One big thing that you will find about true "high performance" boats is that going fast is relatively easy. Going fast, handling rough water well and staying screwed together is another thing all together. To go fast and not fall apart, one has to build a light and strong hull. (Heavy is easy to build.) A light, strong hull is not only hard to build, it's expensive to build. (That's why heavy is easy - and cheap.) A Larson is a pure chopper gun hull and deck. That's the easiest, cheapest and heaviest way to build a boat. Try going fast in rough water in any chopper gun boat and watch it fall apart around you. (Spoiler Alert: I owned a 16' Larson Senza with a 115 HP Mercury outboard and did just that.) Of the three hulls you mentioned, the Velocity is clearly the best design and generally the best build quality. (Some of the Regal built Velocity hulls were not though.)

Just to give you an idea how much difference a well built, hand laid vacuum bagged 22' hull weighs, a 22' Progression (bare hull) is generally about 1,200 pounds. Even with a 300 HP outboard, you're still around 2,000 pounds ready to go. As for speed, with a slightly modified 200 HP Merc outboard, I run 77 on GPS. How do they hold up? My 1992 Progression is the first boat I've never had to have any structural repair done to. And I run it all the time on Lake Ontario. It's been worth every penny of the high initial purchase price. Hope that helps.

While I agree with 2S ^ to a very large extent, your still taking about a 22 foot boat. Yes light weight is faster, but there is more to life than top speed. On a little boat, weight isn't always the enemy. Weight is going to help the ride. Unless your racing, weight is kind of your friend to a certain extent.

I won't totally disagree there! Sometimes a heavier boat will take rough water somewhat better purely because it's crushing the waves. That said, heavy (generally chopper gun) construction won't hold up to that kind of beating for long.

As for a really good riding 22' boat, the 22 Donzi is pretty hard to beat. The narrow beam and round pad really gives a soft ride. Then again, there's next to no room inside.

Yeah, your not doing much other than sitting in mine either.... I do have more than enough room to stretch out in the cabin (if you want to call it that), its padded but you have to contort to get down there and your not sitting up, but it is sleepable,..I forget exactly but I think Im right around 3500-3800 pounds... and no chopper gun. 24 degree, narrow beam, a little tab and its surprising what it will eat.. But its far from a family boat. My friends 23 nova has like twice the room.

Personally I like the Regal Velocity best of all mentioned with the exception of the 25 AT. However the AT is bigger then what you say you want. I had a 23Regal Velocity. 454mag, 70/72 mph. The only mod was lightning headers. Roomy cabin and good handling. Takes through stuff as well as any 22 foot boat. Had it out many times in Lake Erie and Geogian Bay. That being said I would pick a Steve Stepp 22 if there was a choice.

Padraig

https://www.offshoreonly.com/classif...st-o75479.html

Thanks guys.

Ok here the deal, I already have some expensive classic cars and engine. So at this venture in my life, not going to invest a lot (new boat costs) for this venture till I find out what the rest of the family think about the whole boating deal.

This thread came out as I was originally to get a old Chris Craft 230 Scorpion. These were neat old boats that I have always liked and not to pricey with trailer, that I can tow if needed. Around here there in the 5-6,000 range with good surveys CND dollars.

So not looking to BUY ANYTHING this year 2019. This is just researching and find out info and various hulls and options. I have open up my $$$ thoughts to some newer, nicer and more performance styling boats. I have some resolved issues with Canadian government's tax department and they owe me just over $20K BACK from what I had to give them. So that will be where the boat $$$ come from.

I will say, I would also look at the Stingrays. They seems like a respectable boat for the size, performance and water handling.

Boats like the Donzi Classics, 22 Stepp Velocity's and possibly even the Villian III just are more just speed and less enjoyable for me with a son of his age (16 months as of this post). I WOULD like a boat with 2 adults on and say 1/3-1/2 tank of fuel, can hit in the 60's. Flat out pushing 40 just doesn't seem fun after a few runs.

Just with the majority of the time being on lake Erie, I don't think there is a 20' or less style of boat that would fit my "wants" list? Inboard, handle big water (if needed as I HAVE been stranded for a couple days in Erie PA due to water conditions), runs say 60 MPH and has room for my small family. Jet boats are just too rough, and Sea Doo's just not room. So that lead me towards the Scorpions. But maybe a Pachanga or 23 REGAL Velocity might come up for what I think is a good deal, not just the cheapest price, for not a lot more? Heck I seen some Chaparral 2350SX for 7K recently. Seems like a new version of a Scorpion.

THANK YOU for the help with these model, and possibly other that come up. This is just the start to a long ongoing journey to find what fits my needs. I have time.

Thank you John

THIS IS PERFECT INFO from someone who's owned one. THANK YOU. Would even look at a SB versions of this boat for 2 reason:
1. I heard there usually just as fast and maybe faster on top end, but less tq for holeshot/planing.
2. I just happen to have a Weiand 144 Supercharger set-up sitting on the shelf!!!.

Now being a CNC Machinist with my own 3 axis Cincinnati, I would make a water intercooler for this set up. Could do a cam/heads/supercharger/headers and easily run where I want too. Headers are the EXPENSIVE part of this deal. And the draw-thru EFI.

Thank you Padraig

Speed Junkie, where about are you located. You mention Erie Pa. If you are near there you may want to consider trailering down to Chautauqua Lake. A little more family friendly with a youngster.

As far as a 22/23 Velocity with a hot small block I too understand that they run great but never had the opportunity to run one.

Padraig