I am literally looking at everything you guys are suggesting. Thanks all. Still reviewing. It seems like in order to get the room I need an open bow or have to go bigger. Mid cabin seems to be the best solution even though I am not a fan. The bigger sport cruisers are just too big and heavy. I do not want to be forced into 2 engines.

You are running out of longitudinal real estate on the boat to accomplish what you are looking for in a cuddy and I/O boat of that length.

Some of the Baja Islander models come to mind.
As so some of the Formula SunSport (SS) models.
The Envision 32 could fit the bill, but that's a big boat for a single engine; and nearly non-existent outside of the midwest.

Maybe not going completely center console, but rather a cuddy performance boat with outboards for power? We built a 28 Active Thunder with a pair of outboards and could have easily made a gigantic U-shaped rear seating arrangement. However, per owner request, he wanted the former I/O's bilge compartment for storage of his big fenders and tow line since it was a (towed) tender for his yacht. We could do the same with the new 29 AT currently under development.

Had 12 people in my Laveycraft nue era 29 two years ago on July 4. Open bow with cuddy. Did 45 at Lake Tahoe at 6250 ft elevation. Would do 80 with 1 person running on fumes. Had Paul Phaff 650hp very high quality boat with two large steps in hull

Your geometry just doesn't work....

8 people, cuddy, 70mph, single engine, 30' boat... doesn't add! The ONLY thing that might be even close is a Formula 28SS and unless you do motor mods it won't run 70. As most have learned over the years. Boating is about choices!

gofastlvr: I am learning here. I do not know what all is out there which is why I posted and am asking. Looks like I need to give one way or another.

So far if I sacrifice seating, the Baja 272/275 seems to be a good solution for performance, room and price. But need to know more details on that model. Does it have a head, sink built in cooler? How is stowage? The 29 Velocity is nice too but may be a little high price wise. Looks like if I give on the open bow I have a ton of options. I will look more into those. The Formula SS models are just not a good fit for me.

I was really hoping to find a model that had a wrap around bench in the back that maybe sacrificed some sun deck or cabin area. But it looks like in order to do that you get a sport cruiser and if you want to keep in the performance area you need an open bow to get the seating.

29 Envision with a single 496 HO. Won't run anywhere near 70 but has the room and amenities you are looking for and is a wave crusher for its size. This ad has plenty of pics to show layout of boat.

Used 2004 Envision 29 Concept, Osage Beach, Mo - 65065 - BoatTrader.com

While that Envision does offer a ton of seating for it's size, with a single 6.2L motor in that floating tank I'd be shocked if it runs 45 MPH... That is a BIG boat for a single 6.2L........

We have the 1999 272 with bone stock 502 and it runs strong. If I can ever figure out how to trim it properly, I'm guessing it's a 65mph boat under the right conditions with two passengers and < 1/2 tank of fuel. Ours came with a head (no pump out) but we removed it for stereo reasons. No sink or built-in cooler. Stowage is pretty good with deep pockets on either side of the helm, cabin has decent amount, and even with two batteries in our bilge you can still store stuff on the other side of the engine if you buy/build a container. We have had six people on our boat and everyone puts their stuff in the cabin, four fenders under the bench, and still have plenty of room on deck or in the cabin.

As others have mentioned, THE boat you are looking for given your requirements does not exist. There will be tradeoffs made. We are in a similar situation where we want to be able to overnight on the lake with the dogs, keep it around 30 feet, and have the boat easily get out of its own way when needed. We're not ready yet to relinquish the speed of a power boat. Although the Formula or Powerquest seems to be a good hybrid or in-between.

If you can give up on the 8 people there are a ton of boats in the size and power range you are looking for that will run 60+. Baja, Donzi, Formula, Velocity, Checkmate, Sunsation, Nordic, etc... All I can say is get a "BOAT" mechanic to take a look at what ever you buy to check for possible problems. It still baffles me how someone will spend a large part of their disposable income on a boat and not spend a couple hundred bucks to get someone to take a look and check it out for you. Anything you buy that is "performance" related there will be maintenance and headaches so please make sure you have a relationship with a local guy in your area or are able to do the necessary maintenance yourself. There isn't a lot of difference between models as they are all Merc powered for the most part and you won't have a boat problem, it will be an engine problem with any performance boat so although I may get roasted for saying.. There isn't a lot of difference in any boat in this range that would effect your enjoyment other than it being a POS mechanically. If you find a boat that has been taken care of and maintained it be just fine.

I'm not sure what you want out of the cabin space, but my 280 velocity has two couches and a bed in the front with two small cabinets for storing items. Stock 502 mag they run 70-72. I had a 509 with and small b&m 250 and we ran mid-upper 80's with 5 people. I've had 6 people on board for one of the tickfaw 200 days and it was no problem. I've since changed the blower out for a mega blower with super chiller and about to be back on the water this week. Plenty of space, good size cabin for this size boat and very fast hull. Bonus is its a lot of fun to drive.

Here's a vid running with a 35-38 lightning with 5 people in my velocity. We are well past your 70+ mpg goal in this vid with only mid 600 hp.

280 Velocity and fountain - YouTube