Hello all,

I'm not new to the boating world, I actually live on a lake in GA and have a Supra ski boat (86' with 454 BB) board and now have the itch to get something I can haul down the lake in much faster. A friend of mine has a Sleekcraft Enforcer with a 502 and runs just about 70 with all of us in it and has completely given me the push to start building myself a power boat.

What I was looking for is advice on what platform/hull everyone recommends for what I'd like to spend, size of boat, and speed I'd like to go, as well as capability.

Goals:

1. Budget: $25,000 for the boat, likely another 10-12k in a motor 1-2 years down the road to get to my speed goal. (This means, I'm okay with dropping 25k now, and then a bigger motor later to support the performance I'm after. It's fine for now to get the boat interior done, stereo, all the odds and ends now, and then up the performance later with a larger engine or possibly blower.
2. Size: I'd like be to be in the 27-31ft range. For the size and weight of the boat, that's perfect for my truck, and the size of my dock to park it at. Its large enough typically to sleep on if needed, take people and gear out, but yet not overly large where I'd need twin engines to get up and move the damn thing fast enough.
3. Engine/drive: Single Big block, naturally aspired (for now) with Bravo one. Not really looking to go with an XR, I just don't think its necessary what I've researched and found. Most boats I've been finding are typically a 454, 496 or 502 stock motors. That would be fine for now and plenty of power until I either throw forced induction on it, or crate engine 500-600 range hp in it.
4. Capability: For now, it will be a lake boat, goal is 70 MPH, and also capability for salt water excursions. There is a likely possibility of moving to Tampa in the next 1-2 years with work, and I really don't want to build a boat I'd have to sell because of the lack of ocean capability. If I build something, I'll never get the money out of it and might as well do it once, the way I want it and not have to start all over again.
5. Year: Low to mids 90s and up. Nothing 80s, just too old with teak and things like that. Not a fan of the 80s lines.
6:Fun Stuff: Enough area for speakers, subs, amps, all that for a big boy stereo. I typically go all out on sound for my boats. Also, ability to trim up and throw a rooster tail (correct term?) if I feel like showing up. Of course, I'd use a cooling drive shower on it before doing so.

I've sat on powerboatlistings.com, craigslist, ebay, searchtempest, EVERYTHING. And basically found that I can scoop a Baja 272 for low 20s, throw some upgrades and maintenance at it and be happy. (I THINK) I've done quite a bit of research and just can't find unbiased answers. (Go to a Baja Forum, and they'll preach all day their boats are the best, same for Formula, Fountain, ect)


So I ask you, OSO... 25k to start and my goals of what I want/need a boat to do... What would you pick?


Thanks all, my apologies if this is in the wrong sub-forum. I just joined after snooping for a few days.

Donzi 26, 27, 28 ZX can be had in twin step and in that price point. They changed the 27 from a straight bottom to a TS in the late 90's and they are generally found single big block. They respond well to power. I threw the 26 in there because even though it is outside your size range it's just a shorter 28. The 27 and 28 twin step boats all had the same bottom but have a couple different top decks on them. There is no difference in length either. Going to a TS is just going to be more efficient in the long run. Here is a 26 for example @ 24k http://www.boattrader.com/listing/19...6-ZX-102691807

When new the 26 ran right at 70 with a stock 502 and upper 60's with a 454.

There are other options too but these are definitely buyable at your price point, well built, and solid ride with no reports of flipping or handling issues. I have a 28zx with twin small blocks and have zero complaints about the ride and handling and the hull is super efficient.

Thank you for the response, I personally just want a single drive setup for less maintenance and upkeep. (Changing one impeller becomes two, 8 spark plugs become 16 and so on). I think I would be fine with the 26 ft size, just wanted to make sure its got the size for storage, and the length of the hull for water handling capabilities. I tried to do my research on hull size vs chop handling capability however it seems I'm getting mixed answers about how balancing the trim and the weight distribution. Essentially, the way my buddies Sleekcraft just absolutely cuts thru the the water even at 70 rolling thru heavy chop is utterly amazing.

That Donzi is beautiful and definitely a great setup. I dig the rear how the seats seem a big higher/bigger and the rear swim platform looks to be higher out of the water.


... And now I'm gonna waste more work hours looking at Donzi ZXs

If you want to run fast, look for a fast hull. Activator, Kryptonite, Superboat, Velocity. 600HP in some of those boats will put you in the 80 MPH range. Not to bash baja, but they are a dime a dozen. Do your homework

Bajas are a slow hull, takes alot of hp to go fast with a 272 or a 25 outlaw. In stock form IE 502mpi the 272's run 62/63 GPS, alot of guys that own them claim stupid speeds from dream meter, they take alot of hp to go fast. That said they are a straight bottom, you wont flip one turning unless you do something really stupid. After I re-rigged mine (got rid of the extra 100 feet of wire stapled to the transom, re-enforced the flimsy gas tank cover, screwed gas tank down where all the factory screws missed the stringers, bolted seats down better, glassed all the drain holes in bilge so the stringers wouldnt rot out,put in real mounts etc it was a pretty solid boat, fwiw, Smitty

Seems to need to look at something other then the Baja, just looking at that style of boat. I'm not set on the Baja at all, I just keep finding them locally to me.

As was mentioned, I think Velocity makes a 280 that is available with a single that is a very fast hull with a nice size cabin. Checkmate also makes a 28-ish boat with a single that are very nice. Also, I personally think the PowerQuest 280 Silencer is a very nice boat with good rigging that is generally found in a similar price range to the Baja's. Formula is always a very nice hull, and even some of the late 80's early 90's 272's have the integrated swim platform (no teak) and the curved windshield that keeps them from looking dated. You were already planning on an interior, and combine that with a wrap or new paint, and you would have a very sharp boat that is rock solid and has good resale.

Lots of choices, even more if you are willing to travel to get what you want. Do you put a premium on cockpit space or cabin space? Some of the sport boats are pretty cramped in the cockpit, and that is where you spend most of your time.

If I had it to do over again, and the plan was to have a lake boat without worrying about overnighting, I would be trying to find a MCOB (mid-cabin open bow) like an Advantage or Nordic. However, that seems to be more of a west coast thing, so some travel may be involved to find one. Best of both worlds, IMO.

After owning a Donzi 26 zx for a few years I can tell you it fits the criteria your looking for. When mine was Procharger it would run in the low 80's ( approx 625 hp) It's more than capable in some ruff water espically inland lakes, within reason it s not a 41 Apache ! It's not the fastest hull but is built like tank and will out run most Bajas with similar power and size. It serves well as a performance boat that works with a small family like mine.

How bout a 28' Sunsation. May be hard to find one for 25K but nice solid boat with good speed.

Have you looked at any West coast boats?

OSO is predominantly an East coast site so you don't really hear to much about West Coast stuff here.

You'd expand your available product, but you are asking a lot for 25K.


Uncle Dave