Is the python you're looking at this one?

http://baltimore.craigslist.org/boa/3873297960.html

Just curious what kind of shape it was in. I believe the pythons were 24x7 boats weren't they? If so they will feel smaller then the 240 and most likely have lower freeboard which I think makes you feel "safer" in the boat. I run my 240 on the Chesapeake bay and it can get rough from time to time. It does well for what it is. And handles very predictably.

Seeing some great suggestions here. I would try and save a bit more money. Many new options will appear in the next two months.
Try and remember, even if you can get one of those boats at $6000 if motor goes or it has transom and or stringer issues the seemingly great deal becomes terrible.
If you can spend a couple thousand more upfront you can get a far better boat. Spend a couple hundred on a mechanical and at least a moisture check on the hull.
Many 1988 vintage boats will have hull and mechanical issues. If they already appear rough, beware. You will probably need a survey any way for insurance.

Check out the swap shop -- there a 242 formula there for 4k. Engine is out on a stand -- but easier to check for rot/ stringers / issues. Throw a set of bearings in the engine and go
and its in New York...

Will the 240 even go 60 with 330hp?

in ideal conditions, yes

No. Well, maybe on the speedo, not on the GPS.

construction quality varied on the pythons or so I have heard. On the other hand, the 24/7 hull is a really good design (there is a reason everybody and there cousin Jimmie has splashed it). If it gets lumpy I would rather be in a 24/7.

Mine will. But it will also spin a 23P 4 blade to 4800 rpm and i've been told it shouldn't do that either.

If you are looking for a nice 24 footer under $10,000 and in great shape check this boat out.
It appears to be prestine.
http://boats.smartcarguide.com/listing/28739697/

Ill let ya know one thing..my 88 240 would outrun that concord on any day, any conditions, and would feel so much safer in mine then that boat. I have the perfect scenario for you on the two boats you are considering. I was at Lake of the Ozarks for the last big offshore race, couple years ago. I didn't own a bigger boat at the time I owned a 21 ft checkmate, but one guy I was with owned a 88 240 sport, and the other one owned a 25 ft Sunsation, which is a 24/7 hull. Conditions were VERY rough, 5-8 ft waves. I rode to the race in the Sunsation to the races, which it wasn't as rough as it was on the way home, but anyway, I got out of the Sunsation, and rode in the 240 on the way back, and FELT sooo much more safe. I loved the 240 so much that when he sold it, I ended up buying it. Granted the boat has been completely gutted and redone, it has the x-dimension raised 4 inches, 2 more stringers, and two more bulk heads then stock and top cap glassed to the bottom, and all wood taken out and replaced with foamcore, this boat is as solid as it gets now. Not to mention the 240 dwarfs the 24/7s. Just so much more room, in the 24/7s its just a tight squeeze..If it was me I would look at a 240 or a 24 outlaw over a 24 python, or sensation, or pantera anyday..I would sell ya my 240 but not for under 16,000...