Drake22.250

iTrader: (2)

I would look for a 25 Sunsation, fun boats and have a good reputation. I put my aggressor to the test in Erie's attitudes many of times.

Trx250r88

Early 90 sunsation rocket,maybe checkmate convincor in your price range.

Powerquest230

We had a PP 230 Conquest for ten plus years and it was a great hull. Built fairly heavy, solid handling and while much slower than a 24 x7 they have large cockpits and a useable cuddy. A Formula 233 of that era would be another good choice for a "large" 23'.

Katanna

iTrader: (1)

I sold the 230 conquest and 23 nova side by side when new. No comparison in ride hands down the wellcaft was a much softer ride. The 242 formula would be the best all around as far as quality, ride, and interior comfort.

72ndPoolShark

Exactly the kind of info I was looking for! Now if I can only find one of those formulas.

72ndPoolShark

This post has been extremely helpful for me and I appreciate ALL the input provided. I've concluded Formula to be the all around best for my price range and that shows in their higher prices when comparing apples to apples. The one report I had on Formula that was bad came from the guy selling a Nova in the same small town to a same era Formula 223 is for sale. Enough said. Problem with that Formula is that it is a 1985 with a 454 and a alpha outdrive.

How possible is it to swap an alpha to a bravo or should I not even consider this? Would everything line up?

Team Archer

Yes its a transom assembly and drive change. Have done a couple of Donzi's

BBCLiberator

iTrader: (2)

Alphas are so damn cheap I wouldn't worry about it and if you don't run it hard, it's fine.

Speedracer29

I agree, 2 SEI Alphas and a BoatUS towing program sounds way more betta than a Bravo swap on a 30 year old boat. Anyone who wants an antithesis for Bravo reliability needn't look any further than the threads within this forum.

Also, I haven't mentioned it in this particular thread, but I'm pretty sure the Bravo seawater pump setup was invented by a chiropractor or the devil.

gofastboater

I'm late to the thread so here's my 2 cents. 23 Nova for the money can't be beat. I had 2 mid 80's and loved them. VERY solid hulls and heavy. Both of mine had SBC but still ran 52 MPH all day long in 2 to 3 footers. Many times I thought I would break something but it all stayed together. Later 80's had the 454 w/Alpha 1. If you didn't beat on it too hard it would last. But as said before Alpha's are easy to get. I'm guessing under 10K would get you any 23 Nova anywhere.