I currently have a Donzi Blackhawk Classic 22 that’s in very good original condition. I live on a fresh water lake in Michigan and as I contemplate retiring, I was trying to understand what the best mid-80’s or 90’s boat and length I would need to run from Fort Lauderdale area to say the keys.... mYbe a mile out or so. I know my 22 won’t work and I have no issues rebuilding a couple of big blocks for maybe a 35’ boat?

comments on any and all are much appreciated!

Thank you for the input. What brand of boat and or model should I look for? Thinking I want something well-balance, min porpoising..... I’ve read quite a bit about Fountain.....maybe there’s a better choice.

one added thought, if I wanted to keep it under 30’ so it it’s in my shop, would it be a big hit for open water (maybe only go on calm days)? .... Nd if that was the case, hat brand and model? Maybe my questions are too open ended....

Any true offshore boat with decent freeboard over 25’ will be fine. Leave early, don’t go out when there are advisories and keep your eyes on the horizon, you’ll be good.

you can go from the Rickenbacker Causeway in Miami all the way thru the keys in the ICW all protected waters and no speed limit or manatee zones. so even if it’s a little rough offshore, you can put in further south and run no problem. Watching the weather, if you know what to look for, you’ll be able to predict the days it’s going to be flat calm offshore South Florida. So if you want to stick to 30’, you still have options to pick the right weather or launch elsewhere.

That’s a great alternative I had not considered.....It sounds as if you are experienced in the area....if I did a 30’ on an average day and running with the shoreline could I go out? One mile?

I was not familiar with Sonic, but based on a very preliminary review they seem like good ocean runners. How do these compare to a Fountain?