Originally Posted by CIG3 (Post 4545652)

Starting to look for a Performance Open bow or Mid Cabin for our trips to Florida every year. I really like to look and performance numbers of the Baja Islander 27 or 29 want to stay in the $30-40K range for a good used piece. We usually have 6-8 people when the family travels so I need the space that the 28 Cigarette doesn't offer. We are usually on Anna Maria or Siesta key for a week at a time. Any thought or suggestions would be appreciated.

Originally Posted by shunter2005 (Post 4545748)

If you want an MCOB or WTOB, you should take a look at west coast performance boats. The guys out there got their stuff together on MCOB/WTOB boats. East coast builders don't cater much to the open bow crowd. I was looking at Checkmate, but they only offered one boat in MCOB, so I started looking west. I finally was able to narrow my choices to 3 brands, but couldn't find one that I liked (or was in my budget limit). Then, someone suggested buying a closed deck and have it converted to MCOB. Long story, but the Reader's Digest version is, I found and bought a primo condition closed deck west coast boat last year and had it converted to MCOB and couldn't be happier. CD boats usually go cheaper out there, as most everyone wants open bow. I got the boat I wanted at a very good price (which included a top end job), had it converted to MCOB for less money than buying an existing MCOB. May not be the way for you, but at least it's an option to consider.

Originally Posted by BUP (Post 4545754)

one westcoast builder can handle the ocean. Laver Craft.-- they also make 3 versions of hulls. Closed bow, mid cabin (MCOB) and full open bow. just saying.

Originally Posted by buck183 (Post 4545929)

Surprised no one has mentioned Sunsation.

Originally Posted by ToMorrow44 (Post 4545958)

I'll second the west coast boats if you're looking for a MCOB. Advantage, Lavey Craft, Hallett, Shockwave, are all great rough water boats. Don't listen to the "built for the lake" BS. All of those boats listed have been used offshore and I'd put them up against a Baja, Sunsation, Donzi, Fountain any day. Hell, theres a couple guys with 24' walk-thru open bow Lavey Crafts that have done Catalina runs.

Theres a couple of Advantages in your neck of the woods on boattrader, may be worth a look before you venture out west.

Originally Posted by blckkat (Post 4545967)

all the needs your describing has Go-fast Center Console written all over it, especially if you plan on running in the salt :whistle:
once had 5 kids and 6 adults on My Concept 27 and spent the whole day on the water without issue (except for two of my nieces complaining it was too fast:evilb:) Concept, Donzi, Scarab...all can be had in the $30-40k range.

Originally Posted by ToMorrow44 (Post 4546369)

Not sure on the Commander to be honest. The place to ask that question would be riverdavesplace.com. Here's a few boats around your price range, as you can see theres quite a few out west. The Advantage is near-ish you:

While the Commander may be a good boat, not sure I want to head out into the Atlantic Ocean in one. I would feel better if I was in a boat that had been proven in the past to handle the ocean.

http://www.boattrader.com/listing/20...ictory-705948/

Looks like a very nice 28 Victory. I always liked the offset cabin entry in this boat and the circular staircase (ok, a small offset stepdown) to get into the cabin and especially cool to have a built in blender!!! Margaritas for everyone.....

http://www.boattrader.com/listing/20...let-102905025/

Have seen this boat on there for a while. If it's still for sale, it would be a very nice boat to own. Howards never last very long on the market.

http://www.boattrader.com/listing/19...ser-103036700/

Tom, that sure looks like a nice straight bottom 270. This would be a sweet ride at the price listed, but you know I am biased.

http://www.riverdavesplace.com/forum...-1997-28-Eagle

Any 28 or 30 Eagle would be a great boat to have. I know it's really what you are used to, but I am not a left side drive guy.

Or do what shunter did and buy a super clean closed bow and have it converted to an open bow still under budget. People do this often and it's not a hack job
http://www.boattrader.com/listing/19...-270-102753130

Another candidate for an MCOB conversion. Halletts, like Howards, don't come available all that often. However, when they do, most are in very good condition. Like I said, those west coast boys take real good care of their boats.

Originally Posted by AZMIDLYF (Post 4546425)

Might be a few options here:
http://www.riverdavesplace.com/forum...xed-Out-Marine