Originally Posted by ealesh33

My first boat was a 1988 240 sport, 24 degree dead rise, and was very impressive in the rough water for its size. Are you going to get beat up some in 4's sure,but lets be honest its going to be a rough ride in the 26-28's too, and you will also need to drive the boat in those conditions for it to really not beat the **** out of you. I bought the boat for $9,100 and put right around $1,500 before it hit the water. Boat ran well but not as well as it could, so just tuned some things in that needed to be done. Motor was a 420ish hp 454, sounded good, cruised right at 43mph on GPS at 3200-3300 trimmed for comfortable ride and out of the 4 barrel, and topped out at 64-65mph on GPS consistantly. I now have a newer version of this hull which is the 24 Outlaw. Both boats are the exact same hull and top side, the Outlaw is just more updated with different design interior, dash, bolsters, hatch, newer has a center bow rail instead of down each side, and the newer doesn't have the stern rail. The cuddy is what it is for a smaller boat, good storage, but it is an under the dash entrance, so you have to crawl into it. It serves its purpose. I think this hull is a great mix of rough water capability in its size range, ammenities, and speed. So it really just depends on what is most important to you. The Outlaw will be faster than the formula's, and nova 2's, but the cuddy will be nicer in those 2 boats. If you are looking at the early/mid 90's 23ft nova, or nova spyder, that isn't the boat for you, has a 21 degree dead rise I believe and with a big block the bow is light, is a rough ride in the conditions that people are saying lake erie has. I didn't hear it mentioned but is in that price range, but wanted to mention cause it was one of my choices, and I am glad I didn't get it for the price i wanted, cause I don't think it is anywhere near as capable as the Outlaw

Originally Posted by Captain Nick

Nate, I contacted my mechanic at Tanglewood Marine, Pier57, and the the Northern Illinois Offshore Club no such luck at all. Sorry about that there. I did what I could. The other places you might find the Wellcraft Nova ll in would be Boattrader, Powerboatlistings, Craigslist, or Yachtworld.

Originally Posted by dreamer

http://www.offshoreonly.com/classifi...o55705-en.html


Cash in hand always gets a deal done

Originally Posted by machloosy

I don't understand why folks telling the kid to go bigger, get a loan, etc. If $15k is the budget, there are boats that fit into it that will be a blast and get it done. A lot of guys have mentioned the older nova's, formula's, occasional checkmates, etc. And those things can be had for the money he is talking. A 28 cig IS going to feel a 4ft washing machine in the great lakes. I think a guy with some seat time can run well in both a 272 sbc/alpha formula and a 24ft bbc baja. Again we all know the bigger boat spans waves better, but the guy has to start somewhere! Isn't that why there's the phrase "young backs"?

Nate, find the best quality 272SR-1 or Oiutlaw 24 you can, and go tear it up. Remember cash in hand works miracles. An 18K formula quickly becomes a 15K one when the owner is presented with cash. A few folks on here have told you about their, or friends boats for sale in your price range. I'm sure that convincor earlier would be willing to go for 14-15. And many folks have vouched for the boat. Get in surveyed, then give the man his money and enjoy the hell out of your first go fast!

Originally Posted by Full Force

you been on a 28 Cig in Erie chop? great boat, you would be surprised, dont compare to other cheaper brands for the size... sorry