Eliminator
 

I am going to buy a cat. I have narrowed it down to an 03 27' cat with flat canopies with a Keith Scroggins built 572 asperated that dynos at about 600hp with an XR drive. 100% condition in every way. The alternative is an 06 25' half can with a 496HO 425hp with a bravo one drive. The boat will be a lake boat, we are not big speed freaks, 80mph is enough, just want to run around the lake and look good doing it. May want to outrun a Baja now and then. I think I know the answer to this question but want some input. Miles, if your out there.....let the rest of these guys weigh in. I know what you would say. The 03 is about 5-8k more than the 06.

a 25 with a 496 isn't gonna do 80.

Right my point is that 80 would be enough. The 496 will do about 72-73.

This is exactly what I was looking at in the beginning of the season. I ended up going with an 03 27' Daytona ICW or as you put it flat canopy. Best decision I have made. Mine was powered with a 496HO, way too electric, needed more power. No punch, granted we looked good running around the lake but it was boring to drive. I have repowered to a 575SCi and love it. There was a little work done to the motor and I am running just about 103MPH. Man what a blast to drive and handles like there is no tomorrow. Flat water, big lake chop, wind chop, hard turns, sweaping turns, just a great handling boat. The wife loves the ride even at high speeds.

IMHO, i recommend the 03 27' with the 600HP motor. It isn't all about the speed but how fast it gets there and the 496HO's need a while to get there.

Good luck with your purchase I am sure you will enjoy either boat.

The larger more powerful cat will be much better as 72 mph in a cat will be boring.

The 25' will cost less to insure. With the money you save at purchase and on insurance you could repower.

Go with the 27'....:evilb::evilb:
I love my 25', but if I had it to do over again, I would have a 27'. It's a bigger boat & handles the rough water much better than the 25'. Also, the back seat of a 25' is really rough over 50mph. I see your from Yukon, what lake do you go to?

You need to drive faster. The ride in my 25 gets real nice at 80, better at 90 and smooth as silk over 100 :)

Thanks to all for the input.

Never in a 25 but i do have a lot of seat time in a 27 ICC.
There is a HUGE difference when comparing comfort and abilty to handle chop to my 28 ICC. HUGE diff so just a couple feet and boat design changes things quickly.
BTW- My opinion and past experience is...can't beat stock power to get you home every trip...

I would suggest that you make sure that you will be able to get insurance in the first place. I found out the hard way at first. After buying the boat, It took me several months of searching before I found a reasonable rate and a carrier that would take a first time cat driver. It's a whole new experience for sure. Alot of insurers won't touch a cat hull. They know what the deal is and how fast they run, no matter what you tell them. PS. I hope it's a big lake!

Not sure if this is your first cat, but less than 80mph is going to get really boring in either of those boats. The ride is way better than comparable sized v-bottoms. Not sure about the 27, but I had a 25 and it starts packing air at around 60. At 80 it is begging for more speed and will handle at 100 without breaking a sweat.

Jason, we are at Tenkiller, have a place a Strayhorn..if you avatar is your boat, I have seen you around...beautiful boat!!