starting to narrow down on needs here:
-single O/B
-55+ mph
-able to take abuse, in the future it will most likely be left on a mooring ball, ran, not washed off. pretty much ridden hard and put away wet.
-able to take 4-5 foot chop on a regualr basis.

- going to be use for island hopping around the virgin islands, surf excursion, late night bar trips in the bvi. maybe a DD for work lol.
dont need all the fancy crap, want a fast hull that can take a beating, with an outboard motor that doesnt suck fuel, can jump into and go. no bathroom, matresses, pillows, carpet, electronics, or anything of that sort. a race boat that can be DD.

trying to get some more info on foutain40icbm's sutphen 26 setup.

and how it compares to the charlie built banana boat 24.

or any other suggestions to look into that matches the above criteria

thanks!

a couple more for consideration....

22 Velocity ..I had one.... 62-65 mph with single 200 merc

22 Apache

21 checkmate

thanks! i've read stories about ppl in checkmates and apaches getting walked by banana 24s in med chop?

how is the velocity in chop?

no 21 or 22 will be good in 4 to 5 ft chop even a 24 is small for that. the 26 sutphen will run the best 26 degree hull 8 ft beam I have freinds that had 26s that ran up to 98mph. if your going island hopping you should think of twins ob cause you loss one you got one to get you back. but I would look at DANS 26 he has for sale and if you have a chance theres a twin Saber 28 ob boat for sale which are known for rough water handling like sutphen 30s. if I can find it I will post back.

thanks! 4-5 is the most i would run in most likely. the island hopping i will be doing will all be in cell range and i know alot of ppl with boats on all the routes i will be going.

unless i take a trip to st, maartin or puerto rico. i e mailed about the RR SOB but nothing yet. havent seen the saber yet, i just looked. i would repower the RR to maybe twins depending on how it ran with that single though since it is cheapish

but the RR would be better than the banana? i have ruled out the superboat because of the 7' beam. i'll sacrifice for the extra room.

Have you considered an Active thunder?
http://www.powerboatlistings.com/view/8940

what he said


24 Sonic is another optoin not taking anything away from the Sutphen..it is a very good rough water boat.

The 24 Sonic is very large for it size and has stand up bolsters and a high freeboard .....finding one may be difficult.

I personally do not like the checkmate but it fits your list. I also dont care for the low freeboard or look of the apache.

The Velocity is fast an is very nice looking however its is light and can get you in a lot of trouble very quickly in a 2+ foot chop..especially runing close to its top end.

Hustler also made a very capable twin outboard hull, I cant remember the size but I want to say 26...I could be wrong.

Heres some picts of a 24 Sonic with twin 2.4 liters 260 hp runnin ..also look at site www.screamandfly.com, all outboard powered boats there.