Good first performance boat - 26' CC Stinger or 26' Wellcraft Nova
 

I've been thinking that in the next year or so I'd like to get my first go-fast boat. Obviously the two choices I'm comparing here are older boats and in style a bit closer to cut down cruisers (in my eyes) vs all out sport boats. I like both choices because I prefer a boat with twins as opposed to a single, and it seems like nice examples of either one could be had for about $10 grand.

I'd rather spend 10 grand and find out I hate performance boats then spend 10x that on a really nice used rig. I can always move up after that. Any advice, opinions?

Re: Good first performance boat - 26' CC Stinger or 26' Wellcraft Nova
 

Oh and there is a 28' Cary Open Fisherman I've been keeping my eyes on for a long time with new twin big block inboards. IIRC, the 28' Cary became the 29 Blackfin, but without any kind of windshield or tower, it should perform pretty well, no?

Re: Good first performance boat - 26' CC Stinger or 26' Wellcraft Nova
 

I have a 26 Wellcraft Nova and am very satisfied with its performance. It handles waves very well and is economical on fuel for a twin engine boat. I bought a Wellcraft because I liked the instrument panel and cuddy lay-out better. Plus the color selection is better. Other than that the two boats are quite similar in style. One thing to look out for, besides the normal stuff, on a chris-craft is a lifting or separation of the floor between the cuddy and cockpit. This is a sure-tell that the stringers have become detached from the hull and need to be tabbed back in, if not replaced. Other than that, good boats. A well tuned Nova II with twin 260's, should run low 60's.
Nick

Re: Good first performance boat - 26' CC Stinger or 26' Wellcraft Nova
 

28 cig... offshore whores... 35k... like new.... best 1st boat out there

Re: Good first performance boat - 26' CC Stinger or 26' Wellcraft Nova
 

I'm very happy with my nova.Nice cabin space and handles the rough water better than you'd expect for the size.

Re: Good first performance boat - 26' CC Stinger or 26' Wellcraft Nova
 

Ive got an old nova 250 with twins..not the fastest boat around, but it does good in the big stuffand is suprisingly nice on gas.. when looking at wellcrafts, check the stringers and transom good, or look for one thats been redone...

Re: Good first performance boat - 26' CC Stinger or 26' Wellcraft Nova
 

I had a '83 Wellcraft Nova II for 6 years and loved it. Sold it to buy my Formula.

Re: Good first performance boat - 26' CC Stinger or 26' Wellcraft Nova
 

If you only want to spend $10K on an offshore boat, it'll be guaranteed you will hate performance boating :evilb:

G

Re: Good first performance boat - 26' CC Stinger or 26' Wellcraft Nova
 

i didnt want to be the one to say it:D

Re: Good first performance boat - 26' CC Stinger or 26' Wellcraft Nova
 

I paid 11k for my first go fast. It was a 23ft boat with a 450HP 454. It was a 75mph boat. And I had fun with it. Five years later, I have a 40ft Excalibur Hawk.

You have to start somewhere. And you can drop 50-100 grand on a total piece of crap in this sport.

A boat to consider is a Four Winns Liberator 261 or 241. Both came with twins, the 241 were mostly singles though. Very solid boats, and good in the rough water.

In response to your question, I have heard good things about the Wellcraft Nova. The Chris Craft is similiar. Watch for any signs of wood rot, soft floors, etc. Motors can be swapped out in a weekend, but a rotted transom or stringers is a major repair! Good Luck!