my bullet weighs 9000 lbs so I have to think a flat bottom gun is at least 10,500

i could be wrong but i'm pretty sure it's under 10k, it's also a kevlar boat. the older cigs are the best bang for the buck, just don't expect to pass many boats out there. lol they aren't the fastest but what a solid ride. from 1986 - 2005 they all look the same minus the steps, hatch, side vents and a few other minor things. they need big power and big drives if you to get nuts but that would be my vote for a reasonably price nice looking, great running, awsome wave crusher.

a big point that has been missed so far --- a key part of a good rough water boat is one that does not break -- structurally or mechanically.
plus all that has been said above...

Previous responder was correct, deadrise, length, and freeboard. 24 degree is optimal, hence why most hulls have this angle, length? at the least 30ft, preferably 34+, and freeboard is for rider comfort. My buddy left in a 36 Cigarette Mistress last sunday in those lake erie 10 footers and i left right before him in my 34 Powerquest. We both made it back, both had "fun" rides but it looks as he got a little more wet than i did.

Power and drives make a huge difference also

NK

That's a very good point and kind of where I was trying to steer this post in the very beginning. What is going to make a boat not break vs. a boat that might? When the person is looking for a new boat, what questions or things should he be looking for? Should you only buy a fully capped boat vs. a boat that's put together with screws and a rubrail? What materials should you be looking for in a hull? Should it be kevlar, carbon fiber, bolsa, or......? Vacum bagged? With out getting into specifics of boat manufacturers, what qualities signify a great boat (maybe some stronger than others).

24 degree, heavy straight hull with lots of bulkheads.... and things in cabin that dont break... (sliding doors and fridges) usually break on Lake Eire I have seen... and windshields...

the more strength and weight will always be best, just not as fast as stepped boats, I personally thing straight hull boats handle rogh better then steps, steps are by far faster.... but not always... depends on conditions...

if you plan to beat the tar out of it, less is more in comforts...more bulkheads = less flex

I gotta thing this is mandatory. Are there any reputable offshore boats out there that have the deck screwed to the hull and not glassed?

I'm not sure, maybe that's just ignorance on my part as I haven't shoped for a new boat (ever really I'm 29). But that's the kind of thing I believe is good for this thread, things to look for, ie.....

"Look for a boat this isn't screwed together and glassed together"

I dont think Sunsation glasses their deck to the hull, they use a product that's slipping my mind right now...(?)...
Could be why the deck disconnects from the hull during a few of the accidents I have seen them in, although they claimed the product they were using was just as strong of a bond. Will have to look back and see if I can find what they were using