Originally Posted by VtSteve

Once you put the term Performance in front of the category boats, you have to have both a larger budget, and an ability to tolerate compromise. Especially true of anything smaller than 30'.

That Velocity 260 looks to have a relatively large cabin, plenty of seats in the cockpit, but not much cockpit room. For a smaller boat running in the ocean, I'd be looking at heavier with a deeeeeep veeeeee. I'd rather give up some speed and not be pounding.

28' seems to be the normal size every boat maker has switched to, and even then, you have to look to actual hull in the water, not swim platforms and sharp bows. Probably a boat 65 mph or under with a good deep vee would be your better starting point. Then weigh the performance aspect. But those are my guidelines, and everyone has their wants. My first choice would be to look at Formula 270 Sunsport. Not the fastest, but it's a 7,000 pound boat with a 22 degree deadrise.

My favorite all around in that size would be an AT, but no windshield. I'll bet one could be made though.

Originally Posted by 97FASTech

Must check this out, top of your list:

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/v...ed-advice.html

Originally Posted by Michael1

Steve, I totally understand what you mean about weight and pounding, and appreciate the input. Unfortunately, I don't have the space, the tow vehicle, or the gas budget for the larger boats. I either have to compromise, and restrict myself to calmer conditions, or be boatless and stay on shore.

Michael

Originally Posted by VtSteve

The Formulas are very nice, nice layouts and finish, and pretty good heft to them.

I just looked at the Checkmate ZT260. It says dry weight is 4,000 pounds? With the engine? Sounds pretty light for a 24 degree 26 footer. How do the Checkmates take the rough water?

Originally Posted by VtSteve

It's hard for sure. Good ride, some comfort in bigger water, smaller boat, single engine. Tons of people want that for all of the same reasons you do.

I've never been in a Sutphen or Velocity, so others will have to speak to that.

Compromise is what boating is all about, since you'll never find the perfect boat. Some do some things well, not others. I like the AT layout, since a bigger cabin with enclosed head is in my top three. Very tough to find in a boat this size. Perhaps a used boat is in the cards for you.

You'll have to determine your own top three Must Haves within your size and weight limit. Myself, I'd go for the better ride, nicer cabin, and cockpit layout. Speed would be in the bottom. I'd rather have a boat that could go 50-60 in bigger water, than a 80 mph boat that would pound the crap out of you and could only do 30 in those conditions.

Be a good time to get some rides in various boats and see what works.

Originally Posted by 30ctsutphen

http://www.powerboatlistings.com/view/11640


Thats my boat. Hated the windsheild when I bought it but after using it I really like it fubctionally now. No wind noise even standing and tge side vent windows work like A/C when open

Could do up a 26 sutphen the same way and they are great in rough water. Theres one for sale for 17k here in CT too

After years of construction equip and drag racing I appreciate the quiet of the Outboards and the windshield

Best of luck on finding whats right for you. Forget the go fast image and go for the right fit!