If usability of the cuddy is important you will probably cross the 24 Outlaw off your list. Years ago we seriously looked at the 23 Donzi and 24 Outlaw- really liked the Outlaw except for crawling into the cuddy. Bumped my head going in while dead sober and on the way back out and quickly moved on to the next boat. If cuddy access doesn't matter then the Outlaw is a nice ride especially with HP500. That Active Thunder 25 is probably the most boat overall for that money.

If you like the Formulas you might look at Cobault or even Powerquest for other sporty cruiser options.

When looking at an older bigger water boat, how concerned do you need to be about years of beating on the boat? What areas of the boat are susceptible to damage caused by this? Take for instance the 7x24's referenced earlier in this thread. I assuming it's essentially no different than any other go-fast boat ?

The PP and the AT here are nicer and more offshore "cool" than a Baja. Good night the drive looks low on that AT.

Lots of these boats have a tiny cuddy, especially the 25' PP.

I've owned/run cuddies for 30+ yrs and a large/usable cuddy is near top of my list but rare in your list.

Agree on the comments of being careful on the Baja's.

I would have a late '80's - early '90's 25' Checkmate Convincor way up my list. For your price range, you can get one that is pristine.
Lots of them around that are low hr, inside stored etc. Bought right, you wont lose any money either if you move up in a few yrs.
I've sold them and owned them and a clean one is near bullet proof. Local dealer used to shoe horn in big power and go cat hunting.
He had one 25' running 109 or 112 can't remember which.
They have huge cabins (w/the setee's that I also like). As to the cuddies and not mentioned to this point,is a hatch above the cabin door to ease entry.
Very few have these (including the 25' Checkmate) but is a huge asset if you actually use the cuddy. You will find that most don't as evidenced by near new upholstery bellow deck even in 30 yr old boats and most ad's not even showing the cuddy., even in some new boat literature.

Also, check for storage under the cushions on the vee birth. Also rare but a huge plus for storage.

I'd also have the 242 Formula at the top of that list. It does EVERYTHING you are looking for. Clean single motor 24's are in the teens.

W/a 1/2 ton p/u (what I used for yrs) you are smart to stay in the 24/25 range depending on your terrain, trip distance and driving style.

If you are careful w/a small, trailerable cuddy, you can have HUGE fun! We've had ours all over the rivers, small/fun inland lakes, the Keys, and across Lake Erie and its islands a bazillion times.

That Seebold is also a very rare, and well done boat w/a great cuddy. I have a friend in Fla w/twin O/B's on one and is in the low 90's w/it.

Have fun.

Gary

Formula 272
http://saginaw.craigslist.org/boa/5475581215.html

I think I should offer up my 97 271 FASTech, HP500. Was going to sell it last year when I lost my job, but things worked out in the long run. It was listed for 16,000. Only major upgrade it needs is HYD steering, and headliner work.

email for pics. fastech97 at hotmail

No offense to anyone on here, but I would stick to a 24-25' in a single and look for twins in anything longer than that.I had a 271 fastech with a 496HO and it was a dog out of the hole with little load.
I agree that AT looks like a great deal, especially since you have an engine.
Wellcraft Nova mid 90's either a 25 single or a 26 with twins
Formula 242LS
Baja25 outlaw
All good boats with good size cuddies that can handle any water you encounter.

Good pints and agree w/the addition of the Nova to the list.

On the twins in the smaller boats though, I looked at a bunch and maintenance always spooked me.
The Formulas were the only thing I saw that you could even change plugs in.
The rest looked inner headers would make contact.

I spent 15 yrs between two 24' Sonic twin O/Bs and got the 2 yr ,2' itch regularly.
Problem was, I had to go 30' to get anything that was actually bigger based on them being I/O's.
That also ended my 1/2 ton trucks use and most of my single handing.

I would like to thank you all. Part 1 of my search is complete - identifying which style/mfg of boat to get. I have learned a great deal more about boats over the past several days. Based on need, what I can afford, what space permits, what tow vehicle permits, how it can be used, features important to my family and general availability, I have narrowed my search to 2 boats. If I was a much more patient person or if I had some industry connections I would wait around for one of those harder to find/slicker boats that I would place above these two, but anyways, here are my top 2 pics and I don’t think I can go wrong with either, but Fountain is preferred at this point;

Fountain 27x closed bow - 272 sr-1/Fountain 271 FASTech - I am somewhat meaning towards the twin screws for maneuverability but wrestle with the single vs. twin debate.
Baja 27x closed bow -

Location of the boat does not matter much because I will more than likely have it shipped.

On to part 2 of my search - if you and/or friends have one of these boats they are thinking about selling, please PM me with info….meanwhile I am pounding the classifieds. I would like this boat in Minneapolis, in the water by no later than mid May.

Thanks!

- scott -

I towed my 27 Formula once with a half ton and wouldn't do it again. It had a new Eagle trailer and it was still a lot. I would borrow my cousins F-350 with a 460 and life was better.