Is their a boat that meets some of my requests
 

We are thinking about buying a boat and the wife has some requests and since my love and passion is racing cars, i would like a some power and nice looks.


- 26' to 30'
- weekend boat not for long trips, may be a sleep over here and there
- possibility of pulling my son on a tube (not a major request)
- my request, sleek looking, throaty, not a boring cruiser

We would be on the Long Island Sound if that makes a difference.

Thanks

What's your price range? I'm on the Long Island sound also. I have a 35 fountain and a 22 velocity . The 35 can handle some of the rough stuff the sound can offer and has a really nice cabin. A good family boat. Bathroom is good if your a midgets but who cares it goes fast . I know of a couple boat for sale at the moment so let me know your price range. When I was looking before I got the fountain there was a 30' sonic diablo in free port I was looking at.

Thanks, im figuring 50k to 100k , you think that budget would work?

That a good price range. I can tell you this, if you get a 30' boat you will wish you had a 35. If you get a 35' you will wish you had a 38'. If I could give you my honest opinion I would say look for a 388 hustler. I couldn't swing the money. But you can get a really nice one for around 80-100 k. It's your best bang for the buck. Really nice boat. 38 may sound big but it's not so bad to drive.

Thanks, how do these boats ride, i have been on cruisers with and without fly bridges, sport fish and runabouts, , with the narrow beam are they rough like a sports car or will the fam be comfortable

I have a family of 6. Me my wife and 4 boys. We fit in the 35 just fine with plenty of room, the narrow beam on these boats run just fine. Maybe better than cruisers. They are built to cut the waves ant ride on top of them. I had a cruiser, it's not even close. I would never go back unless it was my second boat that I could pull up to and hang out on between speed runs

Thanks for the info

I've had 14 of my own boats.....plus growing up with them in the family as a kid.

Don't spend a lot of money on a boat.......not your first one anyway. Not until you head out on the water on your own will you realize what you really want a boat to provide for you (going out with others would be even better). I've had cruisers, ski boats, go-fasts, and center console/fishing boats. I've really enjoyed each type when used for what they were made for.

BTW: I've had boats that ran almost 100. For the last couple years I've started road racing :) while you can't spend time with your family on the track, it is more fun!

Things you need to consider when your looking
1) how fast do I want to go
2) should I be going this fast?
3) if your not skilled at a performance boating stay slower
4) speed = $
5) there is a ton of upkeep expenses like headers 8000 per motor and last maybe 250 - 400 hrs
Less power more turn key reliability

I know a guy selling a 36 sonic with twin diesels . Nice boat and not crazy fast. It has 400 hrs on it with new trailer aluminum . These motors are fresh water cooled and should last around 4000 hrs :) I think he would take around 60k for it. Motors are worth 40k used plus the new trailer. It almost like you get the boat for free when you buy the motor and trailer :)

Long Island? Go check out Superboat.

Baja 405 period. We love ours and it does everything we want, sounds great, looks great, low upkeep cost, very comfortable (We have spent days on it), a/c you name it. Cruiser without cruiser looks or performance.

Go with others, then rent for a day, then rent for a week...it's time on the water and in the seat that will guide your decision best....

I would say look at Formula Fastech, best would be a 35' or 38'. Reason why,

There is allot of sleeping room as the lower sofa turns into a sleeping area for your overnighting (I'm 6'5" and She is 6' and we both fit), your son could have the Vbirth to himself.
The ride. Formula isn't the fastest hull. But what it is, is a very stable and smooth riding hull. Very drivable in allot of water, doesn't get loose even at high speed.
Of course it would pull a tube, with a little Kplane you can still cruise pretty slow if need be.
Looks are subjective, but I like the looks ;)

There are a lot of great boats out there and this is nothing but my opinion based on your requirements. These boats all have big cockpits, family oriented but still have sport boat looks and performance, fairly good overnight cabins, and well known brands. I would recommend the 496 packages for reliability and first time performance owners. Good overall speed, towing and fun factor for the whole family.

Single Engine -
26Zx Donzi, 28 Sunsation, 27' Formula, 27' Baja

Twin Engine -
33Zx Donzi, 32 Sunsation, 35' Formula, 30-35' Baja

I have Donzi28zx twin 350's great boat, not the biggest cabin...

Thanks for all the info guys, both my wife and my family have own boats for years and im always on my friends, we enjoy being on the water.

We enjoyed a 272 Baja for many years and fits everything you mentioned

A newer model would be the 275

This would make a nice first boat for under 50K
http://www.offshoreonly.com/classifi...67&f=58067.jpg

http://www.offshoreonly.com/classifi...o58067-en.html

I'm on LI Sound as well and my 28' Active Thunder does real well until you get the typical 4 foot slop out there, but most days its just fine. Its probably got the biggest cabin of any single engine boat out there complete with enclosed head, sink, V berth and 2 couches. It will probably be for sale in the spring at the lower end of your price range.

There is 3 of us in my family and the 33zx is the best fit for us. Super wide with the 9'4" beam and the cabin is grate with 4'6"ish head room and loaded with mic fridge bathroom cook top heat and air. I have the 500efi's that put me at 78 all day any day and 83 once under perfect condition and load.

Very happy with our 38 PowerQuest. Awesome ride, lots of room and storage. Great headroom in the cabin for overnighting. Enclosed head with real toilet for the wife. Decent performance with basic 502's. Can be found well within your price range.

Downside is the weight and towing. We are spoiled with a covered slip and lift. No way I would want to tow this around on a regular basis. The couple trips to LOTO per year is enough towing for me!

Look at cobalts. That sounds EXACTLY like what your looking for. Followed in second place by a formula ss, and a distant third place to one of those ugly fountains with the raised deck. Forget what they are called.