what boat should I consider?
 

Looking to step up from my 21' Cobalt. It is a '97 with a 5.7L 350, runabout.

I want something bigger, 22'-27' foot. Open Bow, with a big block, preferably a 496, 502, something big with open exhaust.

Any suggestions? Does fountain make an open bow?

I see Baja makes one, but ive heard good and bad with Baja.

Any other boat manufacturers I should look at that make a good quality boat?

Formula would be my1st suggestion in a V. Eliminator in a cat.

Sunsation or Ultra

unfortunately they don't...lol...but you should buy my 29' Fever, twin 350 mags

http://www.offshoreonlyclassifieds.c...o16099-en.html

Sunsation

How much are you looking to spend?

nice, but id like to stay $50k or less.

what model sunsation? anyone have a link to ultra?

There aren't many 288 sunnies less than 50 and I haven't seen any mid cabins anywhere close to that price, and I have looked at every sunny listed lately. I am in the market for one myself, closed bow for me though.

is the 288 sunnie a nice boat?

what are the used ones going for you have seen?

what powerplants does sunny offer?

We have a new Formula 260 BR and love it. Runs nice with a 496. Talk to Magicfloat (on this board) if you need any information.

cool what price range?

this is EXACTLY what im looking for. Ill PM magicfloat.

http://www.formulaboats.com/images/m...unningdown.jpg

Sunsation.. but Im biased..

Here is ours.

Formula has nice bow riders, but they are not made for speed. Formula has OUTSTANDING financing on new boats and you should atleast take a look at them. Something like 0% for two years and like 5% after that. I can't remember exactly, but I do know that if you are going to finance your money will go the farthest with a formula. I think you may be suprised at how unsafe a bowrider can be at speed. Sunsation has a disclaimer (or so I've heard) that no passengers should ride in the bow at 15+mph. There are a ton of west coast boats with bow riders. I can't stand west coast boats, but you should atleast pick up a hot boat magazine and take a look at them.

For your budget and speed needs I would highy recommend looking at a Donzi. They make a couple of fast bowriders from 26-28 and they are reasonably priced. Xtrememarine is your local donzi dealer.

Heres one - a little pricy but its a 2002 and there are alot more for under $50 or close to it

http://www.yachtworld.com/core/listi..._id=48146&url=

Good luck.

i could stretch to $60k for the right boat.

Is Donzi and Formula close in quality? I want a high quality boat.

Itll be hard to beat Formula quality.

Close enough. Donzi's ZR is pretty sweet. They really are two different boats that need to be seen for yourself. There are dealers in Dallas for both that may trade or atleast give you a test ride.

Do some research, there is a donzi and formula section - this forum has TONS OF INFORMATION - all you have to do keyword search. No other website has this much info on todays powerboats. Any question you could possibly have about powerboats has either already been answered or can be answered in less than a day.

My first boat was a 27' Cobalt, so when we moved up I was looking for quality as well. The 26' Formula would be a good choice. It's a sharp boat and Formula's are well built. I've been in a number of them. I checked out a 26' this weekend and I would be proud to own one.

I'm on my second Envision and you may want to give them a look. They make a 26' bowrider. There's several for sale on boattraderonline.com. You will get a rock solid boat build by a company that cares, with zero turnover in staff (consistancy), and a hull that can take rough water. :cool:

check out the bajas mines a 88 with 650 hp still runs had it for 18yrs now and kicked alot of azz with it.

YES check out Baja they are a kick azz boat and are more staple than any names mentioned so far.Why do you guys think they out sell all the names so far i am guessing there is a reason. Its cuz they kick ass.:evilb:

what dealership should i contact in Dallas for Formulas?

Can't beat the quality of Formula for the money. But I would take a hard look at the Donzi too. Good luck and please share what you learn. I'm going to buy something that size or smaller as a stop - gap prior to a Cig. or Apache.

The 288 sunny is an awesome boat. WEll made, ride and run great. I have been on a few and have been impressed. Different boat than a formula though. Formula and envision are more of a luxury/high performance boat where as the sunny's seem t be more high performance first luxury second. I don't think you can go wrong with any of them though, just depends on what your looking for.

Advantage also makes an open bow. I personally don't care for the lines of the advantage, but I think they are a good bit cheaper than Forumla and Sunsation.

Legend Marine formerly fountain of north texas. They advertise here on OSO and Casey is a good guy.

http://www.legendmari*****up.com/

As for baja - they outsell because they are cheap boats.

I have a 2002 Formula 280 Bowrider with twin 350s for sale and a 2006 Formula 280 Bowrider with twin 350s.

Why don't you just step up to a bigger Cobalt? My dad just bought a nice Cobalt 262 for under 40K. It's a sweet rig.

Remember one thing, all boats are junk, yes ALL boats, some just cost more than others. That being said, I would consider Baja, great boat for the money. I have spent much much more on boats and have found I had just as much fun with my less expensive Baja's. But most importantly remember, ALL boats are junk.

I agree with NickOteen and go with a bigger Cobalt. I had a 263 cuddy with a 496 and it was terrific. The 262 is the same boat with the open bow. Find it with the arch or picklefork tower and you have a killer looking boat.

Those Cobalts are very nice (and very beautiful) boats. One of those would be sweet for under $40K. I'm also starting to consider a Formula 330SS. Really cool platform. Maybe you should look at them too.

Yes stay with the Cobalts - you will get more ameneties, excellent quality and still ok performance..

More up to the 262 or 272.. ;)

Cobalt 272 Great boat!! click on the image for more photos!
http://www.eastcoastflightcraft.com/...72Perrone.html