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Originally Posted by TexomaPowerboater
(Post 4654652)
Yes, those choices would likely fit your needs. For a comfortable cabin you will need 25ft+
Some others: Donzi 26-28 Active Thunder 25 Cobalt 263 Eliminator 26-28 Formula 27 Hustler 26 Wellcraft/Scarab 26-29 Will be hard to find anything in good shape for your budget tho. First time boat owners keep their boat on average 2 years before they change to something else. Stay away from boat projects unless you really know what your doing. As a rule of thumb, a boat in average condition will cost 50% of the purchase price to get it into good condition. A boat in below average condition will cost 50-100%+ of the purchase price to get it into good condition. Poker runs are expensive, the smaller the boat and the better the condition of the boat the more you will be able to enjoy it given your budget. Something like a 21 Apache Scout with outboard (or something like it) would be a ton of fun to drive. Can always pitch a tent to sleep in or maybe get a truck camper. As for a 21ft, 99% or hat I’m seeing has no cuddy in that length, and those that do are extremely cramped. For my purposes, I’m thinking (as you suggest) a minimum of 25 feet, up to and including a 29ft single (again, I’m not concerned with top speed, but rather rough water handling). |
It sounds like you’re looking for a cabin cruiser more than a go-fast boat? Anyways, as said I’d highly encourage a couple outboards if possible. I’ve built numerous motorcycles and a few cars and I/O boats can be amazingly tricky and just a pain in the butt to deal with, especially on a boat older than ten years old as it’s the rigging such as pumps, wiring, gauges, upholstery, etc that can give you fits. Not all, but many. There’s a few gems out there. I tow my Baja 272 with a Z71 Silverado and it does fine (7200 tow rating) but I feel it’s about maxed out. The condition of the trailer and quality of the brakes is important. Welcome to the hobby and good luck! |
Originally Posted by Baja Rooster
(Post 4655106)
It sounds like you’re looking for a cabin cruiser more than a go-fast boat? Anyways, as said I’d highly encourage a couple outboards if possible. I’ve built numerous motorcycles and a few cars and I/O boats can be amazingly tricky and just a pain in the butt to deal with, especially on a boat older than ten years old as it’s the rigging such as pumps, wiring, gauges, upholstery, etc that can give you fits. Not all, but many. There’s a few gems out there. I tow my Baja 272 with a Z71 Silverado and it does fine (7200 tow rating) but I feel it’s about maxed out. The condition of the trailer and quality of the brakes is important. Welcome to the hobby and good luck! I’m glad to hear that pulling with your Z71 is no problem. How does your Baja make out in SF Bay? I know it can get pretty rough there. Thanks for the reply. |
A cruiser isn't much more then a go fast so far as maintenance. Things that do add more is generator and toilet, but that's not that much.
My small cruiser (Formula 27PC) has a 9.5 ft beam and weight loaded and trailer and your at 11K pounds. I've pulled it many times with 3/4 diesel. The twin engine models top speed is around 50 mph and cruise at 30 to 35 BTW don't get a single engine 27PC, long story trust me |
Originally Posted by Rishi65
(Post 4655111)
Haha truthfully, I’ve been waiting for someone to point that out. As I was writing my introductory post, I was thinking that’s exactly what I was describing. The problem therein is that (correct me if I’m wrong) they’re a lot more complicated, and maintenance intensive. Also, they can’t be trailered reasonably, and I’m not really a fan of going slow. Lastly, being able to beach the boat (gently) is something I intend to do. I’m glad to hear that pulling with your Z71 is no problem. How does your Baja make out in SF Bay? I know it can get pretty rough there. Thanks for the reply. I think what your looking for may be a 25-29’ Baja Outlaw. At 29’ you should have decent cuddy space and they are plentiful and should be near your price point. |
Originally Posted by Baja Rooster
(Post 4655158)
The SF Bay is fine as long as the wind isn’t bad. The 272is honestly more of a lake or Delta boat with its 24* deadrise where a little wind chop beats the crap out of you. I’ve been out in 18’ swell at 30s and the ocean just rises and falls and you don’t even see any waves but a 3-4’ chop at 5s is miserable. I think what your looking for may be a 25-29’ Baja Outlaw. At 29’ you should have decent cuddy space and they are plentiful and should be near your price point. Roughly what price point do you think I might find one in? Also, is one particular year, or generation better than another? I was hoping to get something 496 HO powered, and leave it stock. A quick scan of classifieds and opinions on the boat, shows that the single 29’ is rare, but I don’t mind waiting for the right one. |
The best model and year are going to depend on what’s available and where with what condition it’s in. I think the ‘97 and up had the Oiler Bravo drive which is nice but other than that it’s a matter of what’s available. |
Maybe look at Wellcraft Nova either 25 or 27? Slower than above models but deeper hull, better ride, and 50mph ability..
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Wellcraft, Chapparel, and Regal made some pretty cool cuddy cabin sport boats with singe big block engines. If you get into a 28-29ft boat a triple axle trailer trailer will be much easier to tow with.
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Originally Posted by Powerquest230
(Post 4655197)
Maybe look at Wellcraft Nova either 25 or 27? Slower than above models but deeper hull, better ride, and 50mph ability..
Originally Posted by TexomaPowerboater
(Post 4655459)
Wellcraft, Chapparel, and Regal made some pretty cool cuddy cabin sport boats with singe big block engines. If you get into a 28-29ft boat a triple axle trailer trailer will be much easier to tow with.
The Scarabs all seem to have a very narrow beam. Is this a positive for rough water? |
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