zimm17

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.

Semper Fi

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

thedonz

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

Deltarat

27 or 29 Fountain would be my choice.

375stinger

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

CBR

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!

WesSmith

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.....

Stormrider

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.

chromecat

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

Plum_Crazy

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