1991 230 Conquest on Detroit Craigslist for $9900....
My old Power Play 185 was built like a tank. My 24/7 was a great ride. The 24/7ish Avanti might be the better ride, but the Conquest will have more freeboard, more beam, and be more readily available. I can't remember the last time I saw a 22' Avanti for sale around here. (I'm assuming the OP is from Michigan given the Detroit CL posting above).
As much as I liked my previous 24/7, I don't think I'd go 1000 miles to get an old one.

Yes, speedracer is correct, the 22 Donzi classic is not in the budget. I should have also mentioned I want a cuddy boat. I am in the Detroit area with intention to use on all Great Lakes but mostly Lake Huron and Lake Erie.

Don't forget python boats also

I would look into a formula 242 or 223. They are well made boats and will give you what you are looking for. I also wouldn't shy away from. The cobalt. They are well made boats and are known for their quality built boats. Other then those 2 I would say that Baja is a great boat for that and looks likes it was updated. With your price range I would go take and look at that one. The bolster seats would be nice for the lakes.

Yes , lots of freeboard on those boats as well and a decent cuddy

Don't pass on a Velocity 23 because you think it looks like a Pachanga. Very different performing boat.

Padraig

I definitely wouldn't discount the 80's Formula's they are wave crushers, the 242 I know runs 24 degree V I think the 223 was a 22 degree V. and I don't know who told you 22 Pachanga's rode terrible, but they're full of it. lol. had one for 6 years that I ran on Erie and it ate up 2' chop (admittedly 3' was it's limit)...that said it's really only a 20.5' boat so maybe a little smaller than you want.
just to add another 24x7 to the list - Sunsation Rocket. I read good things but boy does that cockpit look crazy tight.

I said I thought the Velocity looks like a Pachanga but I know nothing about them. Wasn't saying I would pass on them... was looking for input on them.

As common as the Wellcraft Nova 23 XL is, I was hoping to hear more about them. I looked at a 1988 on Saturday that was in beautiful condition but had some small chips coming off the unpainted hull bottom gelcoat. I heard they have balsa wood core hulls and figured that could be the start of trouble.

Excellent fast boat. The bottom is the same as a Velocity 22. However it is a little heavier and the cabin, for a 22/23 ft go fast, is not bad. My wife and I used to overnight in ours. A 1989 with 454 mag comes with full hydraulic steering and a Bravo drive. Pachangas have an alpha drive. On a good day with a light load and some good chop mine would just hit 71/72 mph.

Padraig