80k used, fast, good in rough water, and sleeps two?
 

How about a Black Donzi 33 footer center console/cuddy - buy it cheap ($20k), add A/C to three person cuddy ($1200) , a pair of brand new Verado 300 hp outboards( $25k), and a couple of kickin bolsters (like on the midnight express customs boat - Stidds are $2k) and you are rocking and you have an extra $30k for gas.

:D

Re: What boat for $70-80k used, fast, good in rough water, and sleeps two?
 

I didn't know that the Flamingo had so many fans! Thanks guys.

Zimm. I believe that the general concensus vote is for a well-rounded boat with:
Mild, reliable power that is easy on gas & maintenance, but strong enough for rough, ocean conditions.
Comfortable cabin to "crash out in" or get some action.
Strength in a lightweight hull with plenty of length to blow through waves and swell safely without sacrificing ride comfort among passengers.
Economy - that's a tough one unless you go for an outboard cat. Insurance alone will wipe you out annually.
Newer trailer to tote the boat around.
And by the way, the pink graphics are vinyl and will come off. I keep them as a tribute to Miami, birth place of this fine machine. If you need more info, give me a shout.

Hugh

Re: What boat for $70-80k used, fast, good in rough water, and sleeps two?
 

The Pink Flamingo has a great rep.
Hugh, the next owner will be as happy with her as you and I were.
I'll take it back on a trade anyday you're ready !

Steve

Re: What boat for $70-80k used, fast, good in rough water, and sleeps two?
 

I just bought a 28ZX with twin 350 MAGs and I am very happy with it. It handles the rough well and is very comfortable. We had 4 sleeping on it when we brought it up from Ft. Lauderdale without any problem.

Re: What boat for $70-80k used, fast, good in rough water, and sleeps two?
 

I bought a 96 35' Lightning at the beginning of the year (for less than $65k) and it has worked out great. Sleeps all four of us tightly (kids on the couch), has a head and handles 4 foot swells with no problem. It came with new 496 HOs and actually gets better fuel efficiency than the (single) blown Eliminator we had before it. I won't go back to a smaller single.

Here a pic from last weekend (May 29th) in Catalina.