I do like that boat. But I do think I would want something with a little more speed (who doesn't right). The reason why is I will usually have at least 3 people on the boat, probably 4. I will also be doing poker runs with my father in law. I know I will be spending a lot more money is gas, but what I won't be spending is the $2500 lift fee that I was paying when I had my crownline. I know about all the maintenance and what a pita boats are. That's why I like the 25 active thunder tantrum. But I also like the layout and fit/finish of the sonic prowler. Whatever I end up getting will never be fast enough and I am prepared to put a lot of money into the motor over time. That's why I really want a magnum motor.

I have been building dirtbikes and quads for the past couple years and no matter how hard I try I can't leave them stock! Lol. I just need something that has a good base to build off off and has the abillity to be a 75-80 mph boat without getting out of control. I don't even have a boat yet and was already checking prices on whippels!

If your looking to buy a boat then get more speed out of it, many will tell you your better off just selling and buying said speed in another boat that already does the speed you want. Anything greater than 70 ish your going to want to have stabilizers for steering. There are a couple Scarab P29's for sale. Low to mid 70's stock with hydraulic steering.

I have a P29 which for layout purposes is the exact same as the white hull Scarab 29's. These boats(non P29) with stock small blocks will be 60+mph. Well balanced with the small blocks compared to the single BBC. Capable of handling speeds into the 80's. My wife and I sleep in the v-birth bed without any problem. Our 4 and 6 year old fit great on the benches. I have a buddy that sleeps on his AT Tantrum with his wife. He has said it is small but they sleep on it alot.

They are two differnt boats the checkmate i251 is a narrow beam and the thunder is at least 8' wide both nice but depenidng on your water you will get a differnt ride out of both boats. Take your time and research an examplke is the 28 scarab excel is the smae boat as the 26 just wiht a swim platoform yet the 29 is copmplete difeernet is is narrow beam boat that mostley came in single engine. Also pretty sure cigarette never made a 25 a couple of 24.

Comfortable is a subjective term! A friend of mine slept himself, his wife and her 12 year old daughter in a 221 liberator.

I will say a 24 Pantera is not a good choice if you want a larger cuddy. Same with the 251 Checkmate as it is a narrow beam boat. The 253 is much bigger.

It's ok. I'm not in any hurry. The boat did 69.3 at the Mississippi kilo shoot out yeeeaars ago. I got the puter print out. Long time ago, we did several overnighters on it. 2 adults 2 kids. We still use it but pretty rarely.

The Scarab 29 is 7'6" beam. I was scared of that at first until I saw the 29 and then rode in a P29. We were actually looking at the scarab 33avs and 31 thunders for the larger beam. The P29 handles like a much bigger boat. The "feel" of the 29 layout does not feel cramped at all. Get on any boat your looking at and see if it will fit your needs.

Don't rule out a Powerquest 280 silencer. They are pretty roomy for a 28 foot boat. Lots of cockpit space compared to other boats of the same size and a very useable cabin as well. I'm a big guy(6'1 265) and I have no problem getting in and out and sleeping in the v-berth. You will get a good 65-68 mph with either a 502 or 496.

http://holland.craigslist.org/boa/4503168169.html

The Velocity does look goofy in pictures and on the trailer. However they look much better in the water. The windshield stands very tall which is what makes it look weird on the trailer. It is a very functional window and really knocks the wind down. Also the Velocity has one of the deepest cockpits of any boat in its size, which if you have a young one is a very nice feature. I previously had a Velocity 260 and we easily slept two in the v berth bed and my daughter (7 at the time) slept on the couch. My wife and I often spent the night in it without issue. I had a stock 496 Mag and it ran just a tick over 70 (GPS) and sipped fuel. I just recently had it up for $26k and sold it for $22k (it was winter when I sold). I realize that might be a bit out of your current budget, however I think there are a few older ones out there much cheaper. Velocity really hasn't changed much over the years (the cockpit has but the hull design is the same).

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Can anybody tell me if this 454 is a mag or not by looking at the intake manifold? It's on a 1990 boat with a bravo drive if that helps.

Looks like the link didn't work. I'll try again.

http://i1158.photobucket.com/albums/...psodf18eet.jpg