35K to 80mph??
 

I'm itching to move up....considering the things I read on this forum that shouldn't be surprising to anyone. You all helped tremendously with the last boat, so I figured I start a new thread to help with this one. Here are the parameters:

80+ mph
25'+ long
Cuddy (at least partially useful one...couple benches and a place to sleep)
Sun deck (the lady has to have this....so prefer no blowers sticking up through it)
Must be trailerable, I'm a nomad, never on the same lake, and trailer the boat everywhere I go.
No preference between single/twin (but if they are twins they need to not be a PITA to work on....or need to be removed to work on)
Water (inland lakes/rivers) - Most of what I see is under 3', I see at or above 3' maybe 2-3 times a year usually down at KY lake.
Beam - I have a Checkmate 251 now, so would prefer over a 7.5' beam
Porpoise - Again, I have a 251 now.....I'd prefer a boat without this tendency.
Budget - 35K max, but closer to 30K would be ideal. This budget would need to include all the go fasts needed to go 80 (hydraulic steering, beefed drives if needed, etc.)
Swim Deck - Needed, built in or aluminum.

There ya have it. Bascially the length of my current boat is fine (but fine with longer), I just want to go faster, have more stability, and a lack of porpoising.

Note: While I know a lot of people's boats may fit this description the budget is firm. Please don't tempt me with boats outside of the budget because it won't happen (not for lack of wanting to, but lack of $$).

Mfr Notes: I'm not a fan of velocity....just a personal thing I don't like the styling (no offense to anyone with one), don't want a cat, don't want a baja (everyone around here has them).

Here are boats I've started considering....but obviously this list is welcome to be amended:
Fountain 32, 35
Active Thunder 25, 28
Pantera 28
Checkmate 259, zt280
Sonic 26, 31
Sunsation 288
Hustler 32


If you have suggestions, by all means please add to my buyers knowledge. The more I can get the better. If you have, or know of, a boat that fits the bill, pm me info. If you can help eliminate or add boats from the existing list, all advice is appreciated. Ideally I'd like this thread to help me wittle boat models down to 3-5 and drive as many as I can before purchase.

Thanks in advance.

All twins are pretty much a pia unless staggered. Likely wont find staggered in your budget. Maybe 29 fountain with single big block get ya there.

Velocity with a single big block

Have you looked at an Eliminator 250 Eagle? They will do close to 80mph stock & with a few mods,(tabs, hydraulic steering) they are good to go. (To that speed, you need to be able to drive to push them into the 90s). You should be able to find one in that price range pretty easily. But mine is not for sale. Randy

Bingo! We have a winner! 80+ is easily reached in a single engine 26 to 29 foot Velocity. I had one. Good luck.

He said no velocity and no cat.

My bad.I should have read the entire thread. My suggestion would be something either close to or over 30'.

My Corsa fits most of that bill, except for the cuddy and swim platform, which can be added and you'd still be way under budget.

My old boat would fit the bill:

http://www.offshoreonly.com/classifi...o52758-en.html

Yup that was the one!!!
That was/is a sweet boat!!! I would have been all over it if I had the chance!!! ... That would have been perfect for the OP... Don't see to many boats out there that will fit your requirements in your price range!! Best of luck !!!

Hey ice did you ever go through the top end on the motor while you had it? This boat is around me I see it pretty frequently just curious with 350 hours on that 600. Definitely a clean boat. When did you get rid of it?

I've exchanged emails with the owner. Only requirement it doesn't fit is the beam.

For the record I'm open to mid 70s boats that don't need much to hit 80...I.e 32/35 fountain.

Pretty sure the 25 AT has a 8' beam.

I hope Scagburner don't mind , this is his hotrod . This boat seems to fit most of your parameters . I can verify it has the speed you desire and the engines are easy access . Unfortunately for you his is not for sale , I just used it as an example .

http://i1243.photobucket.com/albums/...ps039e560c.jpg

This one is mine , meets most of your requirement
http://cincinnati.craigslist.org/boa/3919309063.html

7'8" from my research

You sir are over budget.

Always remember you get ya pay for, from what I have seen for sale you will not find many boats that meet your standards in that price range that are not in the mid 90's model years and need rehabbed

there is a 98 active thunder ~ tantrum in the OSO classifieds that fits the bill... only asking 32K and does 80 mph 8ft beam and my tantrum does not porpoise it rides lie 27' boat & there "exactly like nothing else"

PS: sleeves I want a commission if this guy buy the boat (I not know seller personally only from OSO)

I have a friend with a 253 Checkmate. Not any longer than what you have now, but a much wider and deeper boat. 700+hp 502 with a Bravo X and Imco single ram steering. Also has a swim platform. Very easy boat to drive.

I bought it in Feb of 2011 from icded. Carbs were rebuilt, but not the top end. I had a leak down done last year and came back strong. No issues with that engine what so ever. I've replaced components that I listed in the ad (Even the starter which I think I forgot to mention).

<Facepalm>
 

Tire kicker express, really the beam!? Thats your problem with it? 4 " is a deal breaker?? Jesus, you`re one of those,.. my advice is get your head out of your ass.

Btw, your first post lists 25 Active Thunder.

DE DE DEEEEEE!!

1999 donzi 26zx
72gps all stock.
35,000 and I will procharge it. You will hit 80's easy
8.5 foot beam

Easy answer to all your parameters. Warlock 27 World Class. 1999 to 2004 and $30,000 to $35,000. Sometimes carries an Ultimate Warlock HIN. Tickles 80 with a 502 Magnum or a 496HO and a stock Bravo One. Nothing else comes close. Good Luck

I hope you're not serious. Me purchasing or not purchasing your old boat has nothing to do with 4".

That is over your minimum requirement of 7'5".

Take a look at my boat I have listed in oso classifieds. It fits your budget it , but doesn't have a platform , but you can put one on. it runs over 80.

http://www.offshoreonly.com/classifi...o51874-en.html

Check out the 28 pantera on powerboat listings.com

Why would he want to remove his head from his ass. He is just following your lead as that is obviously where your head is! What is this Douche bag week on OSO. I would hate to see what you edited out if you think this is acceptable behavior. This site is definately scraping the bottom these days.

Bob don't like this!

It's ok, I find it humorous. He obviously hasn't read the whole thread because no where did I say the beam was a deal breaker. And last time I started a similar post to this I bought a boat less than a month later....but now I'm a tire kicker. Can't please everybody.

I haven't, but I will now, thanks for the suggestion.

There was a scarab P29 in maryland for low 30's prior to pop yachts listing it. Meets all of your requirements. I just bought a P29 and I love this boat.

A non-"useable" cuddy won't work unfortunately. If it is pm details, thanks.

for what you want you should be able to find something in the 1995-2000 range. I know some people hem and haw about older boats. But really if its in good shape and mechanically sound I dont see the problem. Of course older boats have more chance of abuse, rot, and wear and tear. But get a survey. More times then not you can get relatively the same boat for a fraction of the price of newer and do the same thing. heck my 91 only has 400hours on it, my 93 crownline had 45hrs when I bought it, thing was out of the box. Boat have not changed much in the last 20 years. They all cost money and depreiate etc. But for what you want I would say 25-29 foot. Start getting into the 28ish and above your possibly looking at a diesel to haul it. Either way to hit 80 your beyond stock engines at that point, which comes a lot of fun, but also some more $$. Any Baja would fit the bill. But I would look at the Formula 271 and the fountain 27 and 29 fever, all can be had for your budget.

keep in mind tow vehicle I dont know what you have. The 35ft lighting weighs 8400lbs dry. Plus fluids trailer your easily looking at 11k-12k in weight. Which means a 3/4 ton or better. I tow my 29 Fever with an ecoboost and does great, but my total rig probably is close to 9-9500 said said and done. I wouldnt want to go anymore with it. So any boat over 8 grand in weight is going to dictate a diesel for ya.

Agreed, but the budget is the budget.

I agree. I purchased a super clean 1991 32' Fountain in March for a good price. I was in the same budget and I am very happy with my decision. I'd rather have an old boat that has been babied then a relatively new boat that has been beat up for the same price. Also, an older boat can be easier to turn wrenches on if you do it yourself, just my .02.

nothing against New. Chances of a newer boat being better in condition is greater no doubt. But I have parked next to boats that were 2-3 years old and looked like they went to Iraq and back. My buddies old boat was 5 years old and mine was in much better shape. its all how the stuff is treated. Me personally we can boat up here tops 4 months of the year, really with 3 months being good boating. I could go out and spend big money on a boat that is newer, but with the limited boating season I dont see the sense in it. Plus I like to spread my money out on other things like snowmobiles, trailers, etc. So for me one big ticket item is not worth multiple lower ticket items. and really my boat looks the same has the same power goes the same speed as one thats 10 years newer, nobody know the difference only the title says the year. Most people that comment on my boat say the boat is 98, 2000, actually had a guy think it was a 2005 once. So really I dont care. So I dont think age should be factor, work within your budget to find the best boat you can regardless of how old it is.

I have a little more info on this fella BAAAAAB than you but thanx for your imput!

I see

Soooo I pointed out that it doesn't meet one of the requirements I posted, never said it was a deal breaker.