Cheap, stable, reliable, BIG Cat?
 

I am on motorcycle forums and I know I get tired of the constant - "what should I get" threads... So I apologize for posting one of my own on a boating forum. I just thought I would see if what I am looking for above is even possible.

I have owned sport boats and also a 32 Chaparral Laser which was basically a cruiser with semi go-fast looks .. Wasn't very fast - but I do have some larger boat experience.

I really like the way cats look - but I am not looking to race one, want something bigger than just 5 people - possibly with cuddy's in the sponsons.. Don't want to wrench it anymore than I would a boat with a single 5.7 unmodded merc in it, and don't want to go over $20k for sure in purchasing.

Yes, I know I could find something beat up and needing a new transom, power, etc to likely meet my guidelines but I would prefer to get something that I could at least use while I rebuild.

To top it all off something like the Aronow 39, or maybe that elusive Wellcraft Cougar Cat (not the excalibur) are a couple that I have found that LOOK like they might meet my needs - but of course both are rare and at least the Aronow, is WAY over $20k...

This may be an unattainable goal - and if so, I can stick to V hull's.. Just thought I would throw it out there...

Thanks!

Doc

I think the closest thing you might find that fit your guidelines is a 24htm. With that said you will still be a little over 20k.

you might find a 24 Thunder in that range but big cats, anything bigger then thirty, will be non existent in anything other then stripped out burning barrels. Sorry but that may be a tall order to say the least. Probably the best bang for the buck in a performance cat with any room or cabin is gonna be one of the Conquest Cat dirivitaves, Chris-cat/Awesome/Excalibur/etc. its was splashed by many but it will be tough to find one in that range. Great running hull though and I believe the original Conquests ran well with small blocks but one would be tough to locate.

Isn't the cost of the cat, although tough to find in your price range. The cost of insurance will be a quarter of the buying price a year. Just a thought

exactly what i was thinking

Even at $30k I cant see you getting anything decent in the cat world. Even a clean 24 skater with outboards is going to run you north of $35k. With 20k you would be hard pressed to find a clean low hour motor v hull around 30ft.

one-o-these :D

I always liked the way the look, I think a guy on here built this one.
Also what do you consider a big cat?
http://www.xplodepowerboats.com/clas...me-thundercat/

Understand completely on the insurance aspect.. This will be a cash deal - which is why I am keeping the amount fairly low..

I appreciate the replies thus far - and yea, I know I'm asking for something likely impossible - just thought I would throw it out there for suggestions...

Darr I ask?

http://baltimore.craigslist.org/boa/4226219737.html 35g's