Need help choosing the best boat
 

I've been reading the forums for a while and found a bunch of information, but I figured I would post for some specific opinions.

Over this past winter I had a second child join the family so I am looking for something with a bit more space than my current Stingray 658zp 21' cuddy. While I'm upgrading I'd also like to get myself into something for the long haul that will hold up well. So far I think I have the following criteria:

- as much space in the cockpit as possible, room for my wife and I along with 2 children, occasionally a couple friends
- 25' - 28'
- single I/O
- good in rough water, I want to be able to run across Lake Ontario to Toronto, with a group
- cuddy for the kids to nap in

I have a budget of roughly 20k and have been considering the following though some aren't available in the price range
- formula 271, probably an sr1
- donzi zx 26
- wellcraft Excalibur 26

I've considered the 25' Sunsation and active thunder, but they are tough to find in this price range.

If you have any opinions or recommendations on what to look for I would really appreciate it. I spend most of my time on the finger lakes, but as mentioned if like to be capable of running Lake Ontario.

Thanks,

Craig

Personally I would stay away from a 25 Sunsation. A 25 Active Thunder will be hard to find for 20 but the formula and possibly a 25 Baja Outlaw or a 251 checkmate

The zx r relly roomy and varry well built boats. I love my 33 but would be out of your price range but the 26 would fit your needs

Regarding the formula 271's, when they changed to the Fastech hull, was there still much wood used? I have seen a few for sale at lower prices that seem too good to be true. If I knew the hull was sound on something like that it seems like it may be worth takeing a risk.

Checkmate 251 could be had in your price range.

Sunsation 25 is a nice but small boat

A Formula 242 may be another option. They are pretty roomy for a 24' boat. Quite a bit more room than the Sunsation 25.

I would guess that a 271 Formula Fast tech in the $20000 would be pretty rough.

I would also consider a Baja they are usually a bit cheaper to buy than the other brands.

I'd be willing to spend closer to 25k if it got me into something I really liked. Not sure how much that really helps from what I have seen.

If you could find a 26 Hustler in good shape, they were good rough-water boats. They're tough to find, but a couple of Long Island built brands such as Superboat and Progression handle rough water very well.

Make sure you "use the same yardstick". Some boats have a molded in swim platform and count that as overall boat length when it's really not.

The "25" Sunsation is really a 24x7 hull, which is only 23' and change long. (There are many derivatives of the 24x7 hull. You can search "24x7" here on OSO for more info.) They are great boats, but they are not of the same size as say a 24/25 Baja or Checkmate, 25 Active Thunder, 26 Sonic, 26 Hustler; etc. even though the naming convention might make you think so.

Be certain you check out plenty of boats, Sit in them. Crawl through them. Ride them if possible with out wasting a seller's time.


Another couple threads to read:
http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/g...at-advice.html

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/g...ion-sonic.html

A 283 checkmate could fit your needs, the same mold they use for the 300 now. It has a good size cockpit and cabin and from being on Lake Ontario the 283 has a much smoother ride than the 251s do.

Not mine, but maybe/possibly could be bought close to your price range...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2002-SONIC-2...wer_Motorboats