Best Single-Engine Boat 30-feet and Under
 

I have a 22-foot bow-rider and my wife says that we need a bigger boat! :p

I would like to get a single-engine, cuddy-cabin boat that can handle rough lake water (3 to 4 foot waves), go 80+ mph with 600+ hp, have air conditioning and shore power, and be trailerable. I would also like to be able to claim it as a second house.

Any suggestions? :)

Other than A/C and shore power (easily added)
check this out:

1998 Eliminator Eagle 280
I am moving to a bigger boat, and I need to sell mine fast.
Specs:
1998 Eliminator Eagle 28' V-hull
Extreme triple axle trailer, chrome wheels and fenders, hydraulic surge brakes
145 hours total, 0 hours on whipple and top end of motor
Whipple charged 502 415hp efi- 625 horse (whipple specs)
1.50 Bravo 1 with drive shower
29 pitch prop
Trim Tabs (K-planes)
Full latham steering to helm (dual ram)
Corsa quick and quiet exhaust
4 (yes 4!!) new Optima yellow top batteries
4 purple eddie marine battery boxes (very trick!)
purple eddie marine cupholders
purple neon accents in cupholder recesses and cabin
Cockpit cover
Gaffrig guages (including boost) with purple bezels

Brand new stereo to include:
Sony:
CDX757MX Receiver/cd/XM/AM-FM
CDXMP70 10 Disc changer
RMXM10 Remotes 1 on helm, 1 on transom
JL Audio:
500/5 5 channel amp
2- 10 inch subs
6-TR650 6 1/2" speakers

Check with the guys on this website (AudioFN) this is cool stuff.

This boat is absolutely flawless as both the original owner and I were completely anal about the condition of this boat. It will run 80mph on GPS after one test with new whipple installed. There is more left with some prop testing, but I ran out of time.

I am asking 59,000 for this boat. I will consider all REASONABLE cash offers.









http://www.offshoreonly.com/gallery/...-small-med.JPG

Clay,

Your asking for allot here, You are going to have to be whippled, to get a under 30 single engine boat to do a reliable 80mph.

Will

buy a 28-32 with twins and stock power.

27Fountain... Adding a Whipple is not a problem. I already have one on my 22-foot bow-rider! :eek:

SummerObsession... That sounds awesome! However, I need to sell mine first. I'll keep you in mind. :D

I liked this setup, but it's probably out of my price range...

Eliminator 300 Eagle XP

Clay,

If you're considering a west-coast custom boat, don't forget to check out the Shockwave 29. I got mine new in May and have logged about 70 trouble free hours so far. I would estimate that about 45 of those hours are in the ocean and the rest are on lakes. I don't keep up with the Top Guns out in the ocean, but for the size I think the boat does pretty well. We used the boat to pull a novice skier in the Catalina Ski Race this year through damn rough water and made it there and back with no trouble. In using the boat in Lake Havasu and Lake Powell, I have never found water that is too rough for the boat.

The boat is balsa cored, has a 24 degree bottom, and has tons of room. I have a single HP500EFI and hit speeds around 67 GPS with a full load of people, gear, and fuel. Shockwave is a custom builder and they will add anything you want to the boat. If you're interested in more info on this let me know, I have a bunch of pics of my boat that I can send you if you are interested.

There a lot of great boats out there, I just wanted to throw in a plug for Shockwave since they are not as well known outside of the west coast. Good luck with your shopping!!:D

http://www.scopeinfo.com/images/2002...279-030_30.jpg

Clay,

How much would you want for your Crownline?

Eric

Clay-
My boat aside (I'm sure it is the best one out there!:D ;) ),
in all fairness, a 30 Eagle with twins would be a great set-up! I would never buy a single engined 30 even with a whipple.
Try this one:

http://images.traderonline.com/img/6...33787818_1.jpg

I don't know anything about this boat, but it looks clean and has twin 500 efi's!

What Price???

I think they are asking 90,000 or so.

Don't forget the 29 World Class Warlock. Great rough water boat , nice cabin, and fast. When tested in the September issue of Powerboat the Warlock posted the best top speed when compaired to 7other boats equiped with the 496HO - 71.4mph (radar). The boat will run 76-78 with HP500 EFI, and well over 80 with a HP575 SCi.
If you like we can send you info on this or other boats in the Warlock lineup. 315 697-5849 or [email protected]

Thanks
Steve

28 Reindl Batboat will beat any boat up to 30 feet maybe up to 32 feet

Hey Clay!!

I'll sell ya 29 with a Whipple and all the goodies for under 60k!!

Eric1969,

I currently own a 2000 Crownline 225LPX with a Whipple-charged 502 and a Bravo 3. It run run over 70 mph any day. My top speed was 74 (gps) in February with 5 people onboard.

I had the engine rebuilt in July (2003), and have had zero problems since then. I also have a dual-axle trailer under it.

It is a great running boat, but my wife wants something bigger.

I couldn't take less than $39K for it.

Click on the red TWISTED for pictures.

P.S. I didn't mean for this to be a For Sale/Wanted post. It just turned out that way. I don't mind, just as long as the "Board Gods" don't mind. Thanks for all of your suggestions. Keep 'em coming! :D

I've "seen" your boat on the net alot. I think it is awesome.

Dumb question, what is a whipple charger and why engine rebuilt?

thanks

Clay, my choice, surprise, would be a Velocity 280. I didn't think that air condioning was an available option but when I went to the Velocity Website, air was listed as an option for the 280. 80 mph with 600 HP is not a problem, in fact the new 525efi should make 80 mph. It is a deep boat and for a 28 foot boat the cuddy cabin is as big or bigger then most.

If you want to add air and HP my 98 is available.;)

Eric1969,

Whipple is a supercharger manufacturer. It increases the engine horsepower from 415 to 600+.

At my last engine check, I had no compression in the #8 cylinder. There are many theories to this. I believe that I had a Merc "built on a Monday morning". But, that's just my humble opinion.

The engine has new IMCO manifolds installed, a valve job including new heavy-duty exhaust valves, and new rings, etc...

I planned to keep this boat another two to three years, but the wife has spoken! :D

Clay,

Check out the Sunsation 288. You can get it in a mid-cabin/bowrider if you still want that functionality. The Mrs and I looked at one at the Metro Beach show here in Detroit; after that, the Admiral put a 288 Midcabin HIGH on our list...

Plus, Sunsations builds a fast hull, I think the 288 will run low-mid 70's with an HP500, maybe tickle 80 with a new HP525???

Clay, the Eliminator you linked in your post is mine. It runs 82-84mph at Lake Powell(elev.3800'), and 88-89mph at Lake Havasu. I had a 28 Eliminator before this boat and while it was an awesome boat, it is not in the same league as the 30. More freeboard and such make for a much more compliant ride and it handles bigger water (3'-6') much better. I am considering selling it as the wife wants a bigger boat. The photos don't do the boat justice. It is in perfect condition and is extremely user friendly.

Hey Clay,

The die-hard crownie finally succumbs to the forces of the board? :D I too checked out the Sunsation 288. It's a sweet boat. Of course, if you buy mine you'll get a windshield :D :D

Only 750 Hp get's it to 80!

I have a 27 Activator that runs pretty good if your looking for a true performance boat without cupholders.

Clay, remember me from Lake Cumberland. If your looking for a West Coast performance boat, call me I'm a Nordic dealer and can set you up.

Nordic Gary

28 AT

Hey Nordic Gary,

Yeah, I remember you. I got a sore neck from always looking back at you behind me! (j/k) :D

If I sell my Crownline this winter, I will give you a yell! :cool:

P.S. Sheryl (aka Ms. Texas) says "Hi"!

Hi-speed, single motor, stable at 80-90 mph. Not an easy order to fill. I would only trust a small handfull of builders to take on this challenge. The crew at Active Thunder Boats is up to the job, we can deliver all you have asked. The boat has the room for the accomodationes you demand. The design to carry the speed and the construction to stay together. If I may suggest a 25' AT set up with around 700 hp. Call me to discuss the particular's.:cool:

Check out the 280 Velocity. It will be one of the fastest single engine vees out there with a ton of room in the cabin and cockpit. I rode in one that was doing low to mid 90s and it handled great.

I will agree the new 28 Velocity is a very fast boat, but it doesn't have allot of cabin room. And yes I have been in the one at the Miami show last year. When I think of allot of room in a cabin, look at Sonic, or AT.

My 2 cent

The 32' Sunsations can be purchased with singles. I think there is a thread about one here.

I think you must be talking about the Velocity
VR 1. The 280 has a nice cabin, for a 26 /28 footer, although the Sonic probably is little more roomy. One of the reasons I went with Velocity was the deep cockpit and relatively large cabin.

Mr Offshore,

"the 28 Batboat is the answer" The answer to what? If it was just speed or ride then ok, but I think you need to re-read his original qualifications. It appears he is interested in a more user friendly "fast" boat with good, roomy, usable cuddy. No disrespect ment, but a few are putting in suggestions that are far off from intended use.

Padraig,

You are correct, I was refering to the Vr-1.

Will

Evil Twin is correct. While I could spend the night in dugout canoe, the wife would like a few more "creature comforts".

I am looking for a boat with a "very user-friendly cabin". If she had her way, we would get a 31-foot Sea Ray! :eek:

However, I am not willing to give up my speed. And while twins are GREAT, I prefer the maintenance headaches of one engine. :rolleyes:

We currently live in an apartment, so the "second-home tax deduction" would be a real plus. :p

Anything over 30 feet would be too slow with one engine, so I am looking in the 27 to 30 foot range. All of the suggestions have been great! Keep 'em coming! :D

Hey Doc. That is a bold statement.
Would you like to find out!

Goody76,

I would like to see this. Mroffshore says 38+ feet! Go get em'

Thanks Will,

I like the looks and speed of the VR 1 but need the cabin space of the 280 as we do some cruising and overnighting. Thats why we are now thinking 32 Velocity :)

Evil Twin- I could see someone trying to get away with that on the 30ft level but 38. I guess these guys do not get out much to realize that there are alot of boats out there that aren't big name shakers but can easily air it out over 100! Hell my boat cruises at 100. I never see any bat boats unless I look back!.
(sorry I just had to!)

A new boat! Women can be so demanding!:D

I have another question...

How long and wide does the sleeping area need to be so that a 6-foot 220-pound man and his 5-foot 4-inch 120 pound wife can sleep comfortably?

Also, how long and wide does the boat need to be so that it has this sleeping area? Should I be looking for a cruiser? :(