I need help deciding what boat to buy. Was wondering what your opinions of the best boats are? I have had lots of boats but this will be my first fast boat.

I would like to stay with a single engine in a 25-26 ft minimum but a twin is not out of the question. I would like one that rides good on bigger lakes and that will run around 70 mph. Also would like for it to have room in the cockpit and cuddy cabin, with closed bow as we might stay overnight on it. I would prefer a MPI motor that has not modified a lot so it would be dependable. I have been looking at mostly 1998 to around 2002 boats to stay in my price range.

I would appreciate anyone's thoughts on this. I have done a fair amount of reading on this site and realize there is a lot of knowledge among the members here.

I have plenty of truck to pull anything that I would want so that is not an issue.

Thanks RB

Something like a 25 outlaw with 502 or 496 would fit the bill! Many others would also! Sunsation 25 are solid and fast! Smaller cabin for sure and cockpit but these are among what i know would fit and there are many ol on the market! Get a survey and have fun!

I have a 35 Fountain, but my last go fast was a 98 Formula 271 Fastech, it has as much cabin space as my 35 fountain, with a HP 500 it would run 73 mph, it was a stepped hull and a little slow to get on plane, but the stepped hull added about 3 mph. The Formula hull is heavy, has a lot of fiberglass which means it is a little slower than others, but solid. You might consider weight and tow vehicle, I think a 27 formula weighs about 5600 pounds, and a 27 fountain weighs around 4300 pounds. Most of the boat manufactuers use the same parts, motors, outdrives, steering, windshields, the real difference is the design of the boat, and the manufacturering process. Not sure what boats you have had in the past, but they will probably play into what you like and don't like in the next boat. As usual we all have opinions about boats, happy to share my opinon.

Thanks for your replies. Looking for all the info I can get.
RB

I know there is a 2001 28 sunsation for sale in your area. The boat is very clean.

http://www.powerboatlistings.com/view/32974

25 Active Thunder, 25/26 Baja, 25 Checkmate, 26 Velocity (280). The Sunsation 25 is a 24/7 boat similar to my 24 Pantera and smaller than your desired boat. Good luck.

Where mainly are you going to boat.

I have seen and know of 27' checkmates going for 19k with new 502 power. Cabin is kinda square but bang for the buck everyone can't say anything about a crack mate

we would use it mainly on Ky. Lake, the Miss., Ohio rivers and maybe LOTO
thanks RB

25 Active Thunder Tantrum . great rough water boat . just sold mine a few months ago . I have run it on KY lake and it did fine . there is a guy who bought 1 last year and stays at KY lake .